London, São Paulo, 29 April 2011:
Sermatec Indústria e Montagens Ltda (Sermatec), Proeng Enghenaria (Proeng) and Whitefox Technologies Limited (Whitefox) announced today that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, with the intention to form a consortium in Brazil for the introduction of Whitefox’s membrane based ethanol production process to the market. The three companies will work together to introduce major improvements to the efficiency of ethanol production and cogeneration of electricity, delivering important environmental and financial benefits to ethanol production.
The process and technology developed by Whitefox allow for a continuous dehydration process without the need for chemical additives. In addition, as the technology allows for dehydration to begin at around 80% ethanol concentration rather than azeotropic (92%), significant improvements to the energy efficiency of an ethanol plant are achievable. It is therefore possible to deliver up to an additional 20% of electricity output from the same amount of bagasse. The process reduces the overall water requirement for the plant, a key factor in the viability of ethanol production.
In addition, Sermatec, Proeng and Whitefox intend working together on developing membrane applications for other important aspects of the ethanol production process.
The consortium will adapt the Whitefox process to Brazilian conditions. The first step would be the design, construction and installation of an ethanol dehydration unit in Brazil in 2011, to demonstrate the benefits of Whitefox’s membrane technology to the Brazilian market. Where possible locally designed and constructed equipment will be used, to reduce costs and adapt the technical specifications of the product to the needs and conditions of the Brazilian market.
Gillian Harrison, CEO of Whitefox said: “With this cooperation we believe we have a solid base to introduce Whitefox’ technology into Brazil. The three companies complement each other with their different engineering strengths. We will be able to offer a full range of services based on optimized design and the latest membrane technology. We have been active in Brazil since 2008 through our important relationship with Proeng and are excited to be further committing to this key market with this tie-up with Sermatec, one of the leading engineering groups in the sector.”
João Luiz França, director of Proeng said: “The biofuel industry of the future will be based on innovation of feedstock, processes and co-products. A fundamental change in approach requires the introduction of new technologies into the industrial plant. By working together with Whitefox and Sermatec we will be able to bring real benefits to the ethanol and sugar-cane markets as a whole, because it enables us to combine state of the art technology with the fundamental know-how of Brazilian ethanol. Proeng’s thorough understanding of Brazilian production processes and standards will enable us to adapt Whitefox’ process to the local requirements. Sermatec’s expertise in production and construction will enable us to ensure that costs attend the needs and conditions of the Brazilian market and that delivery and supply can meet demand. We believe that together we will be able to increase green energy for the country as well as provide higher profits for the ethanol sector.”
The partnership among the three companies will show the Brazilian market that it is possible to have a higher energy production output with a low production cost.
About Whitefox™
Whitefox Technologies Limited (www.whitefox.com) specialises in technology development and process integration based on membranes. The company focuses on efficient, integrated production systems through providing process engineering know-how, as well as membrane module design. With more than 10 years of experience Whitefox Technologies provides customers with proprietary solutions in biofuels production. In addition Whitefox has patented fuel cell technology for the generation of clean electricity and develops applications for carbon capture.
About Sermatec
Sermatec (www.sermatec.com.br) is one of the biggest industrial manufacturers in Brazil. During its 35 year history the company has specialized in project planning, manufacturing, assembly and automation of equipment for complete plants for the production of sugar, ethanol and bio-electricity. It has installed equipment in numerous plants in Brazil and has several thermo-electricity units in operation in Latin America and Angola. With its experience and know-how it is able to operate in several major market segments such as Sugar and Ethanol, Energy Generation, Oil and Gas, Mines, Paper and Cellulose as well as many others.
About Proeng
Proeng (www.proengeq.com.br) is an engineering company, which provides its customers with the complete range of engineering services: engineering, procurement, construction and project management. Proeng’s focus has been in the sugar, bio-fuel ethanol and electricity production through co-generation, but it also operates in other related markets segments. Proeng is experienced at assessing new technologies that will bring improvements to the productions process and ultimately improve the project economics for its customers.