19-12-2016

Anellotech announces breakthrough in extending catalyst lifetime

Anellotech announced today that it has developed proprietary technology to extend catalyst lifetime in its Bio-TCat™ process for low cost conversion of biomass into valuable aromatic chemicals and renewable fuels. The new MinFree™ technology reduces mineral (ash) content of biomass feedstocks, thereby enabling economic catalyst lifetimes. “This is a breakthrough innovation for the industry and vital to technological success” said Chuck Sorensen, Anellotech CTO. “It opens up the possibility to use many types of low-cost biomass feedstocks that contain high levels of well-known catalyst poisons. MinFree technology represents a major step forward, enabling the cost competitiveness of Anellotech’s biomass conversion process.”

“MinFree is an important development needed to advance our Bio-TCat process toward commercialization as it contributes to our ability to achieve attractive returns even in a low oil price environment, whether licensees opt for using Bio-TCat products as renewable fuels or chemicals,” stated David Sudolsky, Anellotech President and CEO. “The recent demonstration of MinFree at ton scale was a significant accomplishment.”

Anellotech has partnered with leading technology providers IFPEN/Axens for process development and Johnson Matthey for catalyst technology. “We’re fortunate to have our R&D team working side-by-side with industry-recognized experts who have long-term commitments to this program,” said Sudolsky. “Together with partners Suntory and Toyota Tsusho, our Alliance is dedicated to developing an efficient, economic, and commercially viable end-to-end process, of which biomass handling and pre-treatment are critical components.”