A company in the service industry relied on several analytical providers to determine the detailed composition of complex product streams. Samples were being sent to various locations for analysis, and slow turnaround times meant that the results of process changes could not be tracked in a timely manner. The result was lost time and efficiency [...]
A customer was developing a new family of polymers and wanted to evaluate the properties of the new materials after a functionalization step by reaction with an additional monomer. The reaction needed to be performed under the same conditions used in commercial operation for the existing product line. MATRIC evaluated the commercial process, devised a [...]
A customer had conceived of a series of potential new polymer products that could be produced by a liquid phase polymerization. MATRIC set up laboratory equipment to perform the polymerization and carried out several batch runs. Key steps included addition of the required amount of initiator, generation of the desired molecular weight product, and removal [...]
A customer wanted to evaluate the effectiveness of melt crystallization for the purification of acrylic acid prepared by an alternative process scheme. This commercially practiced technique involves a carefully controlled partial crystallization of a falling film which selectively crystallizes product and rejects impurities into the liquid residue. MATRIC designed an experimental plan to enable determination [...]
A customer had sponsored initial studies at a university to explore the possibility of olefin oligomerization or polymerization to prepare a range of potentially useful products. When the need for larger quantities of materials arose, MATRIC was identified as an organization that could help scale up the technology. Working closely with the customer, MATRIC was [...]
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va., November 10, 2020 – Mid-Atlantic Technology, Research & Innovation Center, Inc. (MATRIC) today announced the election of Dr. Jack Dever, chief technology officer and executive vice president, as a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). The highest grade of membership, this honor marks Dever’s distinctive professional achievements and accomplishments [...]
A mid-size manufacturer engaged MATRIC to assess potential new routes to one of its major products. A comprehensive overview of potential routes was developed, including an assessment of the economic and practical considerations. A conceptual process was developed for the route with the most promise, and a path to implementation was proposed. - For additional [...]
A team from NASA requested help in the design and construction of a collection of specialized glass vessels. The stringent requirements included specific dimensions, pressure and temperature capability, and glass-to-metal seals. After finalizing the proposed design, MATRIC’s glassblower, Mike Hale, constructed two prototype units that were delivered to the NASA team. After they inspected these [...]
A manufacturer of advanced materials brought in MATRIC to provide an analysis of opportunities to expand their market share in a specific technology area. A literature review was carried out, with particular attention to recent relevant patents and applications. An in-depth analysis of the relevant prior art was developed, with areas identified for potential future [...]
MATRIC worked with an independent organization on the concept of an integrated biorefinery. MATRIC developed a preliminary design package for a specific location. The design included production of fuel gas, electricity, fuel ethanol, and biodiesel, all from locally available renewable resources. The design features very low waste and environmental emissions. - For additional information, contact [...]