A product obtained by crystallization had troublesome solid transport characteristics. The customer asked MATRIC for assistance in improving the operability of the process. MATRIC investigated the solid-liquid separation process and recommended the preferred approach, as well as an additional solids processing step. Finally, MATRIC recommended the most suitable solids transport technique. -- For additional information, [...]
Technology Assessment A technology organization had developed an innovative process for conversion of biomass to gasoline, and a potential investor wanted an independent assessment of the technology before making an investment decision. A MATRIC team spent nearly three days with the team developing the process, including an inspection of their pilot plant operation and results. [...]
Numerous projects have been carried out for various customers to evaluate specific hazards and provide recommendations on safe operations. The subjects include: evaluating the flammability limits and autoignition temperatures of mixtures of hydrocarbons and oxygen assessment of electrostatic hazards in handling flammable materials safe operating procedures for handling acetylene dealing with ignition hazards [...]
Working together, MATRIC and a customer’s technical team developed technology for processing algal oil to yield desired ester products. After demonstration in the laboratory, a continuous pilot plant was designed and constructed. With a budget of approximately $1M, this pilot plant included eight major capital items and 26 instruments, and it was completed under budget [...]
A customer needed to determine the feasibility of recovering acrolein from an aqueous product stream. MATRIC investigated the separation at the lab scale in a distillation column constructed of 1-inch Oldershaw sections, equipped for continuous feeds, including inhibitors. The required column design and operating conditions were determined, and the data were used to refine an [...]
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 [...]
A client’s research had discovered that an unexpected product was obtained in a fermentation process. Although this product had no established market, it was a potential intermediate for production of other valuable products. MATRIC helped identify three specific target molecules of value, and then carried out proof-of-concept studies that demonstrated the efficient catalytic conversion to [...]
With more than two dozen West Virginia-based craft breweries making a growing economic impact across the state, the Charleston Area Alliance teamed up with MATRIC to help these small businesses operate more efficiently. Working with the West Virginia Craft Brewers Guild, MATRIC will now conduct all of the state breweries’ testing from their headquarters in [...]
MATRIC was proud to sponsor the 36th annual “Fun in the Sun: Symphony Sunday” event in Charleston, W.Va., hosted by the West Virginia Symphony. Held on Sunday, June 3, this free outdoor festival featured music, food, games and artisans, and the West Virginia Symphony closed out the event with a concert and fireworks finale. MATRIC [...]