- Email: [email protected]
Synthetech reports 2Q 2004-2005 results
FOCUS (DHC), and the Russian company TatChemicals. A single research centre at Frankfurt is to house all Degussa’s catalysis research activities. Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 8 Nov 2004, (275), 6 (in French) & European Chemical News, 8 Nov 2004, 81 (2123), 27 & China Chemical Reporter, 16 Nov 2004, 15 (32), 14
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big OEMs on the development of fuel cells. Catalysts and adsorbents are being developed for use in molten carbonate, proton exchange membrane, and solid oxide fuel cells. Chemical Week, 10 Nov 2004, 66 (37), 27-28
Precious mettle Cold shower for Dynamic Synthesis which is to be absorbed by Novasep On 20 Oct 2004 Dynamic Synthesis, formerly part of MG Technologies and taken over by Rockwood Specialities in mid-2004, discovered that Novasep had acquired a stake in its capital. The company (which makes a €200 M+ turnover) also learnt that it was to be absorbed by Novasep (€75 M turnover) with the support of Rockwood. Dynamic Synthesis will lose both its name and its management. In terms of organization, the group is expected to retain its umbrella structure and will add a fourth division specializing in chromatography. The first reactions to the news were mainly of surprise. Dynamic Synthesis is a classical fine chemicals company with 3 subsidiaries: Finorga (chiral chemistry), Dynamit Nobel (explosives and dangerous reactions) and Rohner (transition metal catalysis). Novasep is a chemicals supplier, delivering chromatographic materials (including simulated moving bed technology). It also carries out custom purification work for pharmaceutical laboratories. Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 2 Nov 2004, (274), 1 (in French)
Engelhard sees R&D as catalyst to success Engelhard has spent around 4% of sales on R&D in the last 6 years and is to continue at this level. The company’s distributed matrix structure zeolite has been one result of such efforts and has given rise to many new products over the last few years. The technology makes it possible to develop fluid catalytic cracking catalysts and additives that have improved stability, activity and yield. Other products from the technology have helped improve gasoline yields and helped refiners reduce sulfur levels in gasoline by 25-30%. Engelhard is also working with all the
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Engelhard has a portfolio of technologies and services that posted sales of $3.7 bn in 2003, a fall of 3% on 2002. Net profits, excluding exceptional items, were almost flat at $229 M. Emissions control catalysts, petroleum and chemical catalysts, pigments, and adsorbents were responsible for a little over $2 bn in sales and the largest proportion of profits. The remaining $1.7 bn of sales came from a unit that buys, refines, and stores precious metals that are used in many of the company’s catalysts. Engelhard’s R&D budget is $93 M (2003),or almost 5% of the company’s technology business sales. It is thanks to this that new products account for 20-30% of sales. Engelhard’s capital spending was $114 M in 2003. Chemical and Engineering News, 15 Nov 2004, 82 (46), 24-25
Engelhard catalyst prices increased Engelhard Industries has raised prices for its nickel-based oil and fat catalysts by 5% from 1 Oct 2004. Bleaching earth prices have increased by 7.5%. According to the company, price rises are due to strong world demand and higher raw material, energy and transport costs. Engelhard says that the increases will help support reinvestment. Oils and Fats International, Nov 2004, 20 (6), 4
Genencor launches hazardous chemical decontamination Genencor International Inc (Genencor) announced that its new line of decontamination enzymes to combat nerve gas agents and organophosphate-based pesticides is now available for sale. Genencor’s Defenz line of enzymes is being introduced to first responders during the second week of Nov 2004 at the FireRescue Conference and Expo in
Las Vegas, NV. Exclusively licensed from the US Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), Defenz enzymes are capable of breaking down certain organophosphate-type materials including G-type nerve agents such as somain and sarin. In tests conducted by Genencor and ECBC, one gram of Defenz 120G enzyme decontaminated about 2 kg of G-type agents within 15 minutes of contact. Available in granule form, Defenz enzymes can be added to the water supply on an emergency vehicle enroute to or on the site of a chemical emergency. The enzyme is then applied through a typical existing foam nozzle or foaming equipment. Press release from: Genencor International Inc, 200, Meridian Centre Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14618-3916, USA. Tel: +1 585 256 5200. Fax: +1 585 256 6952. Website: http://www.genencor.com (11 Nov 2004)
New vibrant look unveiled at JM Catalysts The Polymers Business Unit of Johnson Matthey Catalysts has launched an eye-catching new logo for its VERTEC product range. The polymers business provides a broad range of speciality organic titanates to many parts of the polymer industry. The new VERTEC logo will enforce the key values of Johnson Matthey’s Polymer Catalysts Business and help position the company in new markets. Press release from: Johnson Matthey Catalysts, 2-4 Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, London SW1Y 5BQ, UK (Oct 2004)
PQ may sell itself PQ has delegated an investment bank to evaluate strategic options that may include selling the firm to investors. The company has sales exceeding €400 M/y producing silicates, zeolites, and other inorganic chemicals for use in paper, detergents, and other industries. It operates in the USA and Europe and has locations in Asia. It also purchased facilities in Tianjin, China. Speciality Chemicals, Oct 2004, 24 (9), 8
Synthetech reports 2Q 2004-2005 results Synthetech Inc announced financial
JANUARY 2005
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results for 2Q and 1H ended Sep 2004. Revenue for 2Q 2004-2005 was $2.5 M (+37% over $1.8 M in 2Q 2003-2004). Net loss for 2Q 20042005 was $103,000 (net loss of $1.2 M in 2Q 2003-2004). For 1H 20042005, revenue of $5.3 M resulted in a net loss of $515,000 (revenue of $3.6 M and net loss of $2.3 M in 1H 20032004). International sales were $818,000 for 1H 2004-2005 ($971,000 in 1H 2003-2004). R&D expenses were $158,000 for 2Q 2004-2005 ($176,000 in 2Q 20032004) and $284,000 in 1H 2004-2005 ($372,000 in 1H 2003-2004). An included table contains condensed statements of operations (unaudited) of the company for three and six months ended Sep 2003 and 2004. Synthetech Inc is a fine chemicals company specializing in organic synthesis, biocatalysis and chiral technologies.
Biodiesel production using a heterogeneous catalyst
Frontier El Dorado Refining to build ultra-low sulfur hydrotreater
Diester Industrie plans to establish a 160,000 tonne/y plant for manufacturing fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) at its site in Sete, France. The plant, which will begin operations in late 2005, will be the first commercial plant to employ Axens’ Esterfip-H process. It is compliant to a European Directive goal of reducing greenhouse gases emissions through 5.75% biofuels usage by 2010. Biofuels are said to decrease EU dependency on crude oil imports. FAME, the key ingredient in biodiesel, is formed by esterifying plant oils such as rapeseed, soybean, or sunflower oil.
A $75 M engineering, procurement, and construction contract for an ultralow-sulfur diesel hydrotreater with a capacity of 24,000 bbl/day and a hydrogen unit with a capacity of 35 M cu ft/day has been awarded to CB&I by Frontier El Dorado Refining. The facilities at El Dorado, KS, are due to come into production in spring 2006. The hydrogen unit will employ Hyforming technology from CB&I and technology for the hydrotreater will be supplied by Haldor Topsoe. A desulfurization unit has been approved at Valero Energy’s McKee refinery. The engineering, procurement, and construction contract, worth $40-60 M, has been awarded to CB&I Matrix. Capacity of the unit is 35,000 bbl/day. It will use technology from Catalytic Distillation Technologies.
Synthetech 2Q and 1H 2004-2005 results, 4 Nov 2004 (Synthetech Inc, 1290, Industrial Way, Albany, OR 97321, USA. Tel: +1 541 967 6575. Fax: +1 541 967 9424. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.synthetech.com)
GTL to build methanol plant with Oman Oil
NEW PLANTS Major investment by Ineos Silicas in Warrington Ineos Silicas is to double capacity for its ES range of microspherical silica supports with a major investment at its plant in Warrington, UK. The $10 M new capacity will be commissioned in 1Q 2006. The materials are used in a variety of catalysts systems. The company has enjoyed considerable increase in demand recently, and expects this to continue with continuing global investment in gas phase polymerization plants. However, the company has acknowledged that it does not possess the economy of scale to fully exploit its speciality chromium catalyst business to the full, and is selling this to Basell, who will make the catalysts at its plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Plastics and Rubber Weekly, 12 Nov 2004, 2 & European Chemical News, 15 Nov 2004, 81 (2124), 29 & Chemical Market Reporter, 15 Nov 2004 (http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com) & Chemical and Engineering News, 15 Nov 2004, 82 (46), 12-13 & Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 22 Nov 2004, (276), 16 (in French)
JANUARY 2005
Chemical Engineering (New York), Oct 2004, 111 (11), 13
A 990,000 tonne/y methanol plant is to be built in Salalah, Oman, as a jv between GTL Resources and Oman Oil. Feedstock for the $350 M-$400 M plant will come from local facilities. A 2500 tonne/day methanol plant is also planned by Oman Methanol Co. It will be sited in Sohar. European Chemical News, 22 Nov 2004, 81 (2125), 24
Pemex’s Phoenix project Mexico’s Pemex Petroquimica has chosen Nova Chemicals Corp and Mexican companies Grupo Idesa and Indelpro as jv partners in its $1.9 bn petrochemicals and plastics complex, Project Phoenix. New participants may be able to take part at a later date. Key factors in choosing Nova probably include its proprietary catalysts, its Advanced SclairTech (AST) polyethylene resin technology, and previous experience in erecting world-scale ethylene crackers. The Phoenix project would involve a light naphtha-based cracker and derivatives complex, so the project would mean Nova’s global feedstock mix would shift towards the heavier end. Chemical Market Reporter, 1 Nov 2004 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
European Chemical News, 11 Oct 2004, 81 (2119), 30
FT Solutions enters into pilot plant agreement with GTI FT Solutions LLC is completing the preliminary design of a FischerTropsch (FT) gas-to-liquids (GTL) pilot plant capable of producing up to 10 bbl/day of liquid hydrocarbon products, depending on the operating conditions selected. The pilot plant will be designed to utilise FT Solutions proprietary and patented iron-based catalysts contributed by Rentech and HTI. The pilot plant will be located at Gas Technology Institute’s (GTI) coal gasification test facility located in Des Plaines, IL. The primary purpose of the pilot plant is to provide representative quantities of liquid hydrocarbon products for testing by potential end users. In addition, it will demonstrate the integration of the FT module utilizing synthesis gas produced by a coal-fed gasifier owned and operated by GTI. The current schedule calls for the FT pilot plant to be ready for initial startup operations by 3Q 2005. FT Solutions LLC is a jv of Rentech Inc and Headwaters Technology Innovation Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Headwaters Inc. 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 (26 Nov 2004)
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big OEMs on the development of fuel cells. Catalysts and adsorbents are being developed for use in molten carbonate, proton exchange membrane, and solid oxide fuel cells. Chemical Week, 10 Nov 2004, 66 (37), 27-28
Precious mettle Cold shower for Dynamic Synthesis which is to be absorbed by Novasep On 20 Oct 2004 Dynamic Synthesis, formerly part of MG Technologies and taken over by Rockwood Specialities in mid-2004, discovered that Novasep had acquired a stake in its capital. The company (which makes a €200 M+ turnover) also learnt that it was to be absorbed by Novasep (€75 M turnover) with the support of Rockwood. Dynamic Synthesis will lose both its name and its management. In terms of organization, the group is expected to retain its umbrella structure and will add a fourth division specializing in chromatography. The first reactions to the news were mainly of surprise. Dynamic Synthesis is a classical fine chemicals company with 3 subsidiaries: Finorga (chiral chemistry), Dynamit Nobel (explosives and dangerous reactions) and Rohner (transition metal catalysis). Novasep is a chemicals supplier, delivering chromatographic materials (including simulated moving bed technology). It also carries out custom purification work for pharmaceutical laboratories. Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 2 Nov 2004, (274), 1 (in French)
Engelhard sees R&D as catalyst to success Engelhard has spent around 4% of sales on R&D in the last 6 years and is to continue at this level. The company’s distributed matrix structure zeolite has been one result of such efforts and has given rise to many new products over the last few years. The technology makes it possible to develop fluid catalytic cracking catalysts and additives that have improved stability, activity and yield. Other products from the technology have helped improve gasoline yields and helped refiners reduce sulfur levels in gasoline by 25-30%. Engelhard is also working with all the
4
Engelhard has a portfolio of technologies and services that posted sales of $3.7 bn in 2003, a fall of 3% on 2002. Net profits, excluding exceptional items, were almost flat at $229 M. Emissions control catalysts, petroleum and chemical catalysts, pigments, and adsorbents were responsible for a little over $2 bn in sales and the largest proportion of profits. The remaining $1.7 bn of sales came from a unit that buys, refines, and stores precious metals that are used in many of the company’s catalysts. Engelhard’s R&D budget is $93 M (2003),or almost 5% of the company’s technology business sales. It is thanks to this that new products account for 20-30% of sales. Engelhard’s capital spending was $114 M in 2003. Chemical and Engineering News, 15 Nov 2004, 82 (46), 24-25
Engelhard catalyst prices increased Engelhard Industries has raised prices for its nickel-based oil and fat catalysts by 5% from 1 Oct 2004. Bleaching earth prices have increased by 7.5%. According to the company, price rises are due to strong world demand and higher raw material, energy and transport costs. Engelhard says that the increases will help support reinvestment. Oils and Fats International, Nov 2004, 20 (6), 4
Genencor launches hazardous chemical decontamination Genencor International Inc (Genencor) announced that its new line of decontamination enzymes to combat nerve gas agents and organophosphate-based pesticides is now available for sale. Genencor’s Defenz line of enzymes is being introduced to first responders during the second week of Nov 2004 at the FireRescue Conference and Expo in
Las Vegas, NV. Exclusively licensed from the US Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), Defenz enzymes are capable of breaking down certain organophosphate-type materials including G-type nerve agents such as somain and sarin. In tests conducted by Genencor and ECBC, one gram of Defenz 120G enzyme decontaminated about 2 kg of G-type agents within 15 minutes of contact. Available in granule form, Defenz enzymes can be added to the water supply on an emergency vehicle enroute to or on the site of a chemical emergency. The enzyme is then applied through a typical existing foam nozzle or foaming equipment. Press release from: Genencor International Inc, 200, Meridian Centre Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14618-3916, USA. Tel: +1 585 256 5200. Fax: +1 585 256 6952. Website: http://www.genencor.com (11 Nov 2004)
New vibrant look unveiled at JM Catalysts The Polymers Business Unit of Johnson Matthey Catalysts has launched an eye-catching new logo for its VERTEC product range. The polymers business provides a broad range of speciality organic titanates to many parts of the polymer industry. The new VERTEC logo will enforce the key values of Johnson Matthey’s Polymer Catalysts Business and help position the company in new markets. Press release from: Johnson Matthey Catalysts, 2-4 Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, London SW1Y 5BQ, UK (Oct 2004)
PQ may sell itself PQ has delegated an investment bank to evaluate strategic options that may include selling the firm to investors. The company has sales exceeding €400 M/y producing silicates, zeolites, and other inorganic chemicals for use in paper, detergents, and other industries. It operates in the USA and Europe and has locations in Asia. It also purchased facilities in Tianjin, China. Speciality Chemicals, Oct 2004, 24 (9), 8
Synthetech reports 2Q 2004-2005 results Synthetech Inc announced financial
JANUARY 2005
FOCUS
ON
C ATA LY S T S
results for 2Q and 1H ended Sep 2004. Revenue for 2Q 2004-2005 was $2.5 M (+37% over $1.8 M in 2Q 2003-2004). Net loss for 2Q 20042005 was $103,000 (net loss of $1.2 M in 2Q 2003-2004). For 1H 20042005, revenue of $5.3 M resulted in a net loss of $515,000 (revenue of $3.6 M and net loss of $2.3 M in 1H 20032004). International sales were $818,000 for 1H 2004-2005 ($971,000 in 1H 2003-2004). R&D expenses were $158,000 for 2Q 2004-2005 ($176,000 in 2Q 20032004) and $284,000 in 1H 2004-2005 ($372,000 in 1H 2003-2004). An included table contains condensed statements of operations (unaudited) of the company for three and six months ended Sep 2003 and 2004. Synthetech Inc is a fine chemicals company specializing in organic synthesis, biocatalysis and chiral technologies.
Biodiesel production using a heterogeneous catalyst
Frontier El Dorado Refining to build ultra-low sulfur hydrotreater
Diester Industrie plans to establish a 160,000 tonne/y plant for manufacturing fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) at its site in Sete, France. The plant, which will begin operations in late 2005, will be the first commercial plant to employ Axens’ Esterfip-H process. It is compliant to a European Directive goal of reducing greenhouse gases emissions through 5.75% biofuels usage by 2010. Biofuels are said to decrease EU dependency on crude oil imports. FAME, the key ingredient in biodiesel, is formed by esterifying plant oils such as rapeseed, soybean, or sunflower oil.
A $75 M engineering, procurement, and construction contract for an ultralow-sulfur diesel hydrotreater with a capacity of 24,000 bbl/day and a hydrogen unit with a capacity of 35 M cu ft/day has been awarded to CB&I by Frontier El Dorado Refining. The facilities at El Dorado, KS, are due to come into production in spring 2006. The hydrogen unit will employ Hyforming technology from CB&I and technology for the hydrotreater will be supplied by Haldor Topsoe. A desulfurization unit has been approved at Valero Energy’s McKee refinery. The engineering, procurement, and construction contract, worth $40-60 M, has been awarded to CB&I Matrix. Capacity of the unit is 35,000 bbl/day. It will use technology from Catalytic Distillation Technologies.
Synthetech 2Q and 1H 2004-2005 results, 4 Nov 2004 (Synthetech Inc, 1290, Industrial Way, Albany, OR 97321, USA. Tel: +1 541 967 6575. Fax: +1 541 967 9424. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.synthetech.com)
GTL to build methanol plant with Oman Oil
NEW PLANTS Major investment by Ineos Silicas in Warrington Ineos Silicas is to double capacity for its ES range of microspherical silica supports with a major investment at its plant in Warrington, UK. The $10 M new capacity will be commissioned in 1Q 2006. The materials are used in a variety of catalysts systems. The company has enjoyed considerable increase in demand recently, and expects this to continue with continuing global investment in gas phase polymerization plants. However, the company has acknowledged that it does not possess the economy of scale to fully exploit its speciality chromium catalyst business to the full, and is selling this to Basell, who will make the catalysts at its plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Plastics and Rubber Weekly, 12 Nov 2004, 2 & European Chemical News, 15 Nov 2004, 81 (2124), 29 & Chemical Market Reporter, 15 Nov 2004 (http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com) & Chemical and Engineering News, 15 Nov 2004, 82 (46), 12-13 & Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 22 Nov 2004, (276), 16 (in French)
JANUARY 2005
Chemical Engineering (New York), Oct 2004, 111 (11), 13
A 990,000 tonne/y methanol plant is to be built in Salalah, Oman, as a jv between GTL Resources and Oman Oil. Feedstock for the $350 M-$400 M plant will come from local facilities. A 2500 tonne/day methanol plant is also planned by Oman Methanol Co. It will be sited in Sohar. European Chemical News, 22 Nov 2004, 81 (2125), 24
Pemex’s Phoenix project Mexico’s Pemex Petroquimica has chosen Nova Chemicals Corp and Mexican companies Grupo Idesa and Indelpro as jv partners in its $1.9 bn petrochemicals and plastics complex, Project Phoenix. New participants may be able to take part at a later date. Key factors in choosing Nova probably include its proprietary catalysts, its Advanced SclairTech (AST) polyethylene resin technology, and previous experience in erecting world-scale ethylene crackers. The Phoenix project would involve a light naphtha-based cracker and derivatives complex, so the project would mean Nova’s global feedstock mix would shift towards the heavier end. Chemical Market Reporter, 1 Nov 2004 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
European Chemical News, 11 Oct 2004, 81 (2119), 30
FT Solutions enters into pilot plant agreement with GTI FT Solutions LLC is completing the preliminary design of a FischerTropsch (FT) gas-to-liquids (GTL) pilot plant capable of producing up to 10 bbl/day of liquid hydrocarbon products, depending on the operating conditions selected. The pilot plant will be designed to utilise FT Solutions proprietary and patented iron-based catalysts contributed by Rentech and HTI. The pilot plant will be located at Gas Technology Institute’s (GTI) coal gasification test facility located in Des Plaines, IL. The primary purpose of the pilot plant is to provide representative quantities of liquid hydrocarbon products for testing by potential end users. In addition, it will demonstrate the integration of the FT module utilizing synthesis gas produced by a coal-fed gasifier owned and operated by GTI. The current schedule calls for the FT pilot plant to be ready for initial startup operations by 3Q 2005. FT Solutions LLC is a jv of Rentech Inc and Headwaters Technology Innovation Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Headwaters Inc. 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 (26 Nov 2004)
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