Mar 16 2009
Catilin, Inc., a leading catalyst technology company for biofuels, announced today a Demonstration Fund award of $150,000 by the Iowa Department of Economic Development. The award is targeted for the upgrade of Catilin's biodiesel pilot plant, from batch to continuous operation mode. Operation of the pilot plant in the continuous mode is the final step in the rigorous commercialization process of the world's first heterogeneous (solid) biodiesel catalyst: Catilin's T300 Biodiesel Catalyst.
Biodiesel is commonly produced using a homogeneous (liquid) catalyst, such as sodium hydroxide or sodium methylate. These catalysts require excessive amounts of water, energy, toxic chemicals, and equipment to produce the biodiesel and glycerin co-products. Catilin's heterogeneous catalyst, on the other hand, does not suffer these traits and is also non-toxic, a critical issue throughout the U.S. and around the globe. Additionally, the T300 Catalyst can be used in existing plants with minimal modification as it reacts at common operational temperatures and pressure.
"We are pleased to receive the Iowa Demonstration Fund award. It validates our extensive and successful testing in our lab and now in our continuous process flow pilot plant. Our pilot plant produces 300,000 gallons of high-quality biodiesel per year utilizing Catilin's ground-breaking T300 Catalyst," said Larry Lenhart, Catilin President and CEO.
Catilin's pilot plant is located within the BECON (Biomass Energy Conversion) facility outside of Ames, IA. The pilot plant is open to visitors, prospective partners and customers.