THE FUTURE, - Solvay

210019
SYNTHESIS OF ‘GREEN’ DI- AND
POLYGLYCEROL VIA POLYCONDENSATION
OF BIOGLYCEROL
New synthesis route
proves outright winner
THE PROJECT. The main markets for
diglycerol and polyglycerol are directed towards
cosmetics and food additives. Customers are
therefore naturally sensitive to the origin of their
raw materials and give preference to those
of natural origin (not derived from petroleum).
Moreover, the trend towards commoditization
of di-and polyglycerol is placing further pressure
on prices. Until recently, our production process
was based in part on epichlorohydrin, an
expensive raw material derived from petroleum,
making it very uncompetitive compared to that
used by our competitors.
To meet our customers’ expectations, but also
the threat of extinction of our business, a new
synthesis method has been successfully
developed.
It takes natural glycerin (a renewable resource)
as the sole raw material, and polycondenses it in
a new way, limiting the quantities of reagents
and discharges through the use of an appropriate
catalyst. Compared with the traditional method
of condensation of epichlorohydrin (derived from
propylene, a non-renewable petroleum product)
and glycerol, this new way is simpler while
maintaining the good specifi cations of the fi nished
product. Most importantly, it reduces production
costs by 35% thus ensuring profi tability. Finally,
the products synthesized in this way are eco
certifi ed, opening up new markets and allowing
our customers also to be more competitive.
SBU EDS
>Werner Siemanowski; Patrick Gilbeau.
210069
PCS PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS
Better control through
observation
THE PROJECT. The sodium percarbonate
market in the USA is very diffi cult, with losses
of around USD two million recorded in 2007.
Thanks to a newly developed grade, FB700C,
we are expecting profi ts that signifi cantly exceed
budget.
The secret lies in controlling the granulometry
of the powder, produced by the fl uid bed process,
and in the coating, which gives it improved
chemical and thermal stability when mixed with
the other ingredients of concentrated washing
powders.
An excellent knowledge of the fl uid bed
manufacturing process is now making it possible
to produce a powder with a grain size about
double that of earlier production. Among the key
parameters identifi ed is the humidity of the
ambient air, which can fl uctuate considerably in
the Houston area. We have also discovered that
the heat requirement is a key indicator of particle
size. The fl uid injection nozzles have been
modifi ed to reduce consumptions and a new
automated wash cycle has been developed to
reduce down time.
Knowledge and systematic control of all these
parameters are at the basis of a new automated
control system that includes feed forward and
feedback control loops. This has enabled reliable
production which optimally meets the needs of
customers. These improvements have resulted in
raw materials (H 2O 2) savings of at least 5%, and
have also increased production capacity by 15%.
SBU PEROXIDES
> Steven Lewis; Andrew Wilson;
Deer Park Superintendents; Deer Park Supervisors;
Deer Park Operations.
Solvay Solvay live live - JUILLET - JULY 2009 - 29