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Honeywell green diesel to be produced from biofeedstocks in US plant
FOCUS Feb 2012, Novozymes launched Novozymes Cellic CTec3, the bestperforming enzyme in the market for production of cellulosic ethanol. The first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plants are scheduled to open later in 2012. Original Source: Novozymes A/S, Krogshojvej 36, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark, tel: +45 4446 0000, fax: +45 4446 9999, e-mail: [email protected], website: http://www.novozymes.com (28 Aug 2012) © Novozymes 2012
Protabit earns grant for cellulase enzyme research Protabit LLC will use the grant it received from the National Science Foundation to engineer cellulase enzymes for application in the manufacture of corn stover-based biofuels. Protabit, a spin-off of the California Institute of Technology, developed a computational protein design software platform called Triad, which generates new enzymes for experimental assessments. Original Source: Ethanol Producer Magazine, Aug 2012, (Website: http://www.ethanolproducer.com/) © BBI International 2012
Solazyme secures EPA registration for Soladiesel fuel Solazyme has received the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration for selling its Soladiesel fuel in blended and nonblended form. The company claims that this is the first 100% microbiallyproduced fuel to bag the EPA registration. Solazyme also claims these higher performing advanced biofuels such as Soladiesel and Solajet fuels can be used in many other vehicles whilst also reducing emissions. Original Source: CTBR Clean Technology Business Review, 2 Aug 2012, (Website: http://www.cleantechnology-business-review.com/) © CTBR 2012
Sundrop Fuels to use ExxonMobil MTG technology Sundrop Fuels, an advanced biofuels company, has decided to use ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company’s methanol-togasoline (MTG) technology at the nation’s first ‘green gasoline’ production plant located in Louisiana. The plant will use a multi-phase
OCTOBER 2012
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process to convert sustainable forest waste combined with hydrogen from clean-burning natural gas into biobased ‘green gasoline’. Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, Jul 2012, 47 (7), 40 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
Grace reports 2Q 2012 adjusted EPS of $1.14 and affirms 2012 earnings outlook: Catalyst Technologies For its 2Q 2012 (period ends 30 Jun 2012), the Catalyst Technologies business unit of WR Grace & Co has reported net sales of $328.6 M ($334.9 M for its 2Q 2011) and operating income of $100.3 M ($101.9 M). For its 1H 2012, this business unit has reported net sales of $640.9 M ($610.6 M for its 2Q 2011) and operating income of $199.2 M ($179.8 M). Products include specialty catalysts and additives for refinery, plastics and other chemical process applications. The decrease in 2Q 2012 sales was due to lower rare earth surcharges (-7.7%) and unfavourable currency translation (-4.2%), which more than offset improved base pricing (+7.9%) and increased sales volumes (+2.1%). Sales of FCC catalysts decreased as lower rare earth surcharges, unfavourable currency translation, and lower sales volumes were partially offset by higher base pricing. Sales volumes declined approximately 2% compared with the prior-year quarter, but increased approximately 7% from the 2012 first quarter due to higher emerging region sales. Several refineries have closed during the last 12 months, reducing Grace’s sales volumes in the quarter by approximately $12 M or more than 4% of product line sales. The company expects this capacity to be replaced by more economically efficient refineries in emerging regions. Sales of polyolefin and chemical catalysts increased compared with the prior-year quarter as a double-digit increase in sales volumes and price partially was offset by unfavourable currency translation. Sales increased approximately 25% sequentially driven by strong polyethylene catalyst demand and continued growth of new polypropylene catalyst products. Original Source: WR Grace & Co, 7500 Grace Drive, Columbia, MD 21044, US, website: http://www.grace.com ( 25 Jul 2012) © WR Grace & Co – Conn 2012
Grace inks catalyst pact with Braskem to produce green chemical In a bid to produce green chemicals, and to develop process and technologies and catalyst solutions, WR Grace has inked a long term agreement with Braskem. Technological demonstration of the collaboration will focus on usage of renewable feedstocks as a carbon source instead of traditional feedstocks. By developing technologies, both the companies aim to produce value added products from renewably sourced feedstocks. Braskem plans to expand the production of sugar-based biopolyolefins. WR Grace hopes to become a leading supplier of catalysts to sustainable chemical industry. Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, Jul 2012, 47 (7), 24 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
Grace to purchase China catalyst assets WR Grace & Co inked an assets acquisition agreement with Noblestar Catalysts Co Ltd, China, the producer of varied catalysts for the petroleum refining industry. This take-over paves the way for Grace to cater to China and North Asia refining customers. Grace also signed an MOU with Al Dahra Agricultural Co for establishing and also jointly operating a Fluid Catalytic Cracking catalysts and additives plant in Middle East that is expected to be in operation by 2015. Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, Jun 2012, 47 (6), 22 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
Honeywell green diesel to be produced from biofeedstocks in US plant UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, has inked a licence agreement with Emerald Biofuels LLC to produce Honeywell green diesel at its Louisiana plant. Emerald will use Honeywell’s UOP/Eni Ecofining process technology to produce 85 M gallon/y of Honeywell green diesel from non-edible, second-generation oils and animal fats. Honeywell green diesel is chemically identical to petroleum-based diesel. International Alliance Group (IAG) will provide
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FOCUS engineering, procurement, and construction services for the project. Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, Jun 20 12, 47 (6), 42 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
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manufacture adsorbents and catalysts. Production of Honeywell’s UOP IONSIVTM ion exchange adsorbents will be expanded. The investment will also enable the manufacture of new adsorbents and catalysts. Completion is expected in 4Q 2012. Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, Apr 2012, 47 (4), 24 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
Albemarle to expand Korean plant Albemarle Corp announced that its board of directors has authorised the expansion of its plant in Yeosu, Korea. The Yeosu plant, which is currently in the final stages of construction, will produce commercial quantities of finished catalysts and components used in the polymer industry. PR Newswire, 7 Aug 2012, (Website: http://www.prnewswire.com)
Novozymes inaugurates largest enzyme plant dedicated to biofuels in USA
UOP technology selected to boost yields at Romania’s largest synthetic rubber plant UOP Ltd announced that its technology has been selected to boost yields at Romania’s largest synthetic rubber production plant. Romania’s Energy Bio-Chemicals will use UOP’s KLP process to purify butadiene, a monomer used to produce synthetic rubber, at the company’s CAROM Onesti Styrene Butadiene Rubber plant.
Novozymes announced the inauguration of largest enzyme plant in Blair, Nebraska. The new plant has employed around 100 extra workers and created 400 new construction jobs. The new plant will be engaged in making world-leading enzymes for both the existing and advanced biofuel markets. Novozymes has its existing plants in China, Brazil, Denmark, and US. In 2012-2013, the number of advanced biofuel plants will increase around the world, including Shengquan in China, Beta Renewables in Italy, GraalBio in Brazil, and Fiberight in US. Global production capacity of advanced biofuels is expected to reach 15 M gallons in 2012 and 250 M gallons by 2014. The US Environmental Protection Agency has recently approved 15% blends and there would be an increased production capacity coming online. By 2030, advanced biofuels are likely to replace up to 16% of US gasoline consumption besides generating $600 revenue and creating 1.4 million jobs.
PR Newswire, 7 Aug 2012, (Website: http://www.prnewswire.com)
Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, Jun 2012, 47 (6), 32 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, May 2012, 47 (5), 38 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
UOP to expand adsorbents and catalysts production
Grace signs MoU with Al Dahra for FCC catalyst
UOP LLC is to invest $20 M on expanding its plant in Mobile, LA, to
WR Grace has signed a memorandum of understanding with
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Chinese companies select UOP technologies In China, Shandong Chambroad Petrochemicals will construct facilities in Binzhou with the capacity to produce 87,000 tonne/y of isobutylene and 133,000 tonne/y of propylene. The company will utilise UOP’s C3 and C4 Oleflex process technologies at the new plant, which should be completed in 2014. UOP’s C3 Oleflex technology will also be utilised at Zhangjiagang Yangzi River Petrochemical Co Ltd’s new 600,000 tonne/y propylene plant which will be opened in Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu province, in 2014. Hydrogen purification technology from UOP will be installed at Sinochem Quanzhou Petrochemical Co Ltd’s new 12 M tonne/y refinery, which will be opened in 2013 in Quanzhou City, Fujian province. The hydrogen will be utilised in clean petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel production.
Abu Dhabi-based Al Dhara to jointly erect and operate a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts and additives unit in Abu Dhabi. The plant is expected onstream by 2015. Some 16 FCC plants are expected to be erected in Middle East and S Asian markets in the next five years. These will create catalyst potential in the region of around $150 M. Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, Apr 2012, 47 (4), 32 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
Shengquan Group to begin making cellulosic ethanol on a commercial scale Shengquan Group is expected to start commercial production of cellulosic ethanol at a $100 M plant in Jinan, Shangdong province, China. The plant uses enzymes provided by Denmark’s Novozymes. Waste cellulose from Shengquan’s production of furfural from corncob xylose will be used as feedstock. This will be the first time cellulosic ethanol is produced on a commercial scale. Original Source: Chemistry and Industry (London), Jul 2012, 76 (7), 12 (Website: http://www.soci.org/) © Society of Chemical Industry 2012
Leading the way in coal to substitute natural gas Johnson Matthey is continuing to lead the way in the conversion of coal to substitute natural gas (SNG) in China, as it announces its sixth contract for an SNG plant in the region. The contract entered into between Davy Process Technology and Johnson Matthey Catalysts, both part of Johnson Matthey Plc, is with Tangshan ENN Yongshun Clean Energy Co Ltd for a plant to produce SNG using Coke Oven Gas as a feedstock. The scope of the project includes a technology licence, basic engineering design, catalysts, and support services for the methanation unit that converts synthesis gas to SNG. Tangshan ENN Yongshun Clean Energy Co Ltd, who will own and operate the plant, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the ENN Group, one of the largest clean energy groups in China. The SNG will be converted into Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and distributed to the local market as a valuable fuel. The new plant will be
OCTOBER 2012
Protabit earns grant for cellulase enzyme research Protabit LLC will use the grant it received from the National Science Foundation to engineer cellulase enzymes for application in the manufacture of corn stover-based biofuels. Protabit, a spin-off of the California Institute of Technology, developed a computational protein design software platform called Triad, which generates new enzymes for experimental assessments. Original Source: Ethanol Producer Magazine, Aug 2012, (Website: http://www.ethanolproducer.com/) © BBI International 2012
Solazyme secures EPA registration for Soladiesel fuel Solazyme has received the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration for selling its Soladiesel fuel in blended and nonblended form. The company claims that this is the first 100% microbiallyproduced fuel to bag the EPA registration. Solazyme also claims these higher performing advanced biofuels such as Soladiesel and Solajet fuels can be used in many other vehicles whilst also reducing emissions. Original Source: CTBR Clean Technology Business Review, 2 Aug 2012, (Website: http://www.cleantechnology-business-review.com/) © CTBR 2012
Sundrop Fuels to use ExxonMobil MTG technology Sundrop Fuels, an advanced biofuels company, has decided to use ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company’s methanol-togasoline (MTG) technology at the nation’s first ‘green gasoline’ production plant located in Louisiana. The plant will use a multi-phase
OCTOBER 2012
ON
C ATA LY S T S
process to convert sustainable forest waste combined with hydrogen from clean-burning natural gas into biobased ‘green gasoline’. Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, Jul 2012, 47 (7), 40 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
Grace reports 2Q 2012 adjusted EPS of $1.14 and affirms 2012 earnings outlook: Catalyst Technologies For its 2Q 2012 (period ends 30 Jun 2012), the Catalyst Technologies business unit of WR Grace & Co has reported net sales of $328.6 M ($334.9 M for its 2Q 2011) and operating income of $100.3 M ($101.9 M). For its 1H 2012, this business unit has reported net sales of $640.9 M ($610.6 M for its 2Q 2011) and operating income of $199.2 M ($179.8 M). Products include specialty catalysts and additives for refinery, plastics and other chemical process applications. The decrease in 2Q 2012 sales was due to lower rare earth surcharges (-7.7%) and unfavourable currency translation (-4.2%), which more than offset improved base pricing (+7.9%) and increased sales volumes (+2.1%). Sales of FCC catalysts decreased as lower rare earth surcharges, unfavourable currency translation, and lower sales volumes were partially offset by higher base pricing. Sales volumes declined approximately 2% compared with the prior-year quarter, but increased approximately 7% from the 2012 first quarter due to higher emerging region sales. Several refineries have closed during the last 12 months, reducing Grace’s sales volumes in the quarter by approximately $12 M or more than 4% of product line sales. The company expects this capacity to be replaced by more economically efficient refineries in emerging regions. Sales of polyolefin and chemical catalysts increased compared with the prior-year quarter as a double-digit increase in sales volumes and price partially was offset by unfavourable currency translation. Sales increased approximately 25% sequentially driven by strong polyethylene catalyst demand and continued growth of new polypropylene catalyst products. Original Source: WR Grace & Co, 7500 Grace Drive, Columbia, MD 21044, US, website: http://www.grace.com ( 25 Jul 2012) © WR Grace & Co – Conn 2012
Grace inks catalyst pact with Braskem to produce green chemical In a bid to produce green chemicals, and to develop process and technologies and catalyst solutions, WR Grace has inked a long term agreement with Braskem. Technological demonstration of the collaboration will focus on usage of renewable feedstocks as a carbon source instead of traditional feedstocks. By developing technologies, both the companies aim to produce value added products from renewably sourced feedstocks. Braskem plans to expand the production of sugar-based biopolyolefins. WR Grace hopes to become a leading supplier of catalysts to sustainable chemical industry. Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, Jul 2012, 47 (7), 24 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
Grace to purchase China catalyst assets WR Grace & Co inked an assets acquisition agreement with Noblestar Catalysts Co Ltd, China, the producer of varied catalysts for the petroleum refining industry. This take-over paves the way for Grace to cater to China and North Asia refining customers. Grace also signed an MOU with Al Dahra Agricultural Co for establishing and also jointly operating a Fluid Catalytic Cracking catalysts and additives plant in Middle East that is expected to be in operation by 2015. Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, Jun 2012, 47 (6), 22 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
Honeywell green diesel to be produced from biofeedstocks in US plant UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, has inked a licence agreement with Emerald Biofuels LLC to produce Honeywell green diesel at its Louisiana plant. Emerald will use Honeywell’s UOP/Eni Ecofining process technology to produce 85 M gallon/y of Honeywell green diesel from non-edible, second-generation oils and animal fats. Honeywell green diesel is chemically identical to petroleum-based diesel. International Alliance Group (IAG) will provide
5
FOCUS engineering, procurement, and construction services for the project. Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, Jun 20 12, 47 (6), 42 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
NEW PLANTS
ON
C ATA LY S T S
manufacture adsorbents and catalysts. Production of Honeywell’s UOP IONSIVTM ion exchange adsorbents will be expanded. The investment will also enable the manufacture of new adsorbents and catalysts. Completion is expected in 4Q 2012. Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, Apr 2012, 47 (4), 24 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
Albemarle to expand Korean plant Albemarle Corp announced that its board of directors has authorised the expansion of its plant in Yeosu, Korea. The Yeosu plant, which is currently in the final stages of construction, will produce commercial quantities of finished catalysts and components used in the polymer industry. PR Newswire, 7 Aug 2012, (Website: http://www.prnewswire.com)
Novozymes inaugurates largest enzyme plant dedicated to biofuels in USA
UOP technology selected to boost yields at Romania’s largest synthetic rubber plant UOP Ltd announced that its technology has been selected to boost yields at Romania’s largest synthetic rubber production plant. Romania’s Energy Bio-Chemicals will use UOP’s KLP process to purify butadiene, a monomer used to produce synthetic rubber, at the company’s CAROM Onesti Styrene Butadiene Rubber plant.
Novozymes announced the inauguration of largest enzyme plant in Blair, Nebraska. The new plant has employed around 100 extra workers and created 400 new construction jobs. The new plant will be engaged in making world-leading enzymes for both the existing and advanced biofuel markets. Novozymes has its existing plants in China, Brazil, Denmark, and US. In 2012-2013, the number of advanced biofuel plants will increase around the world, including Shengquan in China, Beta Renewables in Italy, GraalBio in Brazil, and Fiberight in US. Global production capacity of advanced biofuels is expected to reach 15 M gallons in 2012 and 250 M gallons by 2014. The US Environmental Protection Agency has recently approved 15% blends and there would be an increased production capacity coming online. By 2030, advanced biofuels are likely to replace up to 16% of US gasoline consumption besides generating $600 revenue and creating 1.4 million jobs.
PR Newswire, 7 Aug 2012, (Website: http://www.prnewswire.com)
Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, Jun 2012, 47 (6), 32 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, May 2012, 47 (5), 38 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
UOP to expand adsorbents and catalysts production
Grace signs MoU with Al Dahra for FCC catalyst
UOP LLC is to invest $20 M on expanding its plant in Mobile, LA, to
WR Grace has signed a memorandum of understanding with
6
Chinese companies select UOP technologies In China, Shandong Chambroad Petrochemicals will construct facilities in Binzhou with the capacity to produce 87,000 tonne/y of isobutylene and 133,000 tonne/y of propylene. The company will utilise UOP’s C3 and C4 Oleflex process technologies at the new plant, which should be completed in 2014. UOP’s C3 Oleflex technology will also be utilised at Zhangjiagang Yangzi River Petrochemical Co Ltd’s new 600,000 tonne/y propylene plant which will be opened in Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu province, in 2014. Hydrogen purification technology from UOP will be installed at Sinochem Quanzhou Petrochemical Co Ltd’s new 12 M tonne/y refinery, which will be opened in 2013 in Quanzhou City, Fujian province. The hydrogen will be utilised in clean petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel production.
Abu Dhabi-based Al Dhara to jointly erect and operate a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts and additives unit in Abu Dhabi. The plant is expected onstream by 2015. Some 16 FCC plants are expected to be erected in Middle East and S Asian markets in the next five years. These will create catalyst potential in the region of around $150 M. Original Source: Chemical Engineering World, Apr 2012, 47 (4), 32 (Website: http://www.cewindia.com/) © Jasubhai Group 2012
Shengquan Group to begin making cellulosic ethanol on a commercial scale Shengquan Group is expected to start commercial production of cellulosic ethanol at a $100 M plant in Jinan, Shangdong province, China. The plant uses enzymes provided by Denmark’s Novozymes. Waste cellulose from Shengquan’s production of furfural from corncob xylose will be used as feedstock. This will be the first time cellulosic ethanol is produced on a commercial scale. Original Source: Chemistry and Industry (London), Jul 2012, 76 (7), 12 (Website: http://www.soci.org/) © Society of Chemical Industry 2012
Leading the way in coal to substitute natural gas Johnson Matthey is continuing to lead the way in the conversion of coal to substitute natural gas (SNG) in China, as it announces its sixth contract for an SNG plant in the region. The contract entered into between Davy Process Technology and Johnson Matthey Catalysts, both part of Johnson Matthey Plc, is with Tangshan ENN Yongshun Clean Energy Co Ltd for a plant to produce SNG using Coke Oven Gas as a feedstock. The scope of the project includes a technology licence, basic engineering design, catalysts, and support services for the methanation unit that converts synthesis gas to SNG. Tangshan ENN Yongshun Clean Energy Co Ltd, who will own and operate the plant, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the ENN Group, one of the largest clean energy groups in China. The SNG will be converted into Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and distributed to the local market as a valuable fuel. The new plant will be
OCTOBER 2012