Avantium launches next generation Flowrence
15 March 2010, Amsterdam, The NetherlandsToday Avantium announced the launch of its next generation Flowrence, specifically designed for hydroprocessing. Hydroprocessing is a catalytic technology that enables the production of fuels and to remove sulfur, nitrogen and other impurities. Flowrence is the leading technology used for high throughput parallel testing of catalysts at small scale for chemical and refinery applications. This proprietary R&D platform is sold by Avantium to chemical and oil companies. The system enables faster and more efficient evaluation of catalysts than any other conventional experimentation method. The next generationof this successful technology platform has been developed for parallel testing of hydroprocessing catalysts under industrial relevant conditions. Avantium's customer base in enhanced experimentation services and systems include world's leading chemical and oil companies, including Shell, BP, Sasol and Petrobras.TechnologyAvantium's new generation Flowrence systems can operate a wide range of hydroprocessing applications ranging from light to heavy feeds like vacuum gas oils. The Flowrence unit can test sieved catalysts particles and also extrudates. The new generation is based on Avantium's proven experience running hydroprocessing applications and optimized in accuracy, operability, maintenance and robustness. The technology shows data for hydrotreating matching pilot plant data, for example on total sulphur and nitrogen levels at 0.5-1 ml catalyst volume scale.The ability to test shaped materials brings catalyst development to a completely new level. Catalyst development lead times will be further reduced, as testing of the catalysts at pilot scale can be largely eliminated. Customer benefitsCustomers using Avantium's Flowrence benefit from its proven ability to generate high quality data derived from testing 16 catalysts in parallel. Avantium ensures a swift implementation of the Flowrence for hydroprocessing as the process of ordering, construction, functional testing, on site commissioning and finally the start up of the unit has been completely integrated. This allows customers of this new technology to start their R&D work quickly after delivery of their unit. CE certification is standard, UL or CSA certification are optional. About AvantiumAvantium is a leading technology company in the area of advanced high-throughput R&D operating in the energy, chemicals and pharmaceutical industries. The company develops products and processes in the area of biofuels, bio-based chemicals and novel crystal forms of existing drugs by applying its proprietary, high-throughput R&D technology. Avantium has demonstrated the potential of this technology by providing R&D services and systems to more than 70 companies worldwide. Avantium's customer base includes many of the world's largest energy, chemicals and pharmaceutical companies, such as BP, Shell, Sasol, Pfizer and GSK. Avantium has more than 100 employees; its offices and head quarters are based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.For more informationPlease contact Mariëtte Hoogendoorn at +31 20 586 8010 or visit our website www.avantium.com