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Sampling Sulfuric Acid

BIAR SAMPLING SYSTEMS | May 6, 2021 | 3 views

While grab sampling in an industrial setting may represent a tiny fraction of a plant’s overall activities, its importance cannot be underestimated. Unfortunately, sometimes the focus on sampling improvements only becomes critical after an incident, an accident or equipment failure. Sampling is an integral part of the manufacturing process, and a safe and reliable sampling regime can improve:
Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Sample Quality, A plant’s bottom line. 

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Cordial Adhesives

Cordial is an internationally leading manufacturer of industrial adhesives for paper and board applications. From our Winschoten head office in the North of the Netherlands a dedicated and professional team of 40 people works together to offer you tailor made adhesive products. Worldwide, Cordial supplies over 60K tons of adhesives to companies in the paper and board industries. Quality adhesives are essential for the success of these industries.

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CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT

Organic Catalyst Boasts Big Benefits

Article | June 3, 2021

An enzyme-mimicking catalyst opens a new route to important organic molecules such as glycolic acid and amino acids from pyruvate, report researchers in Japan. Moreover, the new catalyst is cheaper, more stable, safer and more environmentally friendly than conventional metal catalysts used in industry, they note, adding that it also displays the high enantioselectivity required by the pharmaceutical industry. “On top of these advantages, our newly developed organic catalyst system also promotes reactions using pyruvate that aren’t easily achievable using metal catalysts,” says Santanu Mondal, a PhD candidate in the chemistry and chemical bioengineering unit at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan, and lead author of a study recently published in Organic Letters. “Organic catalysts, in particular, are set to revolutionize the industry and make chemistry more sustainable,” he stresses. The researchers use an acid and an amine mixture to force the pyruvate to act as an electron donor rather than its usual role as an electron receiver (Figure 1). Effectively mimicking how enzymes work, the amine binds to the pyruvate to make an intermediate molecule. The organic acid then covers up part of the intermediate molecule while leaving another part that can donate electrons free to react to form a new product. Currently, the organic catalyst system only works when reacting pyruvate with a specific class of organic molecule called cyclic imines. So, the researchers now are looking to develop a more-universal catalyst, i.e., one that can speed up reactions between pyruvate and a broad range of organic molecules. The challenge here is to try to make the electron-donating intermediate stage of pyruvate react with other functional groups such as aldehydes and ketones. However, different catalysts create different intermediates, all with different properties. For example, the enamine intermediate created by the researchers’ new reaction only reacts with cyclic imines. Their hypothesis, currently being investigated, is that creation of other intermediates such as an enolate, if possible, would achieve a broader pyruvate reactivity. In terms of cost, the researchers note that a palladium catalyst used in similar reactions is 25 times more expensive than their organic acid — which also is made from eco-friendly quinine. In addition, they believe scale-up of the process for industrial use definitely is possible. However, the researchers caution that the current amine-to-acid-catalyst loading ratio of 1:2 probably would need to be optimized for better results at a larger scale.

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CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT

Transporting biological and chemical materials - what you need to know

Article | June 15, 2021

The landscape of biological and chemical logistics has changed rapidly - as have the regulatory frameworks around it. What has not necessarily kept pace is the end-user understanding of the nature of these logistical processes, their opportunities and their constraints. Twenty years ago, the transmission of biological and chemical materials was limited to a small range of organisations: usually national and international research companies, hospitals, major university departments, police and military departments with forensic responsibilities.

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CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT

Setting record straight on testing harm in chemicals

Article | July 22, 2021

The modern world is built on chemicals, be it the medicines we use, or cleaning fluids, crop protection products, or the raw materials for everything from laptops and mobile phones to clothes and furniture. Across all, we have created an entire modern society with chemicals, and, as a result, constantly stretched the size of the world population we can feed, clothe and shelter. Yet, balancing all the gains from the modern chemistry around us against any negative environmental and human impact has been a rising concern, making for ever greater focus on testing and on risk assessment.

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Why chemical characterization is the best way to assess patient risk

Article | February 11, 2020

Everyone is very familiar with the phrase when buying a house: All that really matters are three things - location, location, and location. This same principle applies to extractables and leachables chemistry analysis – the three things that truly matter are identification, identification, and identification. The greatest growth in the past ten years in demonstrating the safety of medical devices and container closure systems for drugs has been using analytical chemistry to determine what chemicals can leach from the device and what the patient is exposed to during its intended use.

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CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT

Boom in petrochemicals demand guaranteed but we must grow sustainably

Article | June 3, 2021

An enzyme-mimicking catalyst opens a new route to important organic molecules such as glycolic acid and amino acids from pyruvate, report researchers in Japan. Moreover, the new catalyst is cheaper, more stable, safer and more environmentally friendly than conventional metal catalysts used in industry, they note, adding that it also displays the high enantioselectivity required by the pharmaceutical industry. “On top of these advantages, our newly developed organic catalyst system also promotes reactions using pyruvate that aren’t easily achievable using metal catalysts,” says Santanu Mondal, a PhD candidate in the chemistry and chemical bioengineering unit at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan, and lead author of a study recently published in Organic Letters. “Organic catalysts, in particular, are set to revolutionize the industry and make chemistry more sustainable,” he stresses. The researchers use an acid and an amine mixture to force the pyruvate to act as an electron donor rather than its usual role as an electron receiver (Figure 1). Effectively mimicking how enzymes work, the amine binds to the pyruvate to make an intermediate molecule. The organic acid then covers up part of the intermediate molecule while leaving another part that can donate electrons free to react to form a new product. Currently, the organic catalyst system only works when reacting pyruvate with a specific class of organic molecule called cyclic imines. So, the researchers now are looking to develop a more-universal catalyst, i.e., one that can speed up reactions between pyruvate and a broad range of organic molecules. The challenge here is to try to make the electron-donating intermediate stage of pyruvate react with other functional groups such as aldehydes and ketones. However, different catalysts create different intermediates, all with different properties. For example, the enamine intermediate created by the researchers’ new reaction only reacts with cyclic imines. Their hypothesis, currently being investigated, is that creation of other intermediates such as an enolate, if possible, would achieve a broader pyruvate reactivity. In terms of cost, the researchers note that a palladium catalyst used in similar reactions is 25 times more expensive than their organic acid — which also is made from eco-friendly quinine. In addition, they believe scale-up of the process for industrial use definitely is possible. However, the researchers caution that the current amine-to-acid-catalyst loading ratio of 1:2 probably would need to be optimized for better results at a larger scale.

Read More
CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT

Global polyethylene demand boom likely, increasing the sustainability challenge

Article | June 15, 2021

The landscape of biological and chemical logistics has changed rapidly - as have the regulatory frameworks around it. What has not necessarily kept pace is the end-user understanding of the nature of these logistical processes, their opportunities and their constraints. Twenty years ago, the transmission of biological and chemical materials was limited to a small range of organisations: usually national and international research companies, hospitals, major university departments, police and military departments with forensic responsibilities.

Read More
CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT

Pandemic’s third wave seems unlikely to damage global petrochemicals demand

Article | July 22, 2021

The modern world is built on chemicals, be it the medicines we use, or cleaning fluids, crop protection products, or the raw materials for everything from laptops and mobile phones to clothes and furniture. Across all, we have created an entire modern society with chemicals, and, as a result, constantly stretched the size of the world population we can feed, clothe and shelter. Yet, balancing all the gains from the modern chemistry around us against any negative environmental and human impact has been a rising concern, making for ever greater focus on testing and on risk assessment.

Read More

Why chemical characterization is the best way to assess patient risk

Article | February 11, 2020

Everyone is very familiar with the phrase when buying a house: All that really matters are three things - location, location, and location. This same principle applies to extractables and leachables chemistry analysis – the three things that truly matter are identification, identification, and identification. The greatest growth in the past ten years in demonstrating the safety of medical devices and container closure systems for drugs has been using analytical chemistry to determine what chemicals can leach from the device and what the patient is exposed to during its intended use.

Read More
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Spotlight

Cordial Adhesives

Cordial is an internationally leading manufacturer of industrial adhesives for paper and board applications. From our Winschoten head office in the North of the Netherlands a dedicated and professional team of 40 people works together to offer you tailor made adhesive products. Worldwide, Cordial supplies over 60K tons of adhesives to companies in the paper and board industries. Quality adhesives are essential for the success of these industries.

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CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY

Hydrogen partnership to advance new pilot facility with CleanBC support

FortisBC | July 05, 2022

The move towards more low carbon gases in B.C. continues as a new pilot project in Port Moody will produce zero-carbon hydrogen. A partnership between FortisBC Energy Inc. Suncor Energy and Hazer Group Limited will bring a groundbreaking new technology to the province to produce clean burning hydrogen from natural gas. Using an innovative methane pyrolysis technology for the first time in North America, the project, located at Suncor's Burrard Terminal site, would produce hydrogen while storing the carbon byproduct as solid synthetic graphite that can be sold on the open market for manufacturing or industrial use. If the pilot continues as a full commercial build out, the project would be expected to produce up to 2,500 tonnes of hydrogen per year. This equates to roughly 300,000 gigajoules of clean-burning gas energy that can replace the equivalent annual natural gas usage of approximately 3,300 B.C. households. "FortisBC is transforming BC's energy future. While we are in the early stages of an exciting energy transformation with this hydrogen project, innovative partnerships like this will help accelerate that change. Renewable and low carbon gases, like hydrogen, are instrumental in reducing greenhouse gas emissions effectively and affordably while ensuring we have a resilient and diversified energy system for British Columbians," Roger Dall'Antonia, president and CEO of FortisBC Hydrogen is a unique gas energy as it produces no carbon dioxide when burned. It can be produced in a number of ways, including through electrolysis (separating hydrogen from water using electricity) or through separating it from natural gas. Hydrogen generated from natural gas with the carbon byproduct being captured as solid carbon is referred to as "turquoise" hydrogen and has far lower and more easily managed lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with it. "Innovative technologies such as the Hazer Process offer enormous potential to create new economic opportunities while supporting the de-carbonization objectives of FortisBC and the province. We are delighted to work with FortisBC, Suncor and the government of B.C. on this innovative project which will be a world-leading example of the application of methane pyrolysis," said Geoff Ward, CEO and managing director of Hazer. The project is being funded directly from the partner companies and by the provincial government's CleanBC Industry Fund. The Fund supports projects that can advance innovative solutions for industry greenhouse gas emissions, like renewable and low carbon gases. The provincial government has placed clear emphasis on the importance of hydrogen in the province, releasing the provincial hydrogen strategy in 2021 and establishing the B.C. Hydrogen Office to assist the rapid advancement of hydrogen projects. "Hydrogen is critical to our transition to a cleaner, low-carbon energy system. We are supporting innovation like the Hazer Process with B.C. Hydrogen Strategy and CleanBC," said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. "The Hazer Process is helping us achieve our climate goals while supporting good-paying jobs for British Columbians". The addition of hydrogen to FortisBC's renewable and low carbon gas supply is critical to the company's ongoing efforts to decarbonize the gas system. Ongoing research is being conducted, both through this project and in conjunction with the University of British Columbia-Okanagan, on how to blend hydrogen into the existing gas infrastructure. A recent study commissioned by the provincial government, FortisBC and the BC Bioenergy Network found that the potential for hydrogen production in the province could exceed 200 petajoules by 2050 – roughly enough gas to completely replace current natural gas volumes. "Hydrogen has the potential be a significant part of the future energy mix and is a key part of Suncor's strategy to be a net zero GHG emissions company by 2050," said Kris Smith, executive vice president Downstream, Suncor. "We appreciate the B.C. government's support for the development work on this project. And we look forward to continuing to work together on this project that, if sanctioned, will bring low carbon intensity hydrogen supply to the Greater Vancouver Area." The first phase of the project is now underway including front-end engineering, design studies and permitting applications. By the end of 2023, a prototype version of the Hazer hydrogen reactor is expected to be constructed onsite at the Burrard location for testing. ABOUT FORTISBC ENERGY INC. FortisBC Energy Inc. is a regulated utility focused on providing safe and reliable energy, including natural gas, Renewable Natural Gas and propane. FortisBC Energy Inc. employs more than 2,000 British Columbians and serves approximately 1,054,097 customers across British Columbia. FortisBC Energy Inc. owns and operates approximately 50,182 kilometres of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. FortisBC Energy Inc. is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. FortisBC Energy Inc. uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. ABOUT SUNCOR ENERGY INC. Suncor Energy is Canada's leading integrated energy company. Suncor's operations include oil sands development and upgrading, offshore oil and gas, petroleum refining in Canada and the U.S., and the company's Petro-Canada retail and wholesale distribution networks including Canada's Electric Highway, a coast-to-coast network of fast-charging EV stations. Suncor is developing petroleum resources while advancing the transition to a low-emissions future through investment in power, renewable fuels and hydrogen. Suncor also conducts energy trading activities focused principally on the marketing and trading of crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products and power. Suncor has been recognized for its performance and transparent reporting on the Dow Jones Sustainability index, FTSE4Good and CDP. Suncor is also listed on the UN Global Compact 100 stock index. Suncor's common shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE. ABOUT HAZER GROUP LIMITED Hazer Group Limited is an ASX-listed technology development company undertaking the commercialisation of the Hazer Process, a low-emission hydrogen and graphite production process. The Hazer Process enables the effective conversion of natural gas and similar methane feedstocks, into hydrogen and high-quality graphite, using iron ore as a process catalyst.

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CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT

Oberon Fuels Joins International Trade Associations

Oberon Fuels | July 01, 2022

Oberon Fuels a maker of products that reduce greenhouse gas emissions of major energy sectors, has joined both the World Biogas Association and Liquid Gas Europe as Oberon continues to build upon its work in Europe and around the world. Oberon has developed a straightforward ‘here-now’ way to slash the CO2 emissions of the global Liquefied Petroleum Gas industry through the production of renewable dimethyl ether. Because rDME can be stored, transported and dispensed using existing LPG vehicles and equipment, it can be readily blended with fossil LPG to reduce carbon emissions by up to 60 percent. The intersection between rDME made from biogas and the LPG industry is a key reason for Oberon to join these trade associations. The EU consumes about 48 billion liters of LPG per year, of which an estimated 3.8 billion liters (1 billion gallons) are imported from Russia. Oberon Fuels can enable European countries to produce fuels from local renewable biomass with no indirect land use impacts while reducing the need to import foreign energy resources. To help meet the goals of the EU Green Deal, the EU market is ready for new approaches to decarbonizing a range of major uses including transport, heating and agriculture. Oberon’s interest in expanding into Europe and other global markets is intended to accelerate commercial adoption of rDME with near-term market trials leading to deployment of multiple commercial-scale production plants. Oberon already has strategic collaborations with leaders around the world including Suburban Propane (US) and South America-based Lipigas. Oberon executives were in Switzerland recently presenting at the International DME Association’s annual event, and company CEO Rebecca Boudreaux, Ph.D., spoke earlier today at the European Liquid Gas Congress event in Barcelona. About Oberon Fuels California-based Oberon Fuels is on a mission to decarbonize the fuel and energy sectors through the commercialization of renewable dimethyl ether. Oberon’s low or carbon-negative rDME can reduce the carbon intensity of propane by up to 60 percent when blended, offering potential reductions in global CO2 of 750 million metric tons per year. rDME’s characteristics also makes it a compelling means for transporting hydrogen for its myriad, fast-growing applications.

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CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY

Inter Pipeline Successfully Commissions Heartland Polypropylene Facility

Inter Pipeline Ltd. | July 06, 2022

Inter Pipeline Ltd. announced it has successfully commissioned its polypropylene plant and has begun initial production. Branded Heartland Polymers the operation is the only one of its kind in North America, offering the market one of only two new sources of PP in over a decade. Due to its unique location, modern design and technology and transport optionality, Heartland is expected to be one of the most sustainably produced, reliable options in the industry. "A safe commissioning of our polypropylene plant is a crucial step towards commercial production of Heartland Polymers. The PP Plant has been producing pellets since late June with polymer grade propylene from our storage cavern. The entire Heartland Complex remains on schedule for an integrated start-up in the third quarter of this year, at which point Heartland will begin commercial production." Jim Madro, Senior Vice President, Petrochemicals Construction of the Heartland Petrochemical Complex began in early 2018, and it is expected to convert locally sourced, low-cost propane into 525,000 tonnes per year of PP, a high value, multi-use plastic that is easily transported and can be recycled. This polymer is used in the manufacturing of a range of finished products such as food packaging, textiles, healthcare products and medical supplies. Once fully in-service Heartland is expected to create a step change in annual cash flow generation for Inter Pipeline, with approximately 70 per cent of the output contracted on a nine-year weighted average. Industry Leading Reliability The PP plant was commissioned using PGP feedstock from a cavern at Inter Pipeline's Redwater Olefinic Fractionator. The primary source of feedstock will be an on-site PDH plant, where propane will be turned into PGP. The propane dehydrogenation (PDH) plant is expected to enter integrated service with the PP plant in the third quarter of this year, making it the first integrated complex of its kind in North America. The optionality of both the storage cavern and direct on-site PGP production ensures exceptional reliability for customers. Heartland Sustainability Deliberate design and technology choices paired with local feedstock means Heartland is expected to generate 65 per cent less greenhouse gas than average global PP facilities around the world. Due to its integrated nature, the Complex is designed to utilize by-products ethane and hydrogen to fuel power production in the cogeneration unit (CUB) to make up approximately 32 per cent of the operation's total fuel usage, reducing the total carbon footprint by approximately 130,000 tonnes annually. Additionally, the design choice to utilize air cooling instead of water cooling in the operation has a significant impact on the amount of water used at Heartland. When fully in service, the Complex is expected to utilize 80 per cent less make-up water than water cooled operations. About Inter Pipeline Ltd. Inter Pipeline is a major petroleum transportation and natural gas liquids processing business based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Inter Pipeline owns and operates energy infrastructure assets in Western Canada including the Heartland Petrochemical Complex.

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CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY

Hydrogen partnership to advance new pilot facility with CleanBC support

FortisBC | July 05, 2022

The move towards more low carbon gases in B.C. continues as a new pilot project in Port Moody will produce zero-carbon hydrogen. A partnership between FortisBC Energy Inc. Suncor Energy and Hazer Group Limited will bring a groundbreaking new technology to the province to produce clean burning hydrogen from natural gas. Using an innovative methane pyrolysis technology for the first time in North America, the project, located at Suncor's Burrard Terminal site, would produce hydrogen while storing the carbon byproduct as solid synthetic graphite that can be sold on the open market for manufacturing or industrial use. If the pilot continues as a full commercial build out, the project would be expected to produce up to 2,500 tonnes of hydrogen per year. This equates to roughly 300,000 gigajoules of clean-burning gas energy that can replace the equivalent annual natural gas usage of approximately 3,300 B.C. households. "FortisBC is transforming BC's energy future. While we are in the early stages of an exciting energy transformation with this hydrogen project, innovative partnerships like this will help accelerate that change. Renewable and low carbon gases, like hydrogen, are instrumental in reducing greenhouse gas emissions effectively and affordably while ensuring we have a resilient and diversified energy system for British Columbians," Roger Dall'Antonia, president and CEO of FortisBC Hydrogen is a unique gas energy as it produces no carbon dioxide when burned. It can be produced in a number of ways, including through electrolysis (separating hydrogen from water using electricity) or through separating it from natural gas. Hydrogen generated from natural gas with the carbon byproduct being captured as solid carbon is referred to as "turquoise" hydrogen and has far lower and more easily managed lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with it. "Innovative technologies such as the Hazer Process offer enormous potential to create new economic opportunities while supporting the de-carbonization objectives of FortisBC and the province. We are delighted to work with FortisBC, Suncor and the government of B.C. on this innovative project which will be a world-leading example of the application of methane pyrolysis," said Geoff Ward, CEO and managing director of Hazer. The project is being funded directly from the partner companies and by the provincial government's CleanBC Industry Fund. The Fund supports projects that can advance innovative solutions for industry greenhouse gas emissions, like renewable and low carbon gases. The provincial government has placed clear emphasis on the importance of hydrogen in the province, releasing the provincial hydrogen strategy in 2021 and establishing the B.C. Hydrogen Office to assist the rapid advancement of hydrogen projects. "Hydrogen is critical to our transition to a cleaner, low-carbon energy system. We are supporting innovation like the Hazer Process with B.C. Hydrogen Strategy and CleanBC," said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. "The Hazer Process is helping us achieve our climate goals while supporting good-paying jobs for British Columbians". The addition of hydrogen to FortisBC's renewable and low carbon gas supply is critical to the company's ongoing efforts to decarbonize the gas system. Ongoing research is being conducted, both through this project and in conjunction with the University of British Columbia-Okanagan, on how to blend hydrogen into the existing gas infrastructure. A recent study commissioned by the provincial government, FortisBC and the BC Bioenergy Network found that the potential for hydrogen production in the province could exceed 200 petajoules by 2050 – roughly enough gas to completely replace current natural gas volumes. "Hydrogen has the potential be a significant part of the future energy mix and is a key part of Suncor's strategy to be a net zero GHG emissions company by 2050," said Kris Smith, executive vice president Downstream, Suncor. "We appreciate the B.C. government's support for the development work on this project. And we look forward to continuing to work together on this project that, if sanctioned, will bring low carbon intensity hydrogen supply to the Greater Vancouver Area." The first phase of the project is now underway including front-end engineering, design studies and permitting applications. By the end of 2023, a prototype version of the Hazer hydrogen reactor is expected to be constructed onsite at the Burrard location for testing. ABOUT FORTISBC ENERGY INC. FortisBC Energy Inc. is a regulated utility focused on providing safe and reliable energy, including natural gas, Renewable Natural Gas and propane. FortisBC Energy Inc. employs more than 2,000 British Columbians and serves approximately 1,054,097 customers across British Columbia. FortisBC Energy Inc. owns and operates approximately 50,182 kilometres of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. FortisBC Energy Inc. is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. FortisBC Energy Inc. uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. ABOUT SUNCOR ENERGY INC. Suncor Energy is Canada's leading integrated energy company. Suncor's operations include oil sands development and upgrading, offshore oil and gas, petroleum refining in Canada and the U.S., and the company's Petro-Canada retail and wholesale distribution networks including Canada's Electric Highway, a coast-to-coast network of fast-charging EV stations. Suncor is developing petroleum resources while advancing the transition to a low-emissions future through investment in power, renewable fuels and hydrogen. Suncor also conducts energy trading activities focused principally on the marketing and trading of crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products and power. Suncor has been recognized for its performance and transparent reporting on the Dow Jones Sustainability index, FTSE4Good and CDP. Suncor is also listed on the UN Global Compact 100 stock index. Suncor's common shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE. ABOUT HAZER GROUP LIMITED Hazer Group Limited is an ASX-listed technology development company undertaking the commercialisation of the Hazer Process, a low-emission hydrogen and graphite production process. The Hazer Process enables the effective conversion of natural gas and similar methane feedstocks, into hydrogen and high-quality graphite, using iron ore as a process catalyst.

Read More

CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT

Oberon Fuels Joins International Trade Associations

Oberon Fuels | July 01, 2022

Oberon Fuels a maker of products that reduce greenhouse gas emissions of major energy sectors, has joined both the World Biogas Association and Liquid Gas Europe as Oberon continues to build upon its work in Europe and around the world. Oberon has developed a straightforward ‘here-now’ way to slash the CO2 emissions of the global Liquefied Petroleum Gas industry through the production of renewable dimethyl ether. Because rDME can be stored, transported and dispensed using existing LPG vehicles and equipment, it can be readily blended with fossil LPG to reduce carbon emissions by up to 60 percent. The intersection between rDME made from biogas and the LPG industry is a key reason for Oberon to join these trade associations. The EU consumes about 48 billion liters of LPG per year, of which an estimated 3.8 billion liters (1 billion gallons) are imported from Russia. Oberon Fuels can enable European countries to produce fuels from local renewable biomass with no indirect land use impacts while reducing the need to import foreign energy resources. To help meet the goals of the EU Green Deal, the EU market is ready for new approaches to decarbonizing a range of major uses including transport, heating and agriculture. Oberon’s interest in expanding into Europe and other global markets is intended to accelerate commercial adoption of rDME with near-term market trials leading to deployment of multiple commercial-scale production plants. Oberon already has strategic collaborations with leaders around the world including Suburban Propane (US) and South America-based Lipigas. Oberon executives were in Switzerland recently presenting at the International DME Association’s annual event, and company CEO Rebecca Boudreaux, Ph.D., spoke earlier today at the European Liquid Gas Congress event in Barcelona. About Oberon Fuels California-based Oberon Fuels is on a mission to decarbonize the fuel and energy sectors through the commercialization of renewable dimethyl ether. Oberon’s low or carbon-negative rDME can reduce the carbon intensity of propane by up to 60 percent when blended, offering potential reductions in global CO2 of 750 million metric tons per year. rDME’s characteristics also makes it a compelling means for transporting hydrogen for its myriad, fast-growing applications.

Read More

CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY

Inter Pipeline Successfully Commissions Heartland Polypropylene Facility

Inter Pipeline Ltd. | July 06, 2022

Inter Pipeline Ltd. announced it has successfully commissioned its polypropylene plant and has begun initial production. Branded Heartland Polymers the operation is the only one of its kind in North America, offering the market one of only two new sources of PP in over a decade. Due to its unique location, modern design and technology and transport optionality, Heartland is expected to be one of the most sustainably produced, reliable options in the industry. "A safe commissioning of our polypropylene plant is a crucial step towards commercial production of Heartland Polymers. The PP Plant has been producing pellets since late June with polymer grade propylene from our storage cavern. The entire Heartland Complex remains on schedule for an integrated start-up in the third quarter of this year, at which point Heartland will begin commercial production." Jim Madro, Senior Vice President, Petrochemicals Construction of the Heartland Petrochemical Complex began in early 2018, and it is expected to convert locally sourced, low-cost propane into 525,000 tonnes per year of PP, a high value, multi-use plastic that is easily transported and can be recycled. This polymer is used in the manufacturing of a range of finished products such as food packaging, textiles, healthcare products and medical supplies. Once fully in-service Heartland is expected to create a step change in annual cash flow generation for Inter Pipeline, with approximately 70 per cent of the output contracted on a nine-year weighted average. Industry Leading Reliability The PP plant was commissioned using PGP feedstock from a cavern at Inter Pipeline's Redwater Olefinic Fractionator. The primary source of feedstock will be an on-site PDH plant, where propane will be turned into PGP. The propane dehydrogenation (PDH) plant is expected to enter integrated service with the PP plant in the third quarter of this year, making it the first integrated complex of its kind in North America. The optionality of both the storage cavern and direct on-site PGP production ensures exceptional reliability for customers. Heartland Sustainability Deliberate design and technology choices paired with local feedstock means Heartland is expected to generate 65 per cent less greenhouse gas than average global PP facilities around the world. Due to its integrated nature, the Complex is designed to utilize by-products ethane and hydrogen to fuel power production in the cogeneration unit (CUB) to make up approximately 32 per cent of the operation's total fuel usage, reducing the total carbon footprint by approximately 130,000 tonnes annually. Additionally, the design choice to utilize air cooling instead of water cooling in the operation has a significant impact on the amount of water used at Heartland. When fully in service, the Complex is expected to utilize 80 per cent less make-up water than water cooled operations. About Inter Pipeline Ltd. Inter Pipeline is a major petroleum transportation and natural gas liquids processing business based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Inter Pipeline owns and operates energy infrastructure assets in Western Canada including the Heartland Petrochemical Complex.

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