Each of the systems that we have designed and built under this category of projects can be described by reference to one of the following polymerization processes: 

Bulk or block polymerization 

This process is the simplest in terms of formulation, and is conducted in the absence of any solvent or dispersant.  A monomer, polymer and initiator are the only components.  Applications include most step-growth and many chain-growth polymers. 

The customer intends to develop an alternative and sustainable option to meet the nitrogen fertilizer requirements of the US agricultural industry.  Currently our country consumes appr. 20 million tons of ammonia per year, and more than 50% of this product is imported from Trinidad, Russia and Canada. 

In response to environmental pressures, most countries in the world continue to decrease the allowed sulfur levels in diesel used for transportation applications.  Currently (2010) all highway diesel fuel refined in or imported into the United States must have a sulfur content of 15 parts per million (ppm) or lower.  Some countries in Europe are actively promoting the use of 10 ppm or even 5 ppm standards.

In May of 2010, Unitel delivered the first of its latest computer-controlled catalyst testing and evaluation systems – CTS Version 8, the Octave – to the University of Louisville’s Conn Center for Renewable Research and Environmental Stewardship (CCRRES).  According to Dr. Paul Ratnasamy, Professor at CCRRES, initial experiments with the Octave will focus on catalytic conversion of waste oils into fuels. Following that, Paul intends to test custom catalysts for making fuel alcohols from synthesis gas. 

This project has an interesting background.  While urban areas in Korea have ready access to natural gas through a network of pipelines, businesses and families in many rural and remote parts of the country have to depend upon liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders for their heating and cooking applications.  Much of the LPG sold in Korea is imported.