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.
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Extraction of food grade oil from the corn feedstock in a dry milling ethanol plant – extra revenues, lower energy costs and higher throughput – developed in collaboration with Growmark, Inc.
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Computer controlled traveling thermocouples using stepping motors and hunting algorithms.
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Double shell furnace forced to work in an adiabatic mode using differential temperature logic.
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Modular engineering, design and construction of pilot- and mini-plants – started with the ARC and micro ARC series + 17 systems for the Research Institute of Petroleum Processing in Beijing, China (circa 1980).
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Spectrum reactor with changeable internals for multi-mode operation.
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Zero oscillation system pressure control using a forward pressure regulator working in conjunction with a precision flow valve.
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Molten salt baths for multiple hydroprocessing reactor applications.
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Range of new pressure controllers – forward, back, differential, dome loaded and spring biased units.
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New generation of vapor phase and loop polymerization pilot plants in collaboration with Bechtel.
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Geopressured aquifer simulation system for service with methane and brine at 20,000 psig and 350F.
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Semi-works plant for continuous supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of caffeine from coffee beans.
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Supercritical water for destruction of toxic wastes.
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First supercritical resid hydrotreater in the world.
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First computer-controlled jet fuel research system for the United States Air Force.
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Fuel cell hydrogen from JP-8 for the United States Army.
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Hydrotreater/hydrocracker for converting shale oil into jet fuel, closed loop system based upon extinction techniques.
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First direct coal liquefaction pilot plants in the United States and China.
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Conversion of corn syrup into crystalline fructose.
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Lethal service pilot plant constructed entirely of Hastelloy-C.
- First to redesign and enhance the ARCO FCC process for pressurized operation.
"Don’t be afraid to take a big step. You can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps."
~ David Lloyd George