USA Network and program for Process Intensification

Process intensification (PINT) and related activities such as Process Analytical Technology (PAT) are becoming important areas for many chemical, petrochemical and oil companies with respect to optimal control of their large scale production processes. Wi th increasing focus on the environmental impact of chemical based processes and the reduced margins in some sectors due to high prices of raw materials, the ability to have dynamic feedback control through on-line monitoring and off-line optimisation of k ey process conditions is becoming more important. Through SINTEF’s complimentary activities within the development of sensors and data-analytical techniques (Department for Optics and data analysis) and parallel technology for high throughput proce ss optimisation (Department of Hydrocarbon Process Technology), SINTEF has been in dialogue with a number institutes, chemical and oil companies in USA that have shown interest in applying current technology and skills to a range of problems focussed on m easuring and reproducing key process parameters. A key part of the experience that SINTEF has established is also related to development of sensor technology for use under demanding conditions, based on offshore applications. Based on the growing interes t in PAT and PINT, SINTEF is seeking to build on the complimentary skills from sensors and high throughput technology to establish a cooperation or network with interested institutions and companies in the USA, in addition to activities with Norwegian com panies. Initial contacts have already been established with CPAC of Washington (Centre for Process Analytical Chemistry) with the view to evaluating the potential for cooperation via exchange of scientists and students and accessing available funding of a Norwegian – US program to fund projects based on combining the expertise from CPAC on developing standards within PAT.