Japan-headed chemical major Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) and US-headed ethanol and animal feed technology provider ICM, Inc., have announced a strategic marketing collaboration to provide MCC's “ZEBREX” zeolite membrane dehydration technology to the fuel ethanol industry in the US. MCC and ICM including Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc., who has been MCC’s ZEBREX marketing partner in the US, will collaborate to market, engineer and provide turnkey solutions for the technology in the United States.
According to a statement, ZEBREX has been successfully proven at over 70 plants outside the United States (US) and offers more than 10 years of operational experience in bioethanol plants. The proven state-of-the-art zeolite membrane dehydration technology is specifically designed for ease of use, energy efficiency, and has a smaller carbon footprint than traditional pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or organic membranes.
The ZEBREX team is excited about our new partnership with ICM. This collaboration will enable Mitsubishi Chemical to deliver ZEBREX that will help our customers to improve or have the best technology with competitive cost. Known for their engineering expertise, ICM develops processes to make ethanol production more efficient. Their strong technical and integration ability and experience in the fuel ethanol industry will help our customers to gain access to the technology faster and easier without challenges, said Hiroyuki Kakiuchi, Senior Manager and Group Manager of Mitsubishi’s ZEBREX business group.
Multiple ethanol production facilities have already shown interest in the dehydration technology since the announcement of this strategic collaboration.
As the leading process design and technology company that has provided engineering, construction, and operational services for the majority of ethanol plants in North America, we look forward to collaborating with Mitsubishi Chemical. Combining our expertise and experience means that together, we can extend the reach of the most advanced dehydration technology, said Steve Hartig, Vice President, ICM.
