News with BP on Fischer-Tropsch

hte –the high throughput experimentation company extends its collaboration with BP International Ltd. in the field of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.

The BP Conversion Technology Centre is continuing to work with hte in the field of Fischer-Tropsch catalysis and process. The Fischer-Tropsch process is used to convert syngas into synthetic fuels and lubricants, and due to the global resources situation is currently gaining importance. Syngas itself can be formed from gaseous or solid carbon sources such as natural gas, coal or biomass.

hte has provided in-house developed testing capacities as well as an experienced project team. Over the period of the collaboration, hte’s technology platform has been continuously refined and advanced for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction allowing BP to perform a large number of rapid and precise data measurements in support of catalyst and process scale-up. Used systematically this data rapidly generates information on reaction kinetics, the fundamentals of start-up and activation and the impact of key process parameters. This builds confidence in BP’s implementation of their FT technology across a variety of potential applications and feedstocks.

Ewen Ferguson, Senior Chemist at the BP Conversion Technology Centre, comments: "We were impressed with the high data quality obtained by the high throughput technology available at hte in this challenging field. hte’s continuous commitment to technology development allowed us for the first time to explore high throughput methods for testing of late-stage catalyst formulations. BP and its partner Davy Process Technology are now actively looking to licence this process to third parties. This project is just one of many successful collaborations between BP and hte. Using high-throughput methods, we have been able to build the fundamental understanding and kinetic information required to apply our proven Fischer-Tropsch process to a wide range of project opportunities with greater confidence."

hte’s work in this area makes an important contribution to catalyst quality control. Acting as an independent laboratory, hte evaluates catalyst batches ranging from catalyst powder up to the commercial catalyst formulations.

BP and hte are now set to extend their successful cooperation in the field of Fischer-Tropsch for another year. Dirk Demuth, CEO at hte, is encouraged by this successful cooperation, commenting: "We are delighted to continue working as a reliable partner to BP. From a strategic perspective, performing catalyst quality control and process optimisation for our customers is becoming increasingly important to us. hte will continue to add value to the BP Fischer-Tropsch project through its high-profile scientific team and its leading technology platform "

About hte AG, Heidelberg

hte Aktiengesellschaft (AG), a public limited company, is a leading provider of technology solutions and services for customers in the energy, refinery, chemicals and environmental sectors. Thanks to hte’s products and services, R&D in the area of heterogeneous catalysis has become considerably faster and more productive. As a reliable partner in the field of high throughput experimentation, hte offers comprehensive expertise backed up by complementary products and services: 1) technology solutions – tailor-made integrated hardware and software systems, installed and ready for use on site at the customer’s premises; 2) R&D solutions – implementation of research cooperation at hte’s own premises in Heidelberg. With its high-quality services, hte supports its customers in the search for solutions to global challenges such as climate and environmental protection, energy efficiency and mobility.The close ties with BASF guarantee long-term orientation and stability.

About BP

BP is one of the world’s largest integrated energy companies, with well-established operations in Europe, North and South America, Asia, Australasia, Africa and Russia. BP’s  major activities involve the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas; refining, marketing, supply and trading of crude oil and refined products; and the manufacturing and marketing of petrochemicals. It also has a growing alternative energy business in biofuels, wind and solar power, and carbon capture and sequestration technologies. For Fischer Tropsch Technology licensing information contact Owen Whitfield, Licensing and Projects Manager on +44 (0)207 496 4000

Contacts

hte AG
Violetta Kohler
Teamleader Marketing
Kurpfalzring 104, 69123 Heidelberg
T: +49 6221 7497 290
F: +49 6221 7497 134
violetta.kohlerhte-company.de