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Johnson Matthey signs SNG contract with Suxin Energy
F O C U S ounces in 2015. Demand for palladium from jewellery sector was 0.400 M ounces in 2013 and is projected to be 0.320 M ounces in 2015. Original Source: Business Line, 27 Jan 2014, 21 (25), 13 (Website: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com) © The Hindu Business Line 2014
COMPANY NEWS ADM to invest in Rennovia to scale-up and commercialize bio-based chemical process technologies Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) has recently committed a $25 M equity investment in Rennovia Inc, which develops catalysts and processes for the cost-advantaged production of chemical products from renewable feedstocks. Rennovia targets production of existing highvalue chemical products using scalable chemical catalytic process technologies at costs significantly advantaged over current petrochemical processes. The company’s first products are nylon intermediates adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine (HMD). ADM’s investment will be used for R&D programmes and continuing operations. Original Source: ADM, 2014. Found on SpecialChem Adhesives and Sealants Formulation, 13 Feb 2014 (Website: http://www.specialchem4adhesives.com)
BASF produces first commercial volumes of butanediol from renewable raw material BASF’s first commercial volumes of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) from renewable raw material have been produced. This product is being offered to customers for testing and commercial use. The patented fermentation process from Genomatica uses dextrose as a renewable feedstock. The company aims to expand its portfolio with selected BDO derivatives based on renewable feedstock, including polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF). Currently, BASF manufactures BDO and BDO equivalents at its sites in Geismar, LA, US; Ludwigshafen, APRIL 2014
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Germany; Kuantan, Malaysia; Caojing, China; and Chiba, Japan. In Jul 2013, BASF announced its plan to increase its global capacities for PolyTHF to 350,000 tonnes and for BDO to 650,000 tonnes within the next two years. Original Source: Coatings World, Jan 2014, 19 (1), 44 (Website: http://www.coatingsworld.com) © Rodman Publishing 2014
Evonik, Invista working on gas-based chemicals Evonik used third generation biotech methods to convert syngas into 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid (2-HIBA), a methyl methacrylate (MMA) precursor, under industrial conditions. The head of biotechnology at Creavis, Evonik’s strategic innovation unit, stated that making the process market ready will take several years. The Evonik research is the first to use enzymes to produce chemicals from syngas, a mixture of CO, CO2 and hydrogen gases from municipal or agricultural waste or steel production. Invista, an integrated producer of polymers and fibres, and Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) in the UK affirmed a partnership to develop industrial chemical production processes based on gas fermentation. The scale and types of chemicals to be produced in the project of CPI and Invista were not disclosed. Original Source: Speciality Chemicals, Jan 2014, 34 (1), 9 (Website: http://www.specchemonline.com) © Quartz Business Media Ltd 2014
French firms team up on bio butadiene Plans to jointly develop a butadiene production process from biomass have been announced by public sector research group IFPEN, AXENS, and tyre producer Michelin. The BioButterfly project with a €52 M budget will run for 8 years, from initial research to industrial scale testing. A synthetic rubber industry in France will be considered once the project is completed. About 60% of the global synthetic rubber output is used in the tyre industry. Butadiene is an important raw material for synthetic rubber. Original Source: TCE (formerly The Chemical Engineer), Dec 2013, (870), 21 (Website: http://www.tcetoday.com) © Institution of Chemical Engineers 2013
Modernization continues at Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat OJSC Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat has started the construction of a 434,000 tonne/y pentane-hexane isomerization plant. The facility is expected to produce a high-octane, high vapour-pressure blending stock used to make gasoline. This will raise the plant’s commercial-grade gasoline production compliant with the Euro-4 and Euro-5 environmental standards. Gasoline added with isomerized stock improves engine performance, reduces harmful emissions, and lessens its environmental impact. Axens will provide the new facility’s clean technology. The new plant will start operations in 2015. Original Source: RCCnews, 18 Feb 2014, (Website: http://www.rccnews.ru/Eng) © RCCnews.ru 2014
Johnson Matthey: 3Q interim management statement process 2013/14 For 3Q 2013/14, Johnson Matthey’s sales in Process Technologies increased by 11% to GBP 133 M (2012/13 GBP 120 M) and operating profit was also well ahead. Its Chemicals businesses performed ahead of the previous expectations as demand for methanol and ammonia catalysts remained strong. The Oil and Gas businesses also performed well with steady demand for refinery products. Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies continued to work on providing engineering designs on previously secured projects and whilst no licence contracts were awarded in the quarter, four new licences have subsequently been signed. The potential for further new licences during the remainder of 2013/14 and beyond, particularly in China, remains positive. Original Source: Johnson Matthey, 30 Jan 2014, (Website: http://www.matthey.com) © Johnson Matthey plc 2014
Johnson Matthey signs SNG contract with Suxin Energy Johnson Matthey Process Technologies announced that it has entered into a contract with Suxin Energy Hefeng Co Ltd for the supply of licensed technology and catalysts for the new substitute natural gas
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F O C U S (SNG) plant base in Tacheng in Xianjiang autonomous region of China. The plant will use coal from a new mine at the same site as a feedstock facility and produce 2 bn cubic metres/y of SNG. The plant is expected to start operating in 2016 and the gas produced will be distributed via the SINOPEC Xianjiang-Guangdong-Zhejiang pipeline. Running between northwest and southeast China, this pipeline will be the largest of its kind in the world once completed. It will play an active role for economic development and energy-saving emission reduction of various provinces along its route. Original Source: Davy Process Technology, 27 Jan 2014, (Website: http://www.davyprotech.com/) © Davy Process Technology 2014
Johnson Matthey announces acceptance of first COG to LNG project Johnson Matthey has announced the acceptance of its coke oven gas (COG) to liquefied natural gas (LNG) project with Xinkuang Hengkung near Yinchuan, China. The new plant, using Johnson Matthey’s technology license, engineering, catalysts, and technical services, produces LNG utilizing the offgas from their coke ovens, and has been accepted by Xinkuang Hengkung on the basis of its technical performance following plant commissioning. Xinkuang Hengkung is a major producer of coke with current capacity of over 1.3 M tonne/y. By using the proprietary CRG methanation process available through Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies (JM Davy), the plant is able to convert carbon oxides and hydrogen in the offgases from their coke ovens to methane which is subsequently liquefied to make a valuable energy product. Xinkuang Hengkung confirmed their satisfaction with the performance of the technology in a recent signing ceremony. The project is an important milestone for both companies as it is the first COG to LNG project to be completed using Johnson Matthey’s technology. It is likely to be the first of many similar projects as coke oven operators can now use this proven advanced technology to produce LNG from what might otherwise be a waste stream. Johnson Matthey has already signed contracts for several other
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COG to LNG projects through its JM Davy business. In addition, the CRG technology has been licensed to six coal-based substitute natural gas (SNG) plants in China. Original Source: Davy Process Technology, 11 Feb 2014, (Website: http://www.davyprotech.com/) © Davy Process Technology 2014
KiOR faces plant revamp KiOR, a cellulosic biofuels producer, has announced that it will temporarily shut down its facility in Columbus, MI. The company noted the installation of upgrades to meet its output goals as the reason for its temporary closure. The facility, which opened in late 2012, utilizes pyrolysis and catalysts to produce gasoline and diesel from wood chips. $10 M will be spent on capital improvements, while $25 M will be spent on developing higher yield catalysts. Original Source: Chemical and Engineering News, 20 Jan 2014, 92 (3), 8 (Website: http://www.cenonline.org) © American Chemical Society 2014
Novozymes collaborates with Raizen Novozymes has entered into a collaboration agreement with Brazilbased Raizen Energia S/A to supply enzyme technology at the latter’s first commercial scale cellulosic ethanol facility in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The plant, set to be operational by end-2014, will be a bolt-on to Raizen’s Costa Pinto sugarcane mill and will produce 40 M L/y of cellulosic ethanol from sugarcane bagasse and straw. The agreement also sees Novozymes supplying enzyme technology to Raizen’s second cellulosic ethanol facility, should it materialize. Novozymes is also seeking to construct a new enzyme manufacturing facility in Brazil. Details of this plan have yet to be determined and depend on demand in Brazil. Original Source: Oils and Fats International, Jan 2014, 30 (1), 6 (Website: http://www.oilsandfatsinternational.com) © Quartz Business Media Ltd 2014
PCAS collaborating with Michelin to develop new uses for used tyres NatureWorks: R&D collaboration for PLA building block A multi-year collaborative project has been entered by NatureWorks LLC and Calysta Energy to R&D a worldscale production process for the fermentation of methane into lactic acid. NatureWork’s Ingeo polylactic acid resins use lactic acid as their building block. Eventually, methane could also be used as the building block for Ingeo products. Carbonbased feedstocks can also be used to produce a wide range of products based on Ingeo. Original Source: Chemical Fibers International, Sep 2013, 63 (3), 148 (Website: http://www.chemicalfibers.com/) © Deutscher Fachverlag GmbH 2013
Novozymes posts 9% rise in 2013 net profit; reports positive outlook for 2014 Denmark-based industrial enzyme producer Novozymes reported a 7% growth in sales and a 9% growth in net profit in 2013. The company also expects positive financial performance in 2014. Original Source: Chemical Weekly, 4 Feb 2014, 183 (Website: http://www.chemicalweekly.com) © Sevak Publications & Chemical Weekly Database P Ltd 2014
Michelin is looking for new ways to recycle used tyres. It is to participate in the TREC (Tyre Recovery) programme which has a budget of €51 M including public funding of €13.3 M through the Ademe investment programme. It will be associated with CEA, Proteas (PCAS group), and SDTech. The TREC Regeneration project aims to develop a biological process to break down the sulfur bonds in rubber to facilitate its reuse in new tyres. SDTech specializes in analysis and treatment of fine and ultrafine powders. TREC Alcool will bring together Michelin, CEA, and Proteus for a process to produce syngas from used tyres. Proteus will work on a fermentation process to convert the syngas into ethanol. Original Source: Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 3 Feb 2014, (663), (Website: http://www.industrie.com/chimie) (in French) © ETAI Information 2014
POET-DSM nears start-up of cellulosic ethanol plant in US In the US, several commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plants that use enzymes to derive sugar from biomass are set for start-up in 2014. On 18 Feb 2014, Spain-based APRIL 2014
COMPANY NEWS ADM to invest in Rennovia to scale-up and commercialize bio-based chemical process technologies Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) has recently committed a $25 M equity investment in Rennovia Inc, which develops catalysts and processes for the cost-advantaged production of chemical products from renewable feedstocks. Rennovia targets production of existing highvalue chemical products using scalable chemical catalytic process technologies at costs significantly advantaged over current petrochemical processes. The company’s first products are nylon intermediates adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine (HMD). ADM’s investment will be used for R&D programmes and continuing operations. Original Source: ADM, 2014. Found on SpecialChem Adhesives and Sealants Formulation, 13 Feb 2014 (Website: http://www.specialchem4adhesives.com)
BASF produces first commercial volumes of butanediol from renewable raw material BASF’s first commercial volumes of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) from renewable raw material have been produced. This product is being offered to customers for testing and commercial use. The patented fermentation process from Genomatica uses dextrose as a renewable feedstock. The company aims to expand its portfolio with selected BDO derivatives based on renewable feedstock, including polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF). Currently, BASF manufactures BDO and BDO equivalents at its sites in Geismar, LA, US; Ludwigshafen, APRIL 2014
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C ATA LY S T S
Germany; Kuantan, Malaysia; Caojing, China; and Chiba, Japan. In Jul 2013, BASF announced its plan to increase its global capacities for PolyTHF to 350,000 tonnes and for BDO to 650,000 tonnes within the next two years. Original Source: Coatings World, Jan 2014, 19 (1), 44 (Website: http://www.coatingsworld.com) © Rodman Publishing 2014
Evonik, Invista working on gas-based chemicals Evonik used third generation biotech methods to convert syngas into 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid (2-HIBA), a methyl methacrylate (MMA) precursor, under industrial conditions. The head of biotechnology at Creavis, Evonik’s strategic innovation unit, stated that making the process market ready will take several years. The Evonik research is the first to use enzymes to produce chemicals from syngas, a mixture of CO, CO2 and hydrogen gases from municipal or agricultural waste or steel production. Invista, an integrated producer of polymers and fibres, and Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) in the UK affirmed a partnership to develop industrial chemical production processes based on gas fermentation. The scale and types of chemicals to be produced in the project of CPI and Invista were not disclosed. Original Source: Speciality Chemicals, Jan 2014, 34 (1), 9 (Website: http://www.specchemonline.com) © Quartz Business Media Ltd 2014
French firms team up on bio butadiene Plans to jointly develop a butadiene production process from biomass have been announced by public sector research group IFPEN, AXENS, and tyre producer Michelin. The BioButterfly project with a €52 M budget will run for 8 years, from initial research to industrial scale testing. A synthetic rubber industry in France will be considered once the project is completed. About 60% of the global synthetic rubber output is used in the tyre industry. Butadiene is an important raw material for synthetic rubber. Original Source: TCE (formerly The Chemical Engineer), Dec 2013, (870), 21 (Website: http://www.tcetoday.com) © Institution of Chemical Engineers 2013
Modernization continues at Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat OJSC Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat has started the construction of a 434,000 tonne/y pentane-hexane isomerization plant. The facility is expected to produce a high-octane, high vapour-pressure blending stock used to make gasoline. This will raise the plant’s commercial-grade gasoline production compliant with the Euro-4 and Euro-5 environmental standards. Gasoline added with isomerized stock improves engine performance, reduces harmful emissions, and lessens its environmental impact. Axens will provide the new facility’s clean technology. The new plant will start operations in 2015. Original Source: RCCnews, 18 Feb 2014, (Website: http://www.rccnews.ru/Eng) © RCCnews.ru 2014
Johnson Matthey: 3Q interim management statement process 2013/14 For 3Q 2013/14, Johnson Matthey’s sales in Process Technologies increased by 11% to GBP 133 M (2012/13 GBP 120 M) and operating profit was also well ahead. Its Chemicals businesses performed ahead of the previous expectations as demand for methanol and ammonia catalysts remained strong. The Oil and Gas businesses also performed well with steady demand for refinery products. Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies continued to work on providing engineering designs on previously secured projects and whilst no licence contracts were awarded in the quarter, four new licences have subsequently been signed. The potential for further new licences during the remainder of 2013/14 and beyond, particularly in China, remains positive. Original Source: Johnson Matthey, 30 Jan 2014, (Website: http://www.matthey.com) © Johnson Matthey plc 2014
Johnson Matthey signs SNG contract with Suxin Energy Johnson Matthey Process Technologies announced that it has entered into a contract with Suxin Energy Hefeng Co Ltd for the supply of licensed technology and catalysts for the new substitute natural gas
3
F O C U S (SNG) plant base in Tacheng in Xianjiang autonomous region of China. The plant will use coal from a new mine at the same site as a feedstock facility and produce 2 bn cubic metres/y of SNG. The plant is expected to start operating in 2016 and the gas produced will be distributed via the SINOPEC Xianjiang-Guangdong-Zhejiang pipeline. Running between northwest and southeast China, this pipeline will be the largest of its kind in the world once completed. It will play an active role for economic development and energy-saving emission reduction of various provinces along its route. Original Source: Davy Process Technology, 27 Jan 2014, (Website: http://www.davyprotech.com/) © Davy Process Technology 2014
Johnson Matthey announces acceptance of first COG to LNG project Johnson Matthey has announced the acceptance of its coke oven gas (COG) to liquefied natural gas (LNG) project with Xinkuang Hengkung near Yinchuan, China. The new plant, using Johnson Matthey’s technology license, engineering, catalysts, and technical services, produces LNG utilizing the offgas from their coke ovens, and has been accepted by Xinkuang Hengkung on the basis of its technical performance following plant commissioning. Xinkuang Hengkung is a major producer of coke with current capacity of over 1.3 M tonne/y. By using the proprietary CRG methanation process available through Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies (JM Davy), the plant is able to convert carbon oxides and hydrogen in the offgases from their coke ovens to methane which is subsequently liquefied to make a valuable energy product. Xinkuang Hengkung confirmed their satisfaction with the performance of the technology in a recent signing ceremony. The project is an important milestone for both companies as it is the first COG to LNG project to be completed using Johnson Matthey’s technology. It is likely to be the first of many similar projects as coke oven operators can now use this proven advanced technology to produce LNG from what might otherwise be a waste stream. Johnson Matthey has already signed contracts for several other
4
O N
C ATA LY S T S
COG to LNG projects through its JM Davy business. In addition, the CRG technology has been licensed to six coal-based substitute natural gas (SNG) plants in China. Original Source: Davy Process Technology, 11 Feb 2014, (Website: http://www.davyprotech.com/) © Davy Process Technology 2014
KiOR faces plant revamp KiOR, a cellulosic biofuels producer, has announced that it will temporarily shut down its facility in Columbus, MI. The company noted the installation of upgrades to meet its output goals as the reason for its temporary closure. The facility, which opened in late 2012, utilizes pyrolysis and catalysts to produce gasoline and diesel from wood chips. $10 M will be spent on capital improvements, while $25 M will be spent on developing higher yield catalysts. Original Source: Chemical and Engineering News, 20 Jan 2014, 92 (3), 8 (Website: http://www.cenonline.org) © American Chemical Society 2014
Novozymes collaborates with Raizen Novozymes has entered into a collaboration agreement with Brazilbased Raizen Energia S/A to supply enzyme technology at the latter’s first commercial scale cellulosic ethanol facility in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The plant, set to be operational by end-2014, will be a bolt-on to Raizen’s Costa Pinto sugarcane mill and will produce 40 M L/y of cellulosic ethanol from sugarcane bagasse and straw. The agreement also sees Novozymes supplying enzyme technology to Raizen’s second cellulosic ethanol facility, should it materialize. Novozymes is also seeking to construct a new enzyme manufacturing facility in Brazil. Details of this plan have yet to be determined and depend on demand in Brazil. Original Source: Oils and Fats International, Jan 2014, 30 (1), 6 (Website: http://www.oilsandfatsinternational.com) © Quartz Business Media Ltd 2014
PCAS collaborating with Michelin to develop new uses for used tyres NatureWorks: R&D collaboration for PLA building block A multi-year collaborative project has been entered by NatureWorks LLC and Calysta Energy to R&D a worldscale production process for the fermentation of methane into lactic acid. NatureWork’s Ingeo polylactic acid resins use lactic acid as their building block. Eventually, methane could also be used as the building block for Ingeo products. Carbonbased feedstocks can also be used to produce a wide range of products based on Ingeo. Original Source: Chemical Fibers International, Sep 2013, 63 (3), 148 (Website: http://www.chemicalfibers.com/) © Deutscher Fachverlag GmbH 2013
Novozymes posts 9% rise in 2013 net profit; reports positive outlook for 2014 Denmark-based industrial enzyme producer Novozymes reported a 7% growth in sales and a 9% growth in net profit in 2013. The company also expects positive financial performance in 2014. Original Source: Chemical Weekly, 4 Feb 2014, 183 (Website: http://www.chemicalweekly.com) © Sevak Publications & Chemical Weekly Database P Ltd 2014
Michelin is looking for new ways to recycle used tyres. It is to participate in the TREC (Tyre Recovery) programme which has a budget of €51 M including public funding of €13.3 M through the Ademe investment programme. It will be associated with CEA, Proteas (PCAS group), and SDTech. The TREC Regeneration project aims to develop a biological process to break down the sulfur bonds in rubber to facilitate its reuse in new tyres. SDTech specializes in analysis and treatment of fine and ultrafine powders. TREC Alcool will bring together Michelin, CEA, and Proteus for a process to produce syngas from used tyres. Proteus will work on a fermentation process to convert the syngas into ethanol. Original Source: Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 3 Feb 2014, (663), (Website: http://www.industrie.com/chimie) (in French) © ETAI Information 2014
POET-DSM nears start-up of cellulosic ethanol plant in US In the US, several commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plants that use enzymes to derive sugar from biomass are set for start-up in 2014. On 18 Feb 2014, Spain-based APRIL 2014