A liquid-phase batch process operated by a client had potential for conversion to a continuous process, which would increase the capacity of the unit. The process included hazardous materials with stringent requirements for temperature control. MATRIC prepared a process design for a unit, based on a small CSTR. Design safety reviews were held with client [...]
The editors and staff of West Virginia Executivemagazine announced the Sharp Shooters Class of 2019 on June 6, 2019. Sharp Shooter honorees are state leaders who have a record of active participation in community service and philanthropic efforts. They embody the characteristics of discipline, drive, charity, focus, ambition and strong principles. Among this year's honorees is MATRIC Chairman, President [...]
Charleston, W.Va.; June 14, 2019– Mid-Atlantic Technology, Research & Innovation Center, Inc. (MATRIC) today announced that its Board of Directors has elected Steven B. Hedrick as Chairman of the Board, effective as of June 1, 2019. This is the first time in the company’s history that the Board has consolidated the role of Chief Executive Officer [...]
MATRIC, working closely with a technically sophisticated client, developed a highly energy efficient reactive absorption/desorption process for the removal of environmental contaminants from stack gases. After the client proved the basic reactive absorption/desorption concept with batch tests in lab glassware, MATRIC first demonstrated the key features of the process in simple and inexpensive bench scale equipment. [...]
A client had discovered a novel carbonylation catalyst and had carried out batch reactions on a small laboratory scale. However, important questions remained regarding the potential for operating as a continuous process, such as catalyst life and the ability to separate products from the reaction mixture. MATRIC designed and constructed a small continuous reaction system [...]
A customer had prepared small amounts of novel products derived from ethylene oxide in laboratory studies, but needed larger quantities of these materials. MATRIC installed a larger pressure reactor with process controls for safe operation. After thorough safety reviews, the reactor was successfully operated to prepare multiple samples on the kilogram scale. -- For more [...]
A client commissioned work with MATRIC to define reaction conditions for a desired product in a continuous process. They had conducted an extensive batch-reaction study on this chemistry but needed to know how to operate continuously for scale-up. Among the issues needing definition/resolution were conditions to achieve full conversion, a separation/recovery process for the product [...]
A company encountered difficulties in solid-liquid separations in a biomass-based process. A MATRIC team visited the pilot plant location and investigated the process. Samples of product streams were provided for study in MATRIC’s laboratories. After a short experimental project, MATRIC offered recommendations, which were implemented in the customer’s facility. The results were very successful, leading [...]
An Australian company experienced two explosions in its chemical manufacturing unit and made contact with MATRIC for assistance. Within 10 days of initial contact, MATRIC had assembled a project team and sent a contingent to Australia. The root cause of the incidents was identified and a revised process with inherent safety and improved reliability was [...]
A bioenergy company contracted with MATRIC to develop a continuous biodiesel process. Research began in the laboratory and progressed to a small continuous pilot plant, which was used to develop the novel design for a commercial plant. MATRIC then led the detailed engineering effort for the plant and provided engineering construction support for the project. [...]