Legacy of Firsts
"If you are looking for a big opportunity, find a big problem."
~ Anon
Driven by an endless search for technical discovery and invention, our record of achievements sets us apart from others in the field. Many of our "firsts", some considered too futuristic at the time, have since helped change the face of the modern pilot- and mini-plant industry.
"Come feel our can-do spirit," invites the Unitel team. "We’re not scared of the unknown."
- We were the first to use 4-bit microcomputers for process control and data management of pilot- and mini-plants. First again with 8-, 16- and 32-bit machines.
- Oxyblown pressurized expanding fluidized bed gasifier for converting biomass or coal into synthesis gas – patents applied for.
- Elimination of tars and volatiles from gasification products by in-situ cracking followed by selective reforming – patents applied for.
- Direct route synthesis of dimethylether (DME) using a dual function catalyst in a fluidized reactor, followed by a special process for disengaging the DME from the other co-products.
- Recovery of low-grade waste heat using a two-stage ammonia-water cycle – developed in collaboration with NASA.
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Production of synthesis gas and hydrogen from infrastructure fuels using a process that combines catalytic auto-thermal reforming and water gas shift into a single integrated reactor – developed in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory.
- Extraction of food grade oil from the corn