hte Engaged in Successful Research for Total

    HEIDELBERG, GERMANY, September 29, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The main goal of the research collaboration was to compare the performance of newly developed catalyst formulations with a GTC (Gas to Chemicals) catalyst already being employed by Total on a large scale. The optimum process parameters for deployment on an industrial scale were successfully determined within the scope of the cooperation.

The use of high throughput technologies and hte's expertise, both in heterogeneous catalysis and process optimization, made a considerable contribution to secure the successful outcome of the research project. Based on a statistical Design of Experiments (DoE), hte performed numerous experimental investigations within a short period of time. This allowed comprehensive and precise data to be provided which was then employed to create a macrokinetic reaction model for a GTC catalyst used by Total on an industrial scale. Use of high throughput experimentation allowed the research project to be performed much faster than with the conventional approach.

With its development and optimization of GTC processes, Total is striving to establish natural gas, biomass and coal as economically viable alternatives to crude oil and thereby tap new petrochemical added value chains.

Total and hte are currently building on their successful cooperation in a follow-up project. Dirk Demuth, CEO at hte AG, comments: "We are delighted with the results of the R&D collaboration with Total, on which a more economic process can now be employed. The fact that it was possible to complete the project so quickly and in such a targeted manner gives us further cause for celebration. Together with the trust that Total has placed in us, this clearly motivates us to continue providing active and valuable support for Total's innovative process."

hte Aktiengesellschaft (AG), a public limited company, is a leading provider of technology solutions and services for customers in the energy, refinery, chemicals and environmental sectors. Thanks to hte's products and services, R&D in the area of heterogeneous catalysis has become considerably faster and more productive. As a reliable partner in the field of high throughput experimentation, hte offers comprehensive expertise backed up by complementary products and services: 1) technology solutions - tailor-made integrated hardware and software systems, installed and ready for use on site at the customer's premises; 2) R&D solutions - implementation of research cooperation at hte's own premises in Heidelberg. With its high-quality services, hte supports its customers in the search for solutions to global challenges such as climate and environmental protection, energy efficiency and mobility. The close ties with BASF guarantee long-term orientation and stability.

hte - the high throughput experimentation company.

Website: http://www.hte-company.com

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