- Email: [email protected]
Washing cleaner and greener
FOCUS Methanol-to-propylene The first industrial scale demonstration of Lurgi’s MTP process will be in Iran at a petrochemical plant owned by the Fanavaran Petrochemical Co. The zeolite catalyst will be provided by Süd-Chemie. Chemical Engineering (New York), Apr 2005, 112 (4), 15
Gasoline from syngas A research group at Toyama University is developing a process for making gasoline or LPG from syngas in one step. The encapsulated catalyst combines a zeolite catalyst with an F-T catalyst. Japan Chemical Week, 23 Jun 2005, 46 (2323), 1
Isopropanol production through solid acid catalysis A new technology developed by Dalian Institute of Chemistry and Physics for the production of isopropanol through solid acid catalysis has been approved by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The process allows energy consumption to be reduced by 20-30% and raw material usage to be lowered by 1020%. A 30,000 tonne/y isopropanol unit is planned by Shandong Dongqing Haike Chemical (Group) Co Ltd. China consumes over 200,000 tonne/y isopropanol, mostly for use in coatings, paint, inks, pesticides and drugs. The country has a capacity to produce 100,000 tonne/y and imports are rising by 10%/y. China expects demand to rise by 5-8%/y over the next few years and total 235,000 tonnes in 2010. China Chemical Reporter, 6 Jun 2005, 16 (16), 14
Supported catalyst for aliphatic polycarbonates Guangzhou Chemical Co Ltd has been awarded a US patent for a supported catalyst for making polyalkyl carbonates from epoxides and carbon dioxide. The polymers could have widespread application in low temperature oxygen insulating films, biodegradable plastics, elastomers, coatings, and adhesives. The polymers are biodegradable. China Chemical Reporter, 16 May 2005, 16 (14), 14
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DuPont, CMR roll out novel fuel cell technologies Both DuPont and CMR Fuel Cells (UK) have announced separate developments in the technology required to produce high-performance direct methanol fuel cells. CMR has produces a fuel cell that is just 10% of the standard size of those currently available, at 20% of the cost. The new cells run for 4-times as along as conventional batteries and are instantly rechargeable with methanol. DuPont’s Gen IV technology features membrane electrode assemblies, which enhance performance of fuel cells powered directly with methanol, delivering 20% more power and twice the runtime. Chemical Week, 15 Jun 2005, 167 (20) (Website: http://www.chemweek.com)
Carbon-fibre-based catalyst reduces Pt demand in PMFCs A research group at Kyushu University Graduate School has developed a carbon-fibre-based catalyst for PEMFC electrodes which uses only half as much platinum as conventional fuel cells. The essence of this invention is to treat the surfaces of the carbon fibres so that the particles of platinum which are deposited on them are prevented from associating with each other. Japan Chemical Week, 16 Jun 2005, 46 (2322), 2
Ethanol from starch in one step This process usually has three steps – two to make glucose, followed by one to make ethanol. Now, Bio-energy Corp (Osaka) has developed a onestep process using a bio-engineered yeast. The yield is 92% of the theoretical. Chemical Engineering (New York), Apr 2005, 112 (4), 19
Diversa and Valley Research launch new enzyme for more efficient ethanol production Diversa Corp and Valley Research Inc have announced the commercial launch of “Ultra-Thin” enzyme, a new product designed to significantly improve the efficiency and economics of ethanol production. Developed by Diversa and marketed under the
“Ultra-Thin” label by Valley Research, this new product operates at a higher temperature and a lower pH than other commercially available enzymes, which offers the potential for substantial cost savings. Press release from: Diversa Corp, 4955, Directors Place, San Diego, CA 92121-1609, USA. Tel: +1 858 526 5000. Fax: +1 858 526 5551. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.diversa.com ( 30 Jun 2005)
Genencor develops fuel ethanol production technology Danisco’s wholly owned US daughter company Genencor has developed a new enzyme technology for making fuel ethanol. The technology reduces production costs and on a large scale could pave the way for biorefineries. Dagbladet Borsen, 29 Jun 2005, 110 (122), 25 (in Danish) & 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 (28 Jun 2005)
Dutch produce ethanol from straw Researchers at Wageningen University have converted 25 kg wheat straw to ethanol in a 120-litre fermenter as part of a project funded by the Dutch authorities and involving ECN, TNO, ethanol producer Nedalco, lactic acid manufacturer Purac, and Shell Global Solutions. The researchers believe that industrial applications are feasible in the medium term. This is the first time that ethanol has been produced on this scale from woody biomass in The Netherlands. The production process consists of a physical-chemical treatment, followed by enzymic hydrolysis of the cellulose to sugars which are fermented to ethanol. Up until now bioethanol has been produced from high-value food crops such as cereals and maize. Waste products such as straw, waste wood, and grass are cheaper raw materials. Chemisch2Weekblad, 4 Jul 2005 (Website: http://www.c2w.nl/) (in Dutch)
Washing cleaner and greener Worldwide, the majority of detergents contain enzymes, with some detergent brands containing up to 5 different types in order to obtain a broad spectrum of cleaning and fabric
5
FOCUS care benefits. The detergent industry is continually looking to companies like Novozymes for the development of new enzymes. A table lists the most common classes of enzyme and their use in detergents: Proteases tackle stubborn protein stains such as blood, grass etc, and can operate at wash temperatures as low as 50°C; amylases remove residues of starchy foods such as mashed potatoes, baby food, ready-cooked meals and gravy; cellulases offer benefits such as colour brightening, whitening, softening, and fabric care; cellulases are capable of removing fuzz from cotton fabrics, making them look new for longer; and lipases which are capable of removing stains such as lipsticks, frying fats, butter etc, and the perspiration stains on collars and cuffs. BioTimes (Novozymes’ Enzyme e-zine), Jun 2005, (2), 2 (Novozymes A/S, Krogshoejvej 36, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark. Tel: +45 8824 9999. Fax: +45 8824 9998. Website: http://www.novozymes.com/biotimes)
ENVIRONMENT JM catalyst technology will cut emissions New catalyst technology which effects a 90% cut in emissions of nitric oxide during the production of nitric acid and caprolactam has been commercialised by Johnson Matthey under the Amoxid-Hybrid trade name. By 2008, the European Union is expected to introduce environmental regulations which will limit the emissions of nitric oxide. European Chemical News, 20 Jun 2005, 82 (2152), 34
Stillwater amends auto catalyst sourcing agreement Stillwater Mining Co (Stillwater) has amended its long-term auto catalyst sourcing agreement with Power Mount Inc of Somerset, KY. Stillwater believes that this new agreement will further enhance its competitiveness while endeavouring to aggressively further grow its share of the catalyst reclaim market. Under the amended agreement, Stillwater will purchase increased quantities of auto catalysts from Power Mount for recycling. These materials will be processed
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along with mine production in Stillwater’s state of the art smelting and refining complex located conveniently next to Interstate Highway I-90 in Columbus, MT. Press release from: Stillwater Mining Co, 536, East Pike Avenue, PO Box 1330, Columbus, MT 59019, USA. Tel: +1 406 322 8700. Fax: +1 406 322 9985. Website: http://www.stillwatermining.com (9 Jun 2005)
Kemira 2004: environmental business Kemira’s sales of environment-related products and services totalled €653 M in 2004. Growth of 5% over the previous year was achieved in the continuing businesses, due both to acquisitions and organic growth. These more than exceeded the reduction resulting from the divestment of the catalytic converter business. The Formics business unit of Industrial Chemicals developed and commercialised Denoxium, an environmentally benign alternative for urea-water solutions used in SCR systems for heavy diesel exhaust gases. Kemira Annual Report 2004, 8 Feb 2005, 29,33 (Kemira Group, Porkkalankatu 3, PO Box 330, 00101 Helsinki, Finland. Tel: +358 10 8611. Fax: + 358 10 862 1119. Website: http://www.kemira.com)
Engelhard catalyst mobilised for diesel-emission control Engelhard Corp’s platinum/palladium (Pt/Pd) diesel oxidation catalyst that replaces one-third of the Pt with Pd will be launched by two European automakers in serial production on new Euro IV model platforms. The technology allows cars burning lowsulfur diesel fuel to comply with Euro IV regulations and reduce metal costs for manufacturers. Cars, before being approved for sale in the European Union, must meet the Euro IV standards for emissions requiring less than 25 mg/km of particulate matter and less than 0.25 g/km of nitrogen oxides. The technology has been perfected by several companies for many years but Engelhard Corp’s platform was the first to reach the end-users. Each vehicle has Engelhard’s threecatalyst emission control system. The company intends to apply the technologies to other dieselemission control applications. Another series of fuel-exhaust
standards for diesel cars, known as Euro V, are being discussed and are expected to reduce emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides to 2.5 mg/km and 0.08 g/k, respectively. Chemical Engineering Progress, Jun 2005, 101 (6), 12
Met-Pro Corp’s Systems Division receives equipment order totalling >$1.1 M Met-Pro Corp announced that the company’s Systems Division, in Kulpsville, PA, has received an order to supply three catalytic oxidizers for installation at a major pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in North America. The value of this order is in excess of $1.1 M and the equipment is expected to be shipped before Jan 2006. The catalytic oxidizers will use specially selected catalysts to achieve high destruction and removal efficiencies of volatile organic compounds from three streams of exhaust totalling 14,000 standard cu ft/minute. Proprietary Systems Division software will be utilized for the oxidizer’s control system. Met-Pro will design, manufacture, and start up all three catalytic oxidizer systems. The Systems Division was selected to provide this equipment based on their extensive catalytic oxidizer experience in pharmaceutical and other industrial applications as well as a strong customer relationship developed while providing the same customer with similar systems in the past. Met-Pro Corp manufactures and sells product recovery and pollution control equipment for purification of air and liquids and fluid handling equipment for corrosive, abrasive and high temperature liquids. Press release from: Met-Pro Corp, 160, Cassell Road, PO Box 144, Harleysville, PA 19438, USA. Tel: +1 215 723 6751. Fax: +1 215 723 6758. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.met-pro.com (14 Jun 2005)
ESW diesel catalyst approved for application on European OEM utility vehicle Environmental Solutions Worldwide Inc (ESW) announced that its proprietary high-performance Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) has been
AUGUST 2005
Gasoline from syngas A research group at Toyama University is developing a process for making gasoline or LPG from syngas in one step. The encapsulated catalyst combines a zeolite catalyst with an F-T catalyst. Japan Chemical Week, 23 Jun 2005, 46 (2323), 1
Isopropanol production through solid acid catalysis A new technology developed by Dalian Institute of Chemistry and Physics for the production of isopropanol through solid acid catalysis has been approved by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The process allows energy consumption to be reduced by 20-30% and raw material usage to be lowered by 1020%. A 30,000 tonne/y isopropanol unit is planned by Shandong Dongqing Haike Chemical (Group) Co Ltd. China consumes over 200,000 tonne/y isopropanol, mostly for use in coatings, paint, inks, pesticides and drugs. The country has a capacity to produce 100,000 tonne/y and imports are rising by 10%/y. China expects demand to rise by 5-8%/y over the next few years and total 235,000 tonnes in 2010. China Chemical Reporter, 6 Jun 2005, 16 (16), 14
Supported catalyst for aliphatic polycarbonates Guangzhou Chemical Co Ltd has been awarded a US patent for a supported catalyst for making polyalkyl carbonates from epoxides and carbon dioxide. The polymers could have widespread application in low temperature oxygen insulating films, biodegradable plastics, elastomers, coatings, and adhesives. The polymers are biodegradable. China Chemical Reporter, 16 May 2005, 16 (14), 14
AUGUST 2005
ON
C ATA LY S T S
DuPont, CMR roll out novel fuel cell technologies Both DuPont and CMR Fuel Cells (UK) have announced separate developments in the technology required to produce high-performance direct methanol fuel cells. CMR has produces a fuel cell that is just 10% of the standard size of those currently available, at 20% of the cost. The new cells run for 4-times as along as conventional batteries and are instantly rechargeable with methanol. DuPont’s Gen IV technology features membrane electrode assemblies, which enhance performance of fuel cells powered directly with methanol, delivering 20% more power and twice the runtime. Chemical Week, 15 Jun 2005, 167 (20) (Website: http://www.chemweek.com)
Carbon-fibre-based catalyst reduces Pt demand in PMFCs A research group at Kyushu University Graduate School has developed a carbon-fibre-based catalyst for PEMFC electrodes which uses only half as much platinum as conventional fuel cells. The essence of this invention is to treat the surfaces of the carbon fibres so that the particles of platinum which are deposited on them are prevented from associating with each other. Japan Chemical Week, 16 Jun 2005, 46 (2322), 2
Ethanol from starch in one step This process usually has three steps – two to make glucose, followed by one to make ethanol. Now, Bio-energy Corp (Osaka) has developed a onestep process using a bio-engineered yeast. The yield is 92% of the theoretical. Chemical Engineering (New York), Apr 2005, 112 (4), 19
Diversa and Valley Research launch new enzyme for more efficient ethanol production Diversa Corp and Valley Research Inc have announced the commercial launch of “Ultra-Thin” enzyme, a new product designed to significantly improve the efficiency and economics of ethanol production. Developed by Diversa and marketed under the
“Ultra-Thin” label by Valley Research, this new product operates at a higher temperature and a lower pH than other commercially available enzymes, which offers the potential for substantial cost savings. Press release from: Diversa Corp, 4955, Directors Place, San Diego, CA 92121-1609, USA. Tel: +1 858 526 5000. Fax: +1 858 526 5551. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.diversa.com ( 30 Jun 2005)
Genencor develops fuel ethanol production technology Danisco’s wholly owned US daughter company Genencor has developed a new enzyme technology for making fuel ethanol. The technology reduces production costs and on a large scale could pave the way for biorefineries. Dagbladet Borsen, 29 Jun 2005, 110 (122), 25 (in Danish) & 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 (28 Jun 2005)
Dutch produce ethanol from straw Researchers at Wageningen University have converted 25 kg wheat straw to ethanol in a 120-litre fermenter as part of a project funded by the Dutch authorities and involving ECN, TNO, ethanol producer Nedalco, lactic acid manufacturer Purac, and Shell Global Solutions. The researchers believe that industrial applications are feasible in the medium term. This is the first time that ethanol has been produced on this scale from woody biomass in The Netherlands. The production process consists of a physical-chemical treatment, followed by enzymic hydrolysis of the cellulose to sugars which are fermented to ethanol. Up until now bioethanol has been produced from high-value food crops such as cereals and maize. Waste products such as straw, waste wood, and grass are cheaper raw materials. Chemisch2Weekblad, 4 Jul 2005 (Website: http://www.c2w.nl/) (in Dutch)
Washing cleaner and greener Worldwide, the majority of detergents contain enzymes, with some detergent brands containing up to 5 different types in order to obtain a broad spectrum of cleaning and fabric
5
FOCUS care benefits. The detergent industry is continually looking to companies like Novozymes for the development of new enzymes. A table lists the most common classes of enzyme and their use in detergents: Proteases tackle stubborn protein stains such as blood, grass etc, and can operate at wash temperatures as low as 50°C; amylases remove residues of starchy foods such as mashed potatoes, baby food, ready-cooked meals and gravy; cellulases offer benefits such as colour brightening, whitening, softening, and fabric care; cellulases are capable of removing fuzz from cotton fabrics, making them look new for longer; and lipases which are capable of removing stains such as lipsticks, frying fats, butter etc, and the perspiration stains on collars and cuffs. BioTimes (Novozymes’ Enzyme e-zine), Jun 2005, (2), 2 (Novozymes A/S, Krogshoejvej 36, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark. Tel: +45 8824 9999. Fax: +45 8824 9998. Website: http://www.novozymes.com/biotimes)
ENVIRONMENT JM catalyst technology will cut emissions New catalyst technology which effects a 90% cut in emissions of nitric oxide during the production of nitric acid and caprolactam has been commercialised by Johnson Matthey under the Amoxid-Hybrid trade name. By 2008, the European Union is expected to introduce environmental regulations which will limit the emissions of nitric oxide. European Chemical News, 20 Jun 2005, 82 (2152), 34
Stillwater amends auto catalyst sourcing agreement Stillwater Mining Co (Stillwater) has amended its long-term auto catalyst sourcing agreement with Power Mount Inc of Somerset, KY. Stillwater believes that this new agreement will further enhance its competitiveness while endeavouring to aggressively further grow its share of the catalyst reclaim market. Under the amended agreement, Stillwater will purchase increased quantities of auto catalysts from Power Mount for recycling. These materials will be processed
6
ON
C ATA LY S T S
along with mine production in Stillwater’s state of the art smelting and refining complex located conveniently next to Interstate Highway I-90 in Columbus, MT. Press release from: Stillwater Mining Co, 536, East Pike Avenue, PO Box 1330, Columbus, MT 59019, USA. Tel: +1 406 322 8700. Fax: +1 406 322 9985. Website: http://www.stillwatermining.com (9 Jun 2005)
Kemira 2004: environmental business Kemira’s sales of environment-related products and services totalled €653 M in 2004. Growth of 5% over the previous year was achieved in the continuing businesses, due both to acquisitions and organic growth. These more than exceeded the reduction resulting from the divestment of the catalytic converter business. The Formics business unit of Industrial Chemicals developed and commercialised Denoxium, an environmentally benign alternative for urea-water solutions used in SCR systems for heavy diesel exhaust gases. Kemira Annual Report 2004, 8 Feb 2005, 29,33 (Kemira Group, Porkkalankatu 3, PO Box 330, 00101 Helsinki, Finland. Tel: +358 10 8611. Fax: + 358 10 862 1119. Website: http://www.kemira.com)
Engelhard catalyst mobilised for diesel-emission control Engelhard Corp’s platinum/palladium (Pt/Pd) diesel oxidation catalyst that replaces one-third of the Pt with Pd will be launched by two European automakers in serial production on new Euro IV model platforms. The technology allows cars burning lowsulfur diesel fuel to comply with Euro IV regulations and reduce metal costs for manufacturers. Cars, before being approved for sale in the European Union, must meet the Euro IV standards for emissions requiring less than 25 mg/km of particulate matter and less than 0.25 g/km of nitrogen oxides. The technology has been perfected by several companies for many years but Engelhard Corp’s platform was the first to reach the end-users. Each vehicle has Engelhard’s threecatalyst emission control system. The company intends to apply the technologies to other dieselemission control applications. Another series of fuel-exhaust
standards for diesel cars, known as Euro V, are being discussed and are expected to reduce emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides to 2.5 mg/km and 0.08 g/k, respectively. Chemical Engineering Progress, Jun 2005, 101 (6), 12
Met-Pro Corp’s Systems Division receives equipment order totalling >$1.1 M Met-Pro Corp announced that the company’s Systems Division, in Kulpsville, PA, has received an order to supply three catalytic oxidizers for installation at a major pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in North America. The value of this order is in excess of $1.1 M and the equipment is expected to be shipped before Jan 2006. The catalytic oxidizers will use specially selected catalysts to achieve high destruction and removal efficiencies of volatile organic compounds from three streams of exhaust totalling 14,000 standard cu ft/minute. Proprietary Systems Division software will be utilized for the oxidizer’s control system. Met-Pro will design, manufacture, and start up all three catalytic oxidizer systems. The Systems Division was selected to provide this equipment based on their extensive catalytic oxidizer experience in pharmaceutical and other industrial applications as well as a strong customer relationship developed while providing the same customer with similar systems in the past. Met-Pro Corp manufactures and sells product recovery and pollution control equipment for purification of air and liquids and fluid handling equipment for corrosive, abrasive and high temperature liquids. Press release from: Met-Pro Corp, 160, Cassell Road, PO Box 144, Harleysville, PA 19438, USA. Tel: +1 215 723 6751. Fax: +1 215 723 6758. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.met-pro.com (14 Jun 2005)
ESW diesel catalyst approved for application on European OEM utility vehicle Environmental Solutions Worldwide Inc (ESW) announced that its proprietary high-performance Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) has been
AUGUST 2005