Archive: Jan 2018

A Chemical Industry Case Study

The team at Thermal Kinetics handles projects across a wide range of industries; from metal processing and pharmaceutical to food processing and renewable fuels. To illustrate Thermal Kinetics’ capabilities for the chemical industry, we’ve outlined a relevant case study below.

GS Caltex Acid Recovery Unit

In 2015, GS Caltex, which is jointly owned by GS Holding and Chevron, contacted Thermal Kinetics regarding their evaporation system needs. They required a highly efficient sulfuric-acid recovery system, which would be used in their first-ever bio-butanol plant.

We designed a system that would re-concentrate a 15%-by-weight sulfuric-acid feedstock containing residual sugars. The separation process included sophisticated mechanical and control features that would minimize the effect of foaming. The 75% H₂SO₄ product being delivered from the evaporator would then be reintroduced into a biomass process that hydrolyzes cellulose.

The acid concentration process centered on the use of a falling-film, single-effect evaporator. Although the H₂SO₄ and water separation process is straightforward and simple, the system design was complicated by the fact that a range of materials was needed in order to reliably withstand the corrosiveness of the acid at high vacuum and elevated temperatures. Glass-lined vessels, PTFE-lined pipe and pumps, and graphite heat exchangers were all used in the design.

Thermal Kinetics was able to deliver the final system within the client’s requested time frame, with a modular assembly being delivered over a period of 45 weeks.

The main module was export boxed, and auxiliary subassemblies and components were shipped in two standard 40-foot sea containers.

Comprehensive reassembly plans were provided so that our customer could easily erect the system on-site. Start-up assistance will be provided once the customer is ready.

Thermal Kinetics is proud to provide these types of services to our clients and works closely with client teams to create top-quality systems tailored for specific applications.

To learn more about our previous projects or discuss how we can help with your evaporator system needs, contact us today. We’re on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference on Development & Deployment

The Thermal Kinetics team is excited to be attending the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference (ABLC) on Development & Deployment. The annual event takes place February 28-March 2, 2018 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC.

In addition to attending the conference, Thermal Kinetics is a proud sponsor of ABLC, which offers 5 connected conferences on the latest issues surrounding the Bioeconomy industry. This year’s ABLC consists of:

1. The 9th Annual Advanced Fuels Summit – focused on Advanced Biomass Diesel and BioCrude as well as Advanced Alcohols and alternatives to gasoline
2. The 9th annual Aviation Biofuels Summit
3. The 8th annual Renewable Chemicals, Biomaterials & Intermediates Summit
4. The 4th annual ABLC Crop & Feedstocks Summit
5. The 1st ABLC Economic Development & Deployment Showcase

With over 250 companies attending and more than 120 speakers, ABLC 2018 is the perfect networking opportunity to meet and discuss with fellow professionals in the Advanced Biofuel industry.

For nearly two decades, our team of experts here at Thermal Kinetics has been providing full-service process equipment, engineering, process development and design services to the Fuel Ethanol and Biofuel industries. We welcome the opportunity to show you how we can improve the overall efficiency of your ethanol plant facility.

Download the TK Fuel Ethanol Library for technical literature publications on the latest in everything Fuel Ethanol. You can also contact our team for any inquiries. We look forward to seeing you at ABLC 2018!