Chemetry and TechnipFMC Announce Partnership to License Unprecedented eShuttle™ Technology
Deployment of Chemetry's technology platform is a significant step towards making the production of PO more sustainable
MOSS LANDING, Calif., Nov. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Chemetry, a company focused on developing lower energy technologies in the chemical space, and TechnipFMC, a global leader in the engineering and construction of onshore/offshore, subsea and surface projects, have signed an exclusive cooperation agreement for the licensing and engineering of Chemetry's eShuttle™ technology for the production of Propylene Oxide (PO). PO is a commodity chemical produced worldwide and used primarily in polyurethanes products, coatings, and personal care products. Compared to most commonly used processes, Chemetry's PO production technology significantly lowers energy use, reduces carbon footprint and capital expense, and nearly eliminates waste water generation.
The technology uses a unique metal halide ion process to produce high purity PO without generating harmful chlorine gas or large quantities of waste water. Compared to the chlorohydrin process, the eShuttle™ PO process uses 60% less electrical power and has no waste water effluent to treat. The anticipated capital cost for the eShuttle™ process is approximately 25% less than the cost for a comparable world scale facility.
The agreement leverages Chemetry's expertise in electrolyzer design, electrochemistry, and catalysis with TechnipFMC's global strength in technology licensing, process scale-up, engineering and procurement. TechnipFMC's Process Technology center in Boston, Massachusetts, which has extensive first-of-a-kind technology development and engineering experience, will manage the agreement.
"Since its founding, Chemetry has been focused on redefining how chemicals are made. Our technologies lower energy requirements, reduce environmental impact, and provide for safer operations while at the same time improving margins," said Dr. Ryan Gilliam, Chemetry CEO. "Our first solution is for the production of EDC, and with our new process for PO, we are unveiling a platform with a lasting positive impact on the chemical industry and the environment overall."
The eShuttle™ PO technology consumes only electricity, propylene and oxygen, producing PO in a near zero discharge process. As with the company's EDC Process, by reusing portions of an existing plant's infrastructure and process, retrofits of existing PO plants are possible. In addition, the lower capital and operating expense offer the opportunity for smaller plants to be located near existing customers, further reducing the carbon footprint of the supply chain.
Stan Knez, President, TechnipFMC Process Technology, states: "TechnipFMC is pleased to work with Chemetry on this innovative project. Our strong technology, engineering and commercialization experience coupled with Chemetry's catalysis and electrochemistry expertise will enable us to provide customers with a complete technology and engineering package, a single point of interface and the highest quality standards. With the support of TechnipFMC's technical team in Boston, we look forward to bringing the technology forward to full commercialization."
About TechnipFMC
TechnipFMC is a global leader in subsea, onshore/offshore, and surface projects. With our proprietary technologies and production systems, integrated expertise, and comprehensive solutions, we are transforming our clients' project economics.
We are uniquely positioned to deliver greater efficiency across project lifecycles from concept to project delivery and beyond. Through innovative technologies and improved efficiencies, our offering unlocks new possibilities for our clients in developing their oil and gas resources.
Each of our more than 37,000 employees is driven by a steady commitment to clients and a culture of purposeful innovation, challenging industry conventions, and rethinking how the best results are achieved.
To learn more about us and how we are enhancing the performance of the world's energy industry, go to TechnipFMC.com and follow us on Twitter @TechnipFMC.
About Chemetry
Leveraging its world class laboratories and piloting facilities, Chemetry is focused on developing lower energy technologies in the chemical space. Supported by a diverse team of engineers, scientists and plant operators, the company maintains an active research and development program and holds over 50 patents in the chemical space.
SOURCE Chemetry
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