Search

The article discusses the importance of carbon neutrality in the specialty chemical industry in order to limit global warming. It emphasizes the need for a green and efficient transformation of energy sources, raw materials, and the structure of the sector. The article also highlights the sustainability goals of Solvay, a specialty chemicals company, and their efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. It further explores the role of catalysis in enabling sustainability and provides examples of how Solvay is achieving carbon neutrality through catalytic processes. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of collaboration between industry and academia to develop clean chemical processes. [Extracted from the article]

Modular chemical production is a tangible translation of the digital transformation of the process industry for specialty chemicals. In particular, it enables the speeding‐up of process development and, thus, a quicker time to market by flexibly connecting and orchestrating standardized physical modules and bringing them to life (i.e., parameterizing them) with digitally accumulated process knowledge. We focus on the specific challenges of chemical process and quality control, which in its current form is not well suited for modular production and provide possible approaches and examples of the change towards direct analytical methods, analytical model transfer or machine‐supported processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon neutrality in the chemical industry requires a green and efficient transformation of the sources of energy, raw materials and structure of the sector. Carbon neutrality by the mid-twenty-first century is essential in order to limit global warming to <=1.5°C, which is also laid down in the Paris Agreement signed by 196 countries including China, the European Union and the USA, etc. [[1]]. Science - an important lever to tackle sustainability in the specialty chemical industry. [Extracted from the article]

The authors discuss the importance of renewability, one of the principles of Green chemistry, of used feedstocks within the idea of Green chemistry. Topics mentioned include the significance of several principles related to the sustainable production of needed products, the use of renewable resources in the manufacture of chemicals, and correlation between renewability and sustainability.

[Display omitted] • Transition from batch to continuous production of dispersants is demonstrated. • Batch process is mass transport-limited by slow water evaporation. • Continuous process is equilibrium-limited due to lack of water removal. • Full product yield was recovered via continuous thin film evaporation of water. • Operational differences hence change the effective reaction kinetics. Specialty chemicals are typically produced in large-volume batch reactors characterized by straightforward operation but limited efficiency. Process intensification via transition from batch to continuous operation offers the prospect of strong improvements over current state-of-the-art in energy intensity, process safety, capital cost, and physical footprint. The present study investigated the production of two dispersants to demonstrate the viability of batch-to-continuous transition for the specialty chemicals industry: Succinate ester dispersants, formed in a one-step addition reaction, and succinimide dispersants, formed via a two-step reaction with water as by-product. While the ester process showed identical dispersant yields in batch and continuous operation under identical conditions, the succinimide process produced significantly higher yields in the batch compared to the continuous reactor. This could be traced back to an operational difference between these processes: In the batch process, the by-product water is continuously removed from the reactive mixture while purging the reactor head space, rendering the dehydration step effectively irreversible. In contrast, to prevent steam-induced foaming, the continuous reactor is operated at high-enough pressure to maintain water in the liquid phase. This renders the dehydration step incomplete due to thermodynamic equilibrium limitations. However, the full succinimide product yield could be recovered via subsequent continuous drying using a thin film evaporator. This product was indistinguishable from the batch product and fulfilled commercial specifications. Finally, full reversible reaction kinetics were derived based on the continuous reactor operation. Comparison between batch operation results and reactor modeling predictions indicated that the slow apparent kinetics of the industrial batch process is the result of mass transfer limitations due to slow water evaporation, and not caused by limitations in the intrinsic reaction kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financial, environmental, and supply chain analyses of empty fruit bunch (EFB) biomass are needed for the development of a sustainable green chemicals industry in Malaysia. Herein, holistic analysis of the supply system and EFB life cycle cradle-to-gate are analyzed in an effort to make recommendations for the commercial-scale collection and delivery of EFB from crude palm oil (CPO) extraction facilities to biorefineries in Malaysia. Supply chain modeling tracked inputs and outputs for financial analysis. The openLCA software was used for life cycle assessment (LCA). Allocation scenarios were used to explore the impact of accounting methodologies on the competitiveness of EFB compared to other feedstocks. Sensitivity analysis on the effect of transportation distance, emission flows, and allocation methods on resulting environmental impacts were conducted. The No Burden, Economic, and Mass allocation scenarios resulted in -1629, -1619, and -1474 kg CO2-eq. BD tonne-1 EFB global warming impacts (GW), respectively. Delivered cost for EFB was calculated to be approximately 45 US$ BD tonne-1. Environmental burdens were sensitive to allocation scenario, covered area, and land use change. Delivered cost was sensitive to transport distance, covered area, and yield. It was shown that there is sufficient Malaysia EFB available for between 9 and 28 biorefineries, depending upon the scale of production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the utility of a selection of commercially and freely available non-testing tools and to analyse how REACH registrants can apply these as prioritisation tool for low-volume chemicals. The analysis was performed on a set of organic industrial chemicals and pesticides with extensive peer-reviewed risk assessment data. Analysed in silico model systems included Derek Nexus, Toxtree, QSAR Toolbox, LAZAR, TEST and VEGA, and results from these were compared with expert-judged risk classification according to the classifying, labelling and packaging ( CLP) regulation. The most reliable results were obtained for carcinogenicity; however, less reliable predictions were derived for mutagenicity and reproductive toxicity. A group of compounds frequently predicted as false negatives was identified. These were relatively small molecules with low structural complexity, for example benzene derivatives with hydroxyl-, amino- or aniline-substituents. A rat liver S9 metabolite simulator was applied to illustrate the importance of considering metabolism in the risk assessment procedure. We also discuss outcome of combining predictions from multiple model systems and advise how to apply in silico tools. These models are proposed to be used to prioritise low-volume chemicals for testing within the REACH legislation, and we conclude that further guidance is needed so that industry can select and apply models in a reliable, systematic and transparent way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Order acceptance under uncertainty is a challenging problem in supply chain management, especially in make-to-order plants, such as in a specialty chemical manufacturing enterprise. In this work, we consider the effect of rush orders and design a negotiation-based policy for order acceptance. Rush orders pose a complex challenge primarily because the different actors involved (customer and enterprise) have different interests and asymmetric information. In addition, the interaction involves uncertainties both in the short- and long-term. To capture the rich complexity of the problem and provide a conceptual basis for developing agent-based models for such negotiation situation, this paper presents a general framework for negotiation and illustrates it using the customer-enterprise rush order due date negotiation case. On the basis of this framework, an agent-based model is developed. Various experiments are conducted to evaluate the effect of due date negotiation on profit and long-term customer behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We address a challenging tank blending and scheduling problem that arises in the specialty chemical industry. We model the problem as a nonconvex mixed-integer quadratically-constrainted programm (MIQCP) and then approximate this model as a mixed-integer linear program (MILP) using a discretization-based approach. We combine a rolling horizon approach with the discretization of individual chemical property specifications to deal with long scheduling horizons, time-varying quality specifications, and multiple suppliers with discrete arrival times. This approach has been evaluated using industry-representative data sets from the specialty chemical industry. We demonstrate that the proposed approach supports fast planning cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate is an important surfactant used by the Specialty Chemical Industry. However, little quantitative information regarding its environmental impacts in a systemic perspective is available. Therefore, this study assessed the environmental performance of 1.0 ton of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate containing 3 mol of ethylene oxide (SLES 3EO), by means of a 'cradle-to-gate' Life Cycle Assessment. Environmental impacts were quantified in terms of Global Warming Potential and Primary Energy Demand (PED). Carbon Footprint was also estimated according to ISO 14067 guidelines. The Global Warming indicator was calculated as 1.87 t CO 2 eq/t for the baseline scenario, while PED was estimated as 71.7 GJ/t. Based on the main sources of impact, four individual alternatives aiming at environmental performance improvement were proposed, based on the Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production philosophy: S1) production using palm kernel oil from Brazil; S2) production from synthetic lauryl alcohol; S3) generation of thermal energy from biomass; S4) SLES 3EO synthesis using ethylene oxide obtained from sugarcane. Possible synergies deriving from the combinations of these propositions were also assessed, considering seven additional scenarios (S5 – S11). It was observed that lauryl alcohol performance was very influential and decisive for the results. Moreover, thermal energy from biomass was beneficial in terms of Global Warming, while increasing the renewable fraction of the PED indicator. On the other hand, ethylene oxide production from sugarcane ethanol was not an advantageous alternative, due to high fuel and thermal energy demands throughout its production chain. The Carbon Footprint assessment according to the ISO 14067 standard indicates a beneficial change in the impact profiles between the scenarios presenting renewable source assets participating in their life cycle, with a strong reduction in relation to the results obtained by applying the IPCC approach. Synergy among cleaner production propositions was observed and highly influenced by the amount of biomass incorporated to SLES 3EO life cycle. This can be considered an innovative approach regarding the Brazilian context. As a pioneer initiative, it is expected that the outcomes from this investigation would contribute to future initiatives investigating detergent formulation from an environmental perspective. • Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate environmental performance was assessed systemically • Impacts derive from lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide chains, and thermal energy • Production of ethylene oxide from biomass was not an advantageous alternative • Palm production in Brazil and thermal energy from biomass lead to better indicators • Synergy among cleaner production propositions improved environmental indicators [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the year to 31 December 2016, Swiss speciality chemicals company Clariant International posted net sales of CHF5.847 billion (€5.396 billion) compared to CHF5.807 billion in 2015. This corresponds to a 2% growth in local currencies driven by higher volumes, the company reports. Net income climbed 16% to CHF263 million in 2016 from CHF227 million the previous year as a result of continued expansion in absolute EBITDA, lower finance costs and an improvement in the tax rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The planned spin-off of Huntsman Corp's Pigments and Additives segment [ ADPO , September 2016] is to be named Venator Materials Corp, the company reveals. ‘Venator’ is Latin for hunter, providing a link to the Huntsman legacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major talc producer Imerys Performance Additives has announced the commercial introduction of two new products in its JetFil talc range. JetFil V625C and V700C talc are economical additives offering ‘outstanding lamellarity and reinforcement performance’, the company claims. Imerys has also expanded its high aspect ratio (HAR) talc range for plastics applications. All the new talc grades are produced in North America from domestic ore sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solvay Additive Technologies has extended its Cyasorb Cynergy Solutions ® range of stabilizers with the addition of two new products targeting building and construction, and injection and blow moulding applications. The products were launched at the 2017 International Polyolefins Conference in Houston, TX, USA. Elsewhere, Solvay Silica has unveiled Premium SW, its latest performance highly dispersible silica (HDS) for automotive tyres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ohio-based Valtris Specialty Chemicals is expanding its lubricants portfolio with the introduction of two new products. Petrac ® 200 is based on Fischer-Tropsch (FT) wax technology while Petrac 230 is a high-density oxidized polyethylene wax (HD OxPE). Both are designed to improve the extrusion of rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), according to the company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global transfer membrane market is projected to reach US$187.9 million by 2023, from US$174.8 million in 2018, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.5% during the forecast period, according to a research study published recently by MarketsandMarkets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chicago-headquartered company Hallstar has acquired fellow speciality chemicals producer Fortinbrás, based in Jaguariúna, São Paulo, Brazil. According to Hallstar, the transaction is the latest move in its ‘steady growth trajectory and global expansion’. The acquisition increases the company's presence in the fast-growing emerging market of Brazil and in the greater Latin American region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Switzerland's speciality chemicals group Clariant International Ltd reported sales of CHF1.41 billion (€1.30 billion) for the third quarter of 2015, a decline of 6% in Swiss franc terms from sales of CHF1.507 billion in 3Q 2014. However, the sales total represented growth of 2% in local currencies, with both volumes and prices up 1%, the company says. Net income from continuing operations was CHF60 million in 3Q 2015, up 3% from the previous year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gardner Denver Petroleum & Industrial Pumps has opened an 8000 sq ft facility in Neuquen, Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Polymer Chemistry business of AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals has revealed plans to invest more than €12 million to further upgrade and expand production capacity at its organic peroxides facility in Los Reyes, Mexico. The new project involves the construction of an additional plant to make Perkadox CH-50 organic peroxides, which are sold primarily into the thermoset resin market, a market in which the company claims to be a global leader. The expansion project is scheduled for completion by May 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UK speciality chemicals producer Croda International has acquired Finnish technology company IonPhasE Oy for an undisclosed sum. Headquartered in Tampere, Finland, IonPhasE is a leading manufacturer of static dissipative polymer additives, which are used to help prevent static electricity from damaging electrical and electronic components, as well as to increase the safety of chemical and food packaging, and to improve the long-term appearance of consumer appliances. Its annual turnover is around €9 million. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to an update from Clariant and Huntsman Corp in late July, preparations for their planned merger to create HuntsmanClariant, a speciality chemicals company with potential sales of US$13.2 billion [ ADPO , July 2017], are showing ‘strong progress’. The target date for completion of the transaction remains unchanged at December 2017 or January 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon black specialist Orion Engineered Carbons SA posted net income of €44.6 million on net sales of €1.03 billion in 2016. This compares with net income of €42.9 million and net sales of €1.11 billion reported in 2015. According to the company, 2016 was a record year for carbon black volumes, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

British speciality chemicals company Croda International plans to invest £27 million (c. €31.7 million) to expand production capacity for polymer additives at its Hull facility in the UK. The expansion will almost double existing capacity at the site and will focus particularly on slip additives such as Incroslip ™ SL [ ADPO , April 2014] and fatty acid amides, the company reports. The new capacity is scheduled to come on stream in late 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]