Research & technical development
Fruitful learning processes and sustainable area exploration
One of Proviron’s top priorities for 2008 is the accomplishment of a new product or service with sustainability as a theme. In 2007 we managed two projects in that area which had been prepared in 2006.
The hydrogen sulphide project (H2S) is a typical example of how the sustainability philosophy can lead to ecologically and economically attainable solutions. With in-house technology and based on locally available residual products we manufacture this raw material when need be. The start-up went fine and quality was as expected. This product need not be stored and certainly not transported which results in fewer trucks and fewer risks.
The biodiesel production process took up a large portion of our research attention. We converted an existing unit to this end. At first, the unit was destined to work on the basis of rape oil but it is now multifunctional and can be fed with other oils. Consequently, Proviron can optimise costs in relation to raw material prices on the world market. Start-up proved more challenging than expected owing to natural variations in the raw material quality as well as other reasons.
Monitoring evolutions
The R&TD team gave support to the approach to use crude oils and apply an in-house refining stage. This was developed in-house including the engineering phase. This technological development can add economical value to products which would be by-products in other processes. We evidently also monitor other evolutions with great attention, such as the possible entry of second generation raw materials for the production of biodiesel.
We have also called in extra employees for business development purposes. Their assignment is to allow the market rather than technology to guide their research efforts.
In an existing production unit, we researched problems as they occurred when applying new feedstock and new formulations. This gave us the opportunity to obtain a lot of know-how which will bear fruit when we optimise the unit in 2008.
Nature as a partner
Nature is often a model for sensible and sustainable chemistry ideas. Algae are small but productive organisms which Proviron intensively researches in cooperation with Belgian and foreign universities. These industrious organisms can become sources of valuable oils which in turn could be the feedstock for biodiesel. Moreover, they can produce other valuable chemicals which would allow us to do without traditional petroleum. Algae are an important source of biological raw materials which may offer an excellent yield of material rich in energy in a limited space.
Interesting niches
The development of new plasticisers for niche markets has also been an important research area. Our expanded research team has been able to explore this by concentrating on the synthetic materials polyamide (nylon), PVC and polyvinyl butyral (the plastic foil in laminated car windows). The research focuses on enhanced performances of existing plasticisers, on new applications, and on plasticisers based on renewables.
Esterification and catalysis
We have developed our own technologies in one of the company’s core activities, esterification and more specifically transesterification, a chemical reaction type that offers many spin-offs. Together with the Flemish IWT and a third partner we have been researching new and environmentally friendly catalysts. Catalysts are auxiliary substances which promote chemical reactions in a desired way. We intend to make esterification reactions even more effective by means of new catalysts.