The Microchannel reactor technology developed by Oxford Catalysts Group, a UK- based company, is expected to be utilized in a 50 barrel per day (bbl/d) plant in Brazil.
Earlier, the company had successfully installed and operated a pilot biomass-to-liquids demo plant with a capability to produce 1 bbl/d in Güssing, Austria.
The proposed Brazilian plant is a joint venture between SGC Energia (SGCE), a Portuguese formed company and an un-identified partner, and will install the same technology that was used in Güssing. Velocys, a US- based member company of the Oxford Catalysts Group, will supply two commercial level FT microchannel reactors for deployment in the new plant. SGCE received the first reactor in March this year and ordered the second reactor from Velocys. On delivery of the second reactor both the reactors will be integrated into a single skid before transporting them to Brazil. The new plant is anticipated to commence its operations in the early part of 2012.
The order from SGCE is the second order received by Velocys for its FT microchannel reactors. The company is currently operating closely with other companies to develop the usage of microchannel FT technology for the manufacture of liquid fuels from a range of raw materials through the FT reaction.