• BU Hydrogenation

  Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction in which unsaturated bonds between carbon atoms are reduced by attachment of a hydrogen atom to each carbon. The process thus results in the saturation of the carbon molecule that is hydrogenated. BU Chemical performs these reactions at a number of different pressures in carbon steel or stainlesssteel reactors. Numerous important applications are found for hydrogenation in the conversion of oils into waxes and specialty products for the personal care, lubricants and specialty coatings industry.

  We have extensive experience in the use of hydrogenation as applied to the processing of fats and oils. Complete hydrogenation converts unsaturated fatty acids into saturated ones. In practice the process is not usually carried to completion. Since the original oils usually contain more than one double bond per molecule (that is, they are poly-unsaturated), the result of the hydrogenation is usually described as partialry hydrogenated vegetable oil, that is some, but usually not all, of the double bonds in each molecule have been reduced by the hydrogenation.

  Hydrogenation results in the conversion of of liquid oils into solid or semi-solid fats, when using phytochemical oils. Changing the degree of saturation of the fat changes some important physical properties such as the melting point, which is why the hydrogenation of liquids oils yields a product that is semi-solid. Semi-solid fats are preferred for baking because the way the fat mixes with flour produces a more desirable texture in the baked product. This hydrogenation is also a way to produce solid lubricants.

  BU Chemical also performs Parr shaker type hydrogenations that provides test results that are used primarily for synthesizing or modifying organic compounds by catalytic hydrogenation, reduction or condensation. Consequently we at BU Chemical can provide a full hydrogenation service for our customers.

• BU Methylations

  We utilize Methyl chloride (CAS No. 74-87-3) of the highest purity. Methyl chloride (CH3Cl; chloromethane) is a colorless gas at ambient temperatures. It is compressed to a liquid, which has a weak ethereal smell. Thus the material is stored as a pressurized gas. At BU Chemical, Methyl chloride is used from bulk storage. We do not have the risk of handling multiple containers. Our methylations are conducted in closed systems with safety as our primary concern at all times. Safety must be a primary concern since Methyl chloride is a liquefied gas under pressure. The purity of our technical grade of methyl chloride is close to 100% which allows for highly controlled reactions with a minimum of side reactions.

  Methyl chloride is primarily used to produce silicone resins and rubbers. Methylations can also be used to terminate the polymerization of polysulfone reactions. This controls the molecular weight of the polymer and contributes to thermal stability. Methyl chloride is also used in the production of agricultural chemicals, methyl cellulose, quaternary amines, and butyl rubber and for miscellaneous uses.

• BU Spray Drying

  Spray drying is ideally suited for high solids content, low molecular weight water-soluble polymers and inorganic chemicals. Typical liquid formulations in the range of 40% - 60% total solids are used as the feed stock. The liquid feed stock is atomized into a spray of fine droplets, using either an atomizer wheel or spray nozzles. The spray is then contacted with, and suspended by, a heated gas stream, allowing the liquid to evaporate and leave the dried solids in essentially the same size and shape as the atomized droplets. BU Chemical has experience in adjusting the type and control of the droplet forming mechanism, spray or atomizer wheel, in order to provide a target particle size and size distribution. The dried powder is separated from the gas stream, collected and packaged. We screen the product and rework the oversize and fines back into the feed stock so that your product size distribution is achieved with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability.

  Spray dryers are most often used in the formation of agricultural products, resins and dried foodstuffs, such as coffee granules. BU Chemical provides custom spray drying to a growing family of customers utilizing spray dryers from 2 ft up to 24 ft in diameter. The rated evaporation capacity for these units ranges from 1-7000 lbs/hr of water removal.

  All our spray dryers are constructed of 304 SS. We have multiple units which allow us to segregate the operations in order to prevent cross contamination. The droplet size produced by wheel atomization and sprays produces a fine uniform powder and the large conical drying chamber permits gentle drying to minimize thermal degradation. We have added state of the art process controls in order to provide the optimum degree of spray drying without thermal degradation of product.

Our capabilities consist of:

• Widely varied chemical processing experience including:
  
  
  • Catalytic hydrogenation
  • Ethylation
  • Other Alkylations
  • Diazotizations
  • Esterification
  • Professional environmental management
  
  
• Our specialty skills:
  
  
  • Methylation
  • Butylation
  • Crystallizations and Purification
  • Infra Red Technology
  • High Viscosity Processing
  
  
• Carbon steel, glass-lined, and stainless steel reactors from 50 to 3,500 gallons.
• Full vacuum to 500 psi capability
• Temperature range from -15° to 280° C.
• Flare systems.
• Spray drying.
• Blending and milling operations.
• Aerobic digestion and onsite treatment of liquid waste.
• Auxiliary equipment for drying and solids isolation.