Business from technology

Chemical processes and systems

Competence

In the field of chemical processes and systems VTT focuses on chemical, energetic and phase changes in industrial systems. Advanced physical and chemical methods are applied for fractionation and reactive processing, development of new process concepts and safe management of chemicals and chemical products.

The work is based on novel thermochemical multi-phase methods and their application in advanced process simulation, ranging from modelling of surface reactions and multi-phase reaction pathways to integrated process analysis and optimisation. The modelling work is supported by pilot and bench-scale experiments, which include a number of sub- or supercritical reactors and rigorous reaction calorimetry.

Challenges

The major challenges of our customers arise from the necessity of economical use of raw materials and energy and from the constant pursuit to minimise environmental and climate impacts of industrial activities. Recent developments in bioprocessing technologies and in the utilisation of renewable and recycled feedstock will generate new products and production possibilities.

Solutions

VTT provides a seamless combination of experimental research with rigorous theoretical models to solve complex industrial problems. Experimental data is received either from experienced laboratory and analytical practices or directly from pilot and process measurement. Computational research is carried out by using VTT’s internationally-known process simulation software: ChemSheet®, KilnSimu and Balas®. Recently, VTT has developed a Constrained Free Energy (CFE) technique to include essential new features in the thermodynamic multi-phase process simulation.

Benefits

Customer benefits are: savings in raw materials and energy, improved runnability, better control of measured process parameters or with introduction of new process chemistry alternatives as well as with development of new products and processes.

References and merits

The multi-phase process simulation methods developed by VTT have been released commercially and are being used in over 15 countries worldwide.

ChemSheet® is the sole process simulation software, where the novel CFE method can be fully applied. VTT’s CFE-publication received a CALPHAD Journal’s Best Paper 2006 award at the Pennsylvania State University in 2007. CFE already has several commercial applications ranging from chemical process technology to pulp and paper manufacture as well as steelmaking.

VTT is a partner in a Finnish consortium that has signed a framework agreement with the European Chemical Agency (ECHA).