- Email: [email protected]
JEP licenses chiral enzyme process
F O C U S research in developing catalytic processes as well as in developing processes. The MIT-patented technology involves the preparation of arylamines from amines and activated aromatic compounds when a palladium or nickel catalyst and base are present. A patent on diarylether condensation is also covered. Performance Chemicals Europe, Jul-Aug 2002, 17 (4), 13 & Speciality Chemicals, Jul-Aug 2002, 22 (7), 6 & Chemical Engineering World, Jul 2002, 37 (7), 38
BP catalyst expertise offered worldwide BP is to make its new catalyst for use in fixed-bed maleic anhydride production available to companies around the world. BP is using the catalyst, BP-5, in the fixed-bed manufacture of maleic anhydride from butane. BP-5 can be used by benzene-based producers of maleic anhydride which want to switch to butane. European Chemical News, 19 Aug 2002, 77 (2018), 28 & Press release from BP Catalyst and Licensing, 150 West Warrenville Road, Naperville, IL 60563, USA. Tel: + 1 630 961 6506. Fax: +1 630 961 7663. Website: http://www.bp.com (7 Aug 2002)
Celanese-Novolen metallocenes pact New and improved metallocenes, cocatalysts, and metallocene catalysts are to be jointly developed by Celanese and Novolen Technology Holdings in order to accelerate the commercialization of metallocene technology and broaden application fields. Chemical Week, 31 Jul 2002, 164 (30), 8 & European Chemical News, 19 Aug 2002, 77 (2018), 26 & Plastics and Rubber Weekly, 23 Aug 2002, 7 & Chemical Market Reporter, 5 Aug 2002 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
O N
C ATA LY S T S
ExxonMobil, Kellogg enter technology alliance
Grace licenses FCC catalyst from ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Co has entered into a new worldwide technology alliance for Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) technology with Kellogg Brown & Root. The companies, which plan to offer their best features to the refining industry, will jointly develop and create new technology to address the present problems faced by the FCC operators. The internationally renowned technology-based engineering and construction company Kellogg, and the leading global oil, natural gas, and petrochemical company ExxonMobil, have so far jointly designed over 200 grassroots units worldwide and have revamped hundreds of others with new and improved technology.
WR Grace and ExxonMobil Research and Engineering have signed a deal licensing ExxonMobil patents to WR Grace’s Davison Catalysts unit. The patents will be used to make and sell AdVanta, which is a new FCC catalyst being used in ExxonMobil’s refineries around the world. The catalyst was jointly developed and commercialised by Exxonmobil and WR Grace. It is claimed that the catalyst has gained commercial success in FCC units.
Chemical Engineering World, Jul 2002, 37 (7), 40
Fujisawa allies with MerLion in enzyme research Fujisawa of Japan and MerLion Pharmaceutical of Singapore are to collaborate in the development of enzymes derived from naturallyoccurring products. MerLion will use Fujisawa high-throughput screening (HTS) technology and certain assay systems that have been already developed at its laboratories in Singapore. Fujisawa will finance MerLion’s enzyme R&D activities through milestone payments and royalties on any enzyme products that reach marketing stage. Pharma Japan, 5-12 Aug 2002, (1806), 15
Fujitsu to license photocatalyst Diversa and Du Pont in enzyme jv Diversa Corp and DuPont Bio-Based Materials have formed an alliance to develop new enzymes, which will be utilised for DuPont processes. The alliance’s first project will focus on developing enzymatic processes for making carbohydrates for DuPont’s microbial 1,3-propanediol (PDO) process. PDO is a vital ingredient in the production of DuPont’s Sorona polymer.
Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd of Akashi, Japan, is offering licences for its oxidation catalyst claimed to be highly efficient in decomposing undesirable organics. The catalyst decomposes organic substances twice as fast as conventional lightsensitive catalysts. It is made of titanium-modified calcium hydroxyapatite and may be used for bacteria, ammonia, acetic acid, and acetaldehyde.
Chemical Engineering (New York), Aug 2002, 109 (8), 19
Chemical Engineering (New York), Aug 2002, 109 (8), 21
OCTOBER 2002
Hydrocarbon Processing, Aug 2002, 82 (8), 92 & Japan Chemical Week, 1/8 Aug 2002, 43 (2182), 1
ICI 2Q and 1H 2002: Performance specialities For 1H 2002, the Performance Specialities division of Imperial Chemical Industries plc has reported group turnover of £422 M (£432 M in 1H 2001), EBITDA of £44 M (£55 M), and trading profit of £29 M (£39 M). For 2Q 2002, the division has reported group turnover of £222 M (£213 M in 2Q 2001), EBITDA of £22 M (£26 M), and trading profit of £15 M (£18 M). Performance Specialties results improved from the 1Q to 2Q 2002. Synetix sales were 5% ahead of 2001 for the quarter, although trading profit was lower due to continued investment in fixed costs. ICI 2Q and HY Results 2002, 1 Aug 2002, 9 (Imperial Chemical Industries plc, 20 Manchester Square, London, W1U 3AN, UK. Tel: +44 20 7009 5000. Fax: +44 20 7009 5001. Website: http://www.ici.com)
JEP licenses chiral enzyme process Jülich Enzyme Products (JEP) is a small process development company formed in 1998 to sell enzymes. It has since shifted its focus from the production of enzymes to developing processes for the enzymatic reduction of keto compounds to give chiral alcohols and derivatives using oxyreductase enzymes. The company designs and licenses processes for making chiral molecules, and makes test quantities of up to 100 kg via a deal with a nearby chemical company. Rütgers Organics recently licensed an application from JEP for the synthesis of ethyl (S)4-chloro-3-hydroxybutyrate. Rütgers is using the technology licensed from JEP in commercial production of a raw material supplied
3
F O C U S under a new contract to an advanced drug ingredient producer. The company is scaling up to the tens of tons level. JEP broke even for the first time in 2001. Chemical Week, 28 Aug-4 Sep 2002, 164 (34), 34
Lurgi develops new propylene process This article describes the new Propylur process developed by Lurgi for the catalytic synthesis of propylene. The process also uses catalyst technology developed jointly with Süd-Chemie. Lurgi in collaboration with BP has started construction work on a demonstration pilot plant at Worringen near Cologne. Chimie Hebdo, 26 Aug 2002, (181), 11 (in French) & Chemical Week, 31 Jul 2002, 164 (30), 17
Neozyme’s enzyme process for treating fats in wastewater systems is gaining market acceptance Neozyme International Inc (Neozyme), a subsidiary of International Daleco Corp, announced on 8 Aug 2002 that the market acceptance is continuing to grow for its patented bio-organic catalytic formulation which rapidly breaks down organic contaminants. These contaminants are generally classified as fats, oils, and greases (FOG). This product rapidly breaks down the FOGs, which are produced within these facilities, primarily in their food preparation areas. Due to the difficulty of successfully treating FOGs with conventional products and equipment, Neozyme was able to demonstrate long-term satisfaction with its product formulation, resulting in continued sales and strong testimonials from key industry members. Neozyme manufactures and sells its patented line of bioorganic catalytic formulations for numerous markets including, but not limited to, municipal wastewater treatment, commercial/industrial, hydrocarbon remediation, industrial metal cleaning, and agriculture. Press release from: International Daleco Corp, 33 Journey, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656, USA. Tel: +1 949 360 4288 or +1 800 432 5326. Fax: +1 949 360 8774. Website: http://www.daleco.com (8 Aug 2002)
Nihon Ketjen targeting 10,000 tonnes of ultra-deep HDS catalysts Nihon Ketjen is planning to expand
4
O N
C ATA LY S T S
sales of its mid-distillate ultra-deep hydrodesulfurization catalysts to >10,000 tonne/y by 2004.The company will promote its KF757H mid-distillate ultra-deep HDS catalyst, which has 25% higher activity than existing catalysts, and its Nebura-1 catalyst, which has 200-250% higher activity. In 2001 the two catalysts achieved sales of 7000 tonnes, and this is expected to rise to 8000 tonnes in 2003. Japan Chemical Week, 22 Aug 2002, 43 (2184), 2
Novozyme records higher sales for 1H 2002 Novozymes had sales in 1H 2002 up 8% to DKR 2.7 bn and operating profits up 11% to DKR 429 M. Sales of detergent enzymes (40% of total sales) were down 6%, feed enzymes were up 29%, and food enzymes 11%. Chemical Market Reporter, 19 Aug 2002 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com) & Dagbladet Borsen, 14 Aug 2002 (Website: http://www.borsen.dk) (in Danish)
Novozymes forms R&D alliance Novozymes and biotechnology company Christian Hansen Holdings are to jointly develop products derived from enzymes for the dairy industry. Launch of the first commercial product is expected in two years. Products are expected to include enzymes to improve yields in cheese production. Chemical Week, 28 Aug-4 Sep 2002, 164 (34), 15
Rentech signs engineering and marketing agreement with Global Process Systems for off-shore GTL Rentech Inc announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Global Process Systems Inc, Dubai, to cooperate in providing a technology licence and engineering services for the application of Rentech’s gas-to-liquids (GTL) process technology on floating production systems for the conversion of off-shore, stranded natural gas into valuable liquid hydrocarbons on a worldwide basis. Press release from: Rentech Inc, 1331, 17th Street, Suite 720, Denver, CO 80202, USA. Tel: +1 303 298 8008. Fax: +1 303 298 8010. Website: http://www.rentechinc.com (6 Sep 2002)
Rhodia-Chirex profiled Rhodia posted 2Q 2002 sales of €329 M, down 6.4% in its fine organics business. Its subsidiary RhodiaChiRex expects business to be slow in 2H 2002 because of postponed pharmaceutical new product launches. This is despite a restructuring programme by Rhodia to divest itself of non-core assets. In Jun 2002 Rhodia started up production of an intermediate for an AstraZeneca product at its Orion plant at Holmes Chapel, UK. The Orion plant is designed to produce late stage pharmaceuticals and intermediates. Rhodia-Chirex has signed a licensing agreement with MIT to develop catalytic processes to make aromatic amines and ethers using technology developed by a professor there. Chemical Market Reporter, 12 Aug 2002 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
Shell’s catalytic aspirations Around 25% of Shell Chemicals’ research budget is devoted to catalyst research. The aim is to make petrochemicals and refinery industry production faster, cheaper, more productive, and more environmentally acceptable. Major successes have been in ethylene oxide production, where savings of $500 M in the past 10 years have been achieved. More recent achievements have been in xylene and higher olefins production, and the removal of nitrogen oxides from emissions. Shell Chemicals Magazine, 9 Aug 2002, (2), 9-12 (Shell Chemicals Ltd, Shell Centre, London SE1 7NA, UK. Tel: +44 (0)207 934 4631. Fax: +44 (0)207 934 7703)
Süd-Chemie warns of lower profits in 2002 A downward revision of operating profits in 2002 has been made by Süd-Chemie. The company now expects a 30-40% rise in operating profit rather than the 40% increase forecast earlier in May. In 2001, sales were €786 M and they are expected to be just below this in 2002. In 2001, operating profit fell 40%, so the substantial rise forecast for 2002 will only restore 2000 levels. In 1H 2002, the performance by the company’s absorbents operations improved and more than offset the losses
OCTOBER 2002
BP catalyst expertise offered worldwide BP is to make its new catalyst for use in fixed-bed maleic anhydride production available to companies around the world. BP is using the catalyst, BP-5, in the fixed-bed manufacture of maleic anhydride from butane. BP-5 can be used by benzene-based producers of maleic anhydride which want to switch to butane. European Chemical News, 19 Aug 2002, 77 (2018), 28 & Press release from BP Catalyst and Licensing, 150 West Warrenville Road, Naperville, IL 60563, USA. Tel: + 1 630 961 6506. Fax: +1 630 961 7663. Website: http://www.bp.com (7 Aug 2002)
Celanese-Novolen metallocenes pact New and improved metallocenes, cocatalysts, and metallocene catalysts are to be jointly developed by Celanese and Novolen Technology Holdings in order to accelerate the commercialization of metallocene technology and broaden application fields. Chemical Week, 31 Jul 2002, 164 (30), 8 & European Chemical News, 19 Aug 2002, 77 (2018), 26 & Plastics and Rubber Weekly, 23 Aug 2002, 7 & Chemical Market Reporter, 5 Aug 2002 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
O N
C ATA LY S T S
ExxonMobil, Kellogg enter technology alliance
Grace licenses FCC catalyst from ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Co has entered into a new worldwide technology alliance for Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) technology with Kellogg Brown & Root. The companies, which plan to offer their best features to the refining industry, will jointly develop and create new technology to address the present problems faced by the FCC operators. The internationally renowned technology-based engineering and construction company Kellogg, and the leading global oil, natural gas, and petrochemical company ExxonMobil, have so far jointly designed over 200 grassroots units worldwide and have revamped hundreds of others with new and improved technology.
WR Grace and ExxonMobil Research and Engineering have signed a deal licensing ExxonMobil patents to WR Grace’s Davison Catalysts unit. The patents will be used to make and sell AdVanta, which is a new FCC catalyst being used in ExxonMobil’s refineries around the world. The catalyst was jointly developed and commercialised by Exxonmobil and WR Grace. It is claimed that the catalyst has gained commercial success in FCC units.
Chemical Engineering World, Jul 2002, 37 (7), 40
Fujisawa allies with MerLion in enzyme research Fujisawa of Japan and MerLion Pharmaceutical of Singapore are to collaborate in the development of enzymes derived from naturallyoccurring products. MerLion will use Fujisawa high-throughput screening (HTS) technology and certain assay systems that have been already developed at its laboratories in Singapore. Fujisawa will finance MerLion’s enzyme R&D activities through milestone payments and royalties on any enzyme products that reach marketing stage. Pharma Japan, 5-12 Aug 2002, (1806), 15
Fujitsu to license photocatalyst Diversa and Du Pont in enzyme jv Diversa Corp and DuPont Bio-Based Materials have formed an alliance to develop new enzymes, which will be utilised for DuPont processes. The alliance’s first project will focus on developing enzymatic processes for making carbohydrates for DuPont’s microbial 1,3-propanediol (PDO) process. PDO is a vital ingredient in the production of DuPont’s Sorona polymer.
Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd of Akashi, Japan, is offering licences for its oxidation catalyst claimed to be highly efficient in decomposing undesirable organics. The catalyst decomposes organic substances twice as fast as conventional lightsensitive catalysts. It is made of titanium-modified calcium hydroxyapatite and may be used for bacteria, ammonia, acetic acid, and acetaldehyde.
Chemical Engineering (New York), Aug 2002, 109 (8), 19
Chemical Engineering (New York), Aug 2002, 109 (8), 21
OCTOBER 2002
Hydrocarbon Processing, Aug 2002, 82 (8), 92 & Japan Chemical Week, 1/8 Aug 2002, 43 (2182), 1
ICI 2Q and 1H 2002: Performance specialities For 1H 2002, the Performance Specialities division of Imperial Chemical Industries plc has reported group turnover of £422 M (£432 M in 1H 2001), EBITDA of £44 M (£55 M), and trading profit of £29 M (£39 M). For 2Q 2002, the division has reported group turnover of £222 M (£213 M in 2Q 2001), EBITDA of £22 M (£26 M), and trading profit of £15 M (£18 M). Performance Specialties results improved from the 1Q to 2Q 2002. Synetix sales were 5% ahead of 2001 for the quarter, although trading profit was lower due to continued investment in fixed costs. ICI 2Q and HY Results 2002, 1 Aug 2002, 9 (Imperial Chemical Industries plc, 20 Manchester Square, London, W1U 3AN, UK. Tel: +44 20 7009 5000. Fax: +44 20 7009 5001. Website: http://www.ici.com)
JEP licenses chiral enzyme process Jülich Enzyme Products (JEP) is a small process development company formed in 1998 to sell enzymes. It has since shifted its focus from the production of enzymes to developing processes for the enzymatic reduction of keto compounds to give chiral alcohols and derivatives using oxyreductase enzymes. The company designs and licenses processes for making chiral molecules, and makes test quantities of up to 100 kg via a deal with a nearby chemical company. Rütgers Organics recently licensed an application from JEP for the synthesis of ethyl (S)4-chloro-3-hydroxybutyrate. Rütgers is using the technology licensed from JEP in commercial production of a raw material supplied
3
F O C U S under a new contract to an advanced drug ingredient producer. The company is scaling up to the tens of tons level. JEP broke even for the first time in 2001. Chemical Week, 28 Aug-4 Sep 2002, 164 (34), 34
Lurgi develops new propylene process This article describes the new Propylur process developed by Lurgi for the catalytic synthesis of propylene. The process also uses catalyst technology developed jointly with Süd-Chemie. Lurgi in collaboration with BP has started construction work on a demonstration pilot plant at Worringen near Cologne. Chimie Hebdo, 26 Aug 2002, (181), 11 (in French) & Chemical Week, 31 Jul 2002, 164 (30), 17
Neozyme’s enzyme process for treating fats in wastewater systems is gaining market acceptance Neozyme International Inc (Neozyme), a subsidiary of International Daleco Corp, announced on 8 Aug 2002 that the market acceptance is continuing to grow for its patented bio-organic catalytic formulation which rapidly breaks down organic contaminants. These contaminants are generally classified as fats, oils, and greases (FOG). This product rapidly breaks down the FOGs, which are produced within these facilities, primarily in their food preparation areas. Due to the difficulty of successfully treating FOGs with conventional products and equipment, Neozyme was able to demonstrate long-term satisfaction with its product formulation, resulting in continued sales and strong testimonials from key industry members. Neozyme manufactures and sells its patented line of bioorganic catalytic formulations for numerous markets including, but not limited to, municipal wastewater treatment, commercial/industrial, hydrocarbon remediation, industrial metal cleaning, and agriculture. Press release from: International Daleco Corp, 33 Journey, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656, USA. Tel: +1 949 360 4288 or +1 800 432 5326. Fax: +1 949 360 8774. Website: http://www.daleco.com (8 Aug 2002)
Nihon Ketjen targeting 10,000 tonnes of ultra-deep HDS catalysts Nihon Ketjen is planning to expand
4
O N
C ATA LY S T S
sales of its mid-distillate ultra-deep hydrodesulfurization catalysts to >10,000 tonne/y by 2004.The company will promote its KF757H mid-distillate ultra-deep HDS catalyst, which has 25% higher activity than existing catalysts, and its Nebura-1 catalyst, which has 200-250% higher activity. In 2001 the two catalysts achieved sales of 7000 tonnes, and this is expected to rise to 8000 tonnes in 2003. Japan Chemical Week, 22 Aug 2002, 43 (2184), 2
Novozyme records higher sales for 1H 2002 Novozymes had sales in 1H 2002 up 8% to DKR 2.7 bn and operating profits up 11% to DKR 429 M. Sales of detergent enzymes (40% of total sales) were down 6%, feed enzymes were up 29%, and food enzymes 11%. Chemical Market Reporter, 19 Aug 2002 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com) & Dagbladet Borsen, 14 Aug 2002 (Website: http://www.borsen.dk) (in Danish)
Novozymes forms R&D alliance Novozymes and biotechnology company Christian Hansen Holdings are to jointly develop products derived from enzymes for the dairy industry. Launch of the first commercial product is expected in two years. Products are expected to include enzymes to improve yields in cheese production. Chemical Week, 28 Aug-4 Sep 2002, 164 (34), 15
Rentech signs engineering and marketing agreement with Global Process Systems for off-shore GTL Rentech Inc announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Global Process Systems Inc, Dubai, to cooperate in providing a technology licence and engineering services for the application of Rentech’s gas-to-liquids (GTL) process technology on floating production systems for the conversion of off-shore, stranded natural gas into valuable liquid hydrocarbons on a worldwide basis. Press release from: Rentech Inc, 1331, 17th Street, Suite 720, Denver, CO 80202, USA. Tel: +1 303 298 8008. Fax: +1 303 298 8010. Website: http://www.rentechinc.com (6 Sep 2002)
Rhodia-Chirex profiled Rhodia posted 2Q 2002 sales of €329 M, down 6.4% in its fine organics business. Its subsidiary RhodiaChiRex expects business to be slow in 2H 2002 because of postponed pharmaceutical new product launches. This is despite a restructuring programme by Rhodia to divest itself of non-core assets. In Jun 2002 Rhodia started up production of an intermediate for an AstraZeneca product at its Orion plant at Holmes Chapel, UK. The Orion plant is designed to produce late stage pharmaceuticals and intermediates. Rhodia-Chirex has signed a licensing agreement with MIT to develop catalytic processes to make aromatic amines and ethers using technology developed by a professor there. Chemical Market Reporter, 12 Aug 2002 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
Shell’s catalytic aspirations Around 25% of Shell Chemicals’ research budget is devoted to catalyst research. The aim is to make petrochemicals and refinery industry production faster, cheaper, more productive, and more environmentally acceptable. Major successes have been in ethylene oxide production, where savings of $500 M in the past 10 years have been achieved. More recent achievements have been in xylene and higher olefins production, and the removal of nitrogen oxides from emissions. Shell Chemicals Magazine, 9 Aug 2002, (2), 9-12 (Shell Chemicals Ltd, Shell Centre, London SE1 7NA, UK. Tel: +44 (0)207 934 4631. Fax: +44 (0)207 934 7703)
Süd-Chemie warns of lower profits in 2002 A downward revision of operating profits in 2002 has been made by Süd-Chemie. The company now expects a 30-40% rise in operating profit rather than the 40% increase forecast earlier in May. In 2001, sales were €786 M and they are expected to be just below this in 2002. In 2001, operating profit fell 40%, so the substantial rise forecast for 2002 will only restore 2000 levels. In 1H 2002, the performance by the company’s absorbents operations improved and more than offset the losses
OCTOBER 2002