2008 Annual report rev2.indd - Southwest Research Institute

Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringD016476-1732Southwest Research Institute developsadvanced chemistry and engineeringsolutions to meet global challenges ina variety of areas, ranging from newenergy solutions, to pharmaceutical developmentand fire technology. Working withindustrial and government clients, we alsoaddress environmental, homeland securityand food safety concerns.SwRI is applying more than 55 years ofmicroencapsulation expertise to the pharmaceuticalindustry, developing new formulationsand delivery technologies for variouscompounds, including a nerve agent antidote(microencapsulation.swri.org). We are alsodeveloping metal-organic framework nanoporouscrystalline films for use in a chemicalweapons detection program (nanotechnology.swri.org).Using a novel fluorescent monitoring system to rapidlyanalyze oxygen permeation through a microcapsule, wedetermined that a “layer-by-layer” technology we are developingenhances the oxygen barrier properties of SwRIdevelopedcapsules (drugdelivery.swri.org). This technologyD016566These fluorescentnanoparticles providethermal stability and effectivecellular delivery of a varietyof therapeutic agentsthrough multiple routes ofadministration, includingdelivery to the epithelial layerthrough topical applicationto the skin.has significant applications for oxygen-unstable nutraceuticalssuch as fish oil and vitamin A.We collaborated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture todevelop a specialized biological assay using live mosquitoes andcomputational models to predict better chemical attractants andrepellents used to control mosquito populations. This program isexpanding to include other disease-carrying pests, such as flies,ticks, fleas, mites and lice.Food contamination concerns have stimulated increasedrequests for trace analysis in a variety of food and consumerproducts. SwRI provides analytical support to reduce potentiallyharmful compounds in food production (bioanalyticalchemistry.swri.org). We developed analytical methods sensitive enough tosee parts-per-billion levels but rapid enough to allow analysis ofthousands of perishable samples per week from facilities worldwide.We also develop and evaluate relatively simple techniquesfor use in plant-level laboratories that would allow onsite techniciansto accurately screen for contaminants.Over the past three years, our scientists and engineers havehelped a startup company design and develop a process andassociated equipment for carbon dioxide capture and sequestrationfrom coal-burning power plant flue gas. We supported thefabrication of two mobile CO 2capture demonstration laboratoriesand managed startup and initial operation of the labs at field locationsinside coal-burning electric power plants. To spur progress inthis field, SwRI started a symposium to examine chemical, process,mechanical and regulatory issues associated with carbon dioxidecapture, conversion and sequestration.In another energy-related project, SwRI developed theoperating protocols for a client’s patented heavy oil upgradingprocess. Heavy oil, including Canadian bitumen and other oilsaround the world, is a form of petroleum too thick to be economicallytransported. Heavy oil fields are typically found in remote,difficult-to-access locations and must be upgraded at the wellAfter three years of research and development on a new, energy-efficientand economical carbon sequestration process for coal-burning power plants,two mobile CO 2capture demonstration laboratories are now operating atfield locations inside coal-burning electric power plants. Using this process,the carbon dioxide gas produced by burning coal is converted into anenvironmentally benign powder similar to baking soda in composition.24

environmental engineering • materials chemistry • process engineering • fire protection engineeringdemilitarization • analytical & environmental chemistry • pharmaceutical chemistry • homeland securityenvironmental sampling • analytical method development • health effects & epidemiology investigationsrisk & hazard analysis • fire testing & research • microencapsulation • biomaterials engineeringhead for economical transport. SwRI operates aheavy oil feedstock test facility for this client toapply the technology on samples from aroundthe world, verifying that heavy oils can be upgradedusing this new cost-effective process.SwRI continues to support the U.S. programto destroy chemical agent stockpiles. Thisyear, the Newport demilitarization site successfullyneutralized the final one-ton VX nerveagent container. After more than a decade ofoperations, the Pine Bluff and Umatilla chemicalagent disposal facilities completed destructionof all sarin agent stockpiles, are nearlyfinished destroying VX nerve agent munitionsand will soon transition to destroying mustardgas stockpiles.In 2008, our fire technology specialistsevaluated the density of water sprays deliveredby sprinkler systems associated withhigh-volume, low-speed ceiling fans, and howeffectively these systems control warehousefires (fire.swri.org). We are also researching fireprotection of consumer fireworks retail spaces andevaluating fire safety of compressed hydrogen cylindersused on fuel-cell-powered motor vehicles. ❖Visit chemistry.swri.org for more information orcontact Vice President Dr. Michael MacNaughton at(210) 522-5162 or michael.macnaughton@swri.org.D016567Our staff is helping a client develop new technologies for innovative uses of naturalgas. The technology has progressed from a laboratory-scale setup, to a smallindoor pilot unit, to this large outdoor plant on the SwRI grounds.D016578D016557SwRI’s fire technology staff evaluates the performance of wallsunder real fire conditions using room test facilities. We recentlyestablished a capability to measure thermal conductivity offire-resistant materials at elevated temperatures and areleading an international effort to develop standards formeasurement uncertainty assessment in fire tests.In 2008, SwRI developed new broad-spectrum nerve agent antidoteformulations, the world’s first operational field-stable formulations ofa bis-pyridinium oxime with liquid characteristics. We are currentlymodifying the formulation’s bioavailability and injection performanceand customizing the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates andcompounds for chemical weapons antidote combination therapies.25