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Honeywell's UOP Works With Vaperma to Offer Enhanced Energy Efficiency in Ethanol Production

Posted on: Wednesday, 11 March 2009, 09:00 CDT

UOP extends its portfolio of solutions for improved process efficiency and reduced emissions in biofuel production

DES PLAINES, Ill., March 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- UOP LLC, a Honeywell (NYSE: HON) company, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Vaperma, Inc. to jointly offer technology to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in biofuel ethanol dehydration.

Under the agreement, the two companies will offer Vaperma's Siftek(TM) polymer membrane technology, which is designed to lower energy consumption for reduced operational costs and emissions in the energy-intensive ethanol production process.

"As fuel demand and concern over climate change continue to rise, biofuels production must be profitable and sustainable, with a reduced energy footprint to make a true impact," said Amar Anumakonda, manager of business development for UOP Renewable Energy and Chemicals. "The Vaperma solution helps to maintain the viability of ethanol and butanol from first-generation feedstock sources as well as second-generation cellulosic sources, such as corn stalks, switchgrass or other plant wastes that do not compete with the food supply."

"We have developed unique solutions to integrate our Siftek membrane technology both upstream and downstream of the molecular sieve process in order to increase existing ethanol dehydration plant capacity," said Claude Letourneau, president & CEO of Vaperma, which develops, manufactures and sells membranes, modules and systems for the refining of biofuels and the purification of natural gas. "Second-generation cellulosic processes will benefit the most from the steam savings and allow for increased bio-electricity generation and revenue."

Vaperma's patented polymer membrane technology allows the separation of water vapor from other vapor compounds in a gas mixture. The Siftek technology, commercially launched in June 2008, can be used in ethanol production to "de-water" ethanol streams to get a higher than 99 percent pure fuel-grade ethanol product. Energy savings are realized because the technology replaces multiple units traditionally used in the production process to achieve the same outcome.

UOP develops technology, products and equipment to support fuel production worldwide and has been developing biofuel technology, with specific focus on second-generation feedstock technologies, since 2006. In addition to the agreement with Vaperma, UOP is continuing to explore novel process technology and equipment for dehydration and dewatering of oxygenated biofuels like ethanol and butanol. UOP also manufactures molecular sieve adsorbents for use in ethanol dehydration, including the new UOP MOLSIV(TM) 3A-AGS bead adsorbent.

UOP LLC, headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois, USA, is a leading international supplier and licensor of process technology, catalysts, adsorbents, process plants, and consulting services to the petroleum refining, petrochemical, and gas processing industries. UOP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc. and is part of Honeywell's Specialty Materials strategic business group. For more information, go to www.uop.com.

Honeywell International is a $37 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For additional information, please visit www.honeywell.com.

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of fact, that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management's assumptions and assessments in light of past experience and trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other relevant factors. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ from those envisaged by our forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements are also subject to risks and uncertainties, which can affect our performance in both the near- and long-term. We identify the principal risks and uncertainties that affect our performance in our Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE UOP LLC, a Honeywell company

Source: PR Newswire

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