CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT
PRNewswire | May 16, 2023
Global technology and software company Emerson has been chosen by Syzygy Plasmonics to automate its innovative catalyst reactor technology that uses light instead of thermal energy, such as heat generated from burning fossil fuels, for chemical manufacturing. The all-electric production method is designed to replace fossil fuel-based combustion, helping reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs while advancing global sustainability goals. Syzygy estimates its reactor systems could eliminate 1 gigaton of CO2 emissions by 2040.
The Syzygy catalyst reactor technology will advance decarbonization in a cost-effective way by electrifying carbon-intensive activities such as chemical manufacturing and reducing the carbon intensity of hydrogen, methanol and fuel production. Rather than rely on thermal energy, the Syzygy reactor harnesses the power of light to energize chemical reactions and reduce the carbon footprint in transportation fuels.
"We are excited to advance this opportunity with Emerson not only for its automation technologies and software but also its sustainability leadership and domain expertise in chemical engineering, electrification and hydrogen production," said Syzygy Chief Executive Officer Trevor Best. "As we expand beyond traditional paradigms of reactor technology and launch a new way to electrify chemical manufacturing, we wanted a technology partner who can help us scale our technology efficiently, safely and reliably."
"Emerson is excited to collaborate with Syzygy Plasmonics on such promising technology that could have a significant impact on industries that are some of the most challenging to decarbonize," said Peter Zornio, chief technology officer at Emerson. "This aligns with Emerson's culture of innovation that takes on our customers' biggest challenges."
Syzygy has developed, scaled and integrated its core technologies, incubated at Rice University, into a universal photocatalytic reactor platform, which includes the Rigel™ photoreactor and the proprietary photocatalyst that enables light-driven chemical reactions at unprecedented efficiency.
For the Syzygy modular reactors, Emerson will provide hardware, software and services, including its DeltaV™ distributed control system, industrial software for process simulation and data analytics; Rosemount instrumentation to measure pressure, temperature, level and flow; and Fisher™ valves to control pressure and improve safety.
Syzygy has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation and investments from Aramco Ventures, BP, Chevron Technology Ventures, Equinor Ventures, EVOK Innovations, Goose Capital, Horizons Ventures, LOTTE Chemical, LOTTE Fine Chemical, Pan American Energy, Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, The Engine and Toyota Ventures.
Syzygy has three field trials planned for 2023. Leading global partners are driving strong market interest with trials located in North Carolina, California and South Korea.
About Syzygy
Syzygy Plasmonics is a deep-decarbonization company. It builds reactors that use light instead of combustion to electrify chemical manufacturing and power a cleaner, safer world. Utilizing technology licensed from Rice University and advanced engineering, Syzygy is commercializing a universal photocatalytic reactor platform. When powered with renewable electricity, this tunable technology is designed to reduce both cost and emissions from many different chemical reactions.
Read More
CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT, PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Businesswire | May 04, 2023
Global chemical company OQ Chemicals has successfully started up its new pilot plant for esters in Oberhausen, Germany. This state-of-the-art test facility enables the company to manufacture small quantities of esters that are tailored to customer needs for test purposes. The new products can later be produced on a large scale at OQ Chemicals’ industrial plants. The pilot plant is part of OQ Chemicals’ investment in research and development and strengthens the company’s position as an innovation leader in the field of Oxo Performance Chemicals. Esters are indispensable additives in many applications, especially in the plastics and lubricants industries for the field of electromobility.
“In our pilot plant, we manufacture esters according to specific customer requirements to achieve the desired chemical and physical properties. Many customers require pilot quantities of more than 20 kg for their approval processes. The pilot plant fills the gap between laboratory and large-scale production,” explained Dr. Claudia Fischer, Director of Global Business Development at OQ Chemicals. “Esters are used in a wide variety of applications, including electromobility, due to the ester’s high thermal stability, lubricity, oxidation resistance, and environmental friendliness. The new plant will also produce pilot quantities of chemical cleaning agents.”
Dr. Christoph Balzarek, EVP Corporate Development, Sustainability & Innovation of OQ Chemicals, thanked the production and engineering teams for their support in planning and construction of the test facility and emphasized, “With our new pilot plant, we can offer customers innovative solutions that are specifically tailored to their requirements. We are leveraging our production knowledge as one of the world’s largest manufacturers of Oxo Performance Chemicals and continuing to invest in research and development to create added value for our customers. This enables us to respond quickly and flexibly to changing market needs and deliver newly developed ester products through our global production platform. OQ Chemicals is not only a reliable partner and manufacturer for its customers in the chemical industry, but also continuously works on new processes and products.”
About OQ Chemicals
OQ Chemicals is a global manufacturer of Oxo Intermediates and Oxo Performance Chemicals such as alcohols, polyols, carboxylic acids, specialty esters, and amines. These are used to produce high-quality coatings, lubricants, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, flavors and fragrances, printing inks, and plastics. OQ Chemicals employs more than 1,400 people worldwide and markets its chemicals in more than 60 countries.
Read More
CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT, PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Prnewswire | April 21, 2023
Lummus Technology, a global provider of process technologies and value-driven energy solutions, announced the startup of Shenghong Refining & Chemical Co., Ltd.'s 2,800 kMTA paraxylene unit. The grassroots unit, which is the world's largest double reslurry paraxylene crystallization unit, is part of Shenghong's refining and petrochemical integrated project in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, China.
"We are grateful for Shenghong Refining & Chemical Co.'s continued confidence in Lummus and for their close partnership throughout this project, "said Leon de Bruyn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lummus Technology. "Designing and starting up a unit of this size and scale requires innovation, and a commitment to excellence and collaboration. This milestone will allow our customer to produce paraxylene using technology that is energy efficient, offers lower capital and operating costs, and enhances reliability and optimization."
In 2017, Lummus executed an agreement with Shenghong Refining & Chemical Co. to provide the paraxylene technology license, process design services and operator training and startup services. In addition, Chevron Lummus Global (CLG) has provided multiple hydrocracking technologies, plus hydrotreating and delayed coking technologies for Shenghong at the same complex.
Lummus is the exclusive worldwide licensor of INEOS Aromatics' paraxylene technology, a unique process employing stage crystallization for paraxylene recovery. The technology uses a novel crystallization step and other features that leads to energy efficiency and low capital and operating costs. Paraxylene is an intermediate in the manufacturing of polyester, a polymer used for a variety of applications, from fibers to engineering plastics.
About Lummus Technology
Lummus Technology is the global leader in developing technology solutions that make modern life possible and focus on a more sustainable, low carbon future. We license process technologies in clean fuels, renewables, petrochemicals, polymers, gas processing and supply lifecycle services, catalysts, proprietary equipment and digitalization to customers worldwide.
Read More