 Novel
ionic liquid scavenging process wins Entec Medal
London’s Royal Courts of Justice was the spectacular setting for
over 400 process industry guests as the 2005 IChemE Awards Programme
reached its climax last night (29th September). Thirty-seven entries
were short listed for recognition across eight categories with the unmistakable
figure
of British MP, newspaper columnist and television presenter, Boris Johnson
on hand to tear open the envelopes and announce the winners.
BASF’s new biphasic acid scavenging using ionic liquids (BASIL)
process scooped the blue riband Entec Medal, which is presented annually
by IChemE to the entry demonstrating exceptional innovation and a clear
commitment to excellence in safety and the environment. A process regularly
deployed in the chemical industry, acid scavenging is often beset with
problems; from poor mixing of reactants, poor heat transfer, pipeline
challenges and solids handling difficulties. BASIL’s novel use
of imidazoles eliminates these. The judges’ decision was unanimous
and the BASF team flew in from Germany to collect the medal from IChemE
President, Professor John Archer.
The efficient and environmentally responsible synthesis of Sitagliptin,
a new treatment for diabetes currently undergoing clinical trials with
Merck and Co, took the other premier prize the Astra Zeneca Award for
Green Chemistry and Engineering. Merck’s new process delivers improved
yield, reduced waste and the complete elimination of aqueous waste streams.
Madison Filter’s latest Cerafil TopKat low-density ceramic filter,
which intercepts and destroys toxic components including dioxins, received
the ABB Engineering Services Award.
A major re-evaluation of safety management systems at Severn Trent Water
leading to significant reductions in sickness absence proved the pick
of the entries in the MSD Safety and Health Award category.
The Amec Award for Innovation and Excellence in SME’s went to
Curvaceous Software and its geometric process control technology.
A split judging decision resulted in two first prizes in the Haden Freeman
Engineering Excellence Award. BASF triumphed again, this time for their
dividing wall distillation column technology; and UOP joined them on the
top step of the podium with a new Pacol enhancement process that cuts
utilities in half and slashes
14% off capital costs.
The PICME Most Improved Manufacturing Award also saw two winners with
Advansa Polyester UK securing recognition in the continuous process category
for improved performance in all aspects of resin manufacture, whilst
Uniqema took top prize in the batch category for process improvements
in its surfactants operation.
Thames Water covered all the bases with no fewer than four entries in
the IChemE Water Award category. But the judges saw quality amongst the
quantity and a project delivering improved effluent treatment at their
Maple Lodge site took first place.
The Impact Faraday Partnership teamed up with the Institute of Applied
Catalysis for this year’s Award for innovation in Applied Catalysis.
Hot on the heels of their Entec Medal success in 2004, Johnson Matthey
Catalysts and Cardiff University once again proved a winning combination
with their nanocrystalline gold catalyst.
The Crystal Faraday Award for Green Chemical Technology was won by Davy
Process Technology whose novel process for vapour phase hydrogenation
of esters to alcohols will become operational at a new plant in China
producing 100,000 tonnes of ethyl acetate annually.
Away from the spotlight, diners were kept entertained by a dynamic collection
of musicians, magicians and caricaturists as well as a burst of polemic
from Boris Johnson who startled the audience with a robust attack on
European regulation and a less than complimentary analysis of current
thinking on climate change.
IChemE’s Head of External Relations, Andrew Furlong, expressed
his satisfaction at a successful evening, “IChemE tries to stage
an event that’s a little bit special. We work with different venues
and different entertainers to create more than just another industry
dinner. We try new menu ideas and always look for a compere who will
make an impact with our guests and Boris Johnson certainly did that!
But most important of all, we are in the business of recognising innovation
and rewarding excellence in the process industries. This year has been
no exception and there is already a high degree of interests in our plans
for 2006”.
Ends
Notes for Editors:
1. The 2005 IChemE Awards Programme Results in Full:
Premier Awards – winners chosen from across all entry categories
The Entec Medal for Excellence in Safety & Environment
Winner: BASF
The Astra Zeneca Award for Excellence in Green Chemistry and Engineering
Winner: Merck & Co
Category winners
The Haden Freeman Engineering Excellence Award
Winners: BASF & UOP
Highly Commended: British Nuclear Group, University College London
The ABB Engineering Services Environment Award
Winner: Madison Filter
Highly Commended: Itronics, Astra Zeneca
The iAc/IMPACT Awards for Innovation in Applied Catalysis
Winner: Cardiff University/Johnson Matthey
Highly Commended: Degussa, Shell Global Solutions
The Safety & Health Award, sponsored by Merck Sharp & Dohme
Winner: Severn Trent Water
Highly Commended: Du Pont, M W Kellogg
The IChemE Water Award
Winner: Thames Water
Highly Commended: Akzo Nobel, Thames Water
The Amec Award for Innovation and Excellence in SMEs
Winner: Curvaceous Software
Highly Commended: Cool Acoustics, Industrial Tomography Systems
The PICME Most Improved Manufacturing Award
Winners: Advansa Polyester UK (Continuous Process) Uniqema (Batch Process)
The Crystal Faraday Award for Green Chemical Technology
Winner: Davy Process Technology
2. Successful entrants are permitted to use a special ‘winner’ logo
in publicity and promotional materials, click
here to download the logo
in .jpg format
3. Full details of all winners and entries, including organisation contact
details can be found in the Gala Awards Dinner Programme, click
here to download in .pdf format
4. Click
here to view images of the awards presentations. High resolution
images are available on request, please make a note of the reference
number and contact Matt Stalker on +44 1788 578214
5. For further information on the 2005 IChemE Awards Programme or to
discus opportunities around the 2006 Programme please contact Andrew
Furlong on +44 1788 534484
6. IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) is the hub for
chemical, biochemical and process engineering professionals worldwide.
With a
global membership over 25,000, the Institution is the heart of the
process community,
promoting competence and a commitment to best practice, advancing the
discipline for the benefit of society and supporting the professional
development of its members. For more information, visit http://www.icheme.org
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