James Boklage, Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) Manager at Koch Modular, is immersed in the final stages of preparing an 80,000-pound modular processing system for delivery—saving the client time, money, and the inevitable headaches of on-site construction.

“One of the biggest positives about modular assembly is being able to fabricate something off-site,” Boklage explains, gesturing to the fully assembled module behind him. “When it’s under a roof, that’s the best scenario for us because we don’t get shut down for inclement weather. That helps us maintain our schedules quite a bit.”

The process isn’t just about efficiency; safety and quality are also paramount. Currently horizontal in the fabrication shop, the module will be erected vertically once it arrives at the client’s site. “By keeping it horizontal, we are keeping everyone closer to the ground, so that’s inherently a lot safer situation,” Boklage says, highlighting the proactive approach to worker safety.

Ensuring quality across each component is a sophisticated operation, as Koch Modular sources parts from vendors across the country and even globally. “The quality assurance department is setting the standards of the quality of products that we’re getting from our vendors,” he explains, noting the extensive inspection and testing protocols that vendors must meet. Koch Modular’s quality control inspectors closely monitor these standards, ensuring that each component meets the company’s rigorous requirements.

Various personnel within Koch Modular help to perform an essential role in ensuring the success of each modular assembly by performing a comprehensive 13-step walk-down to guarantee quality, safety, and readiness. This walkdown team typically includes personnel from the Project, Process, Piping, and QA/QC departments. This structured process keeps each day dynamic and engaging as the team checks each critical aspect of the module before it leaves for the client site. Starting with inventory checks, they verify that all structural steel is correctly oriented and securely bolted, meeting torque specifications to uphold integrity. They also check grating, equipment installations, P&ID accuracy, piping isometrics, pipe tracings, and insulation, among other things. “We’re performing isometric walk downs to make sure all the valves are turned in the right direction, making sure that instruments are facing the right way,” Boklage says.

The process also includes a rigorous factory acceptance test (FAT) where the EI&C team tests every instrument and control valve to confirm effective communication with their designated equipment. This step is crucial for minimizing the risk of onsite surprises and enables a smoother setup for the client. Finally, as part of shipping preparation, the Project Management and Quality Control team members inspect the entire module, checking for any loose components and ensuring each piece of equipment is securely strapped down for safe transit. Temporary supports are added where necessary, providing additional stability for transportation.

“It makes me proud to say I work with Koch Modular,” Boklage reflects with a smile. I feel safe working here in this environment, and I like working for the company.” As the module is readied for its journey, it’s clear that pride, precision, and quality assurance are embedded in every step of the process, from concept to commercialization. At Koch Modular, the promise of reliability and efficiency isn’t just a goal—it’s a standard.

Meet James

James is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Pennsylvania and Kentucky, with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. His primary focus has been pressure vessel design and inspection. His career spans over 25 years, with experience in the following industries: static equipment design and fabrication, petrochemical and chemical plants, fossil and nuclear plants, and mechanical and nondestructive testing.

James is currently the Mechanical Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Quality Control Manager for Koch Modular Process Systems, where he has worked for over 15 years.

The post Building with Confidence: Behind the Scenes of Modular Assembly appeared first on Koch Modular Process System.

Q: Kerri, tell us a little about yourself and your current role with Koch Modular

A: Sure, I’m a piping designer based in Houston in Koch Modular’s piping group. I’ve been with Koch Modular for three years now, and I have proudly been on every Koch Modular outing I can! I’m also a mom to a 13-year-old and an 8-year-old, and in my free time outside of Koch Modular, I run a Girl Scout troop.

Q: Can you share a few highlights from the NASA trip?

A: Koch Modular has employees based all over the US, with a large cluster of employees in Houston, so it was a wonderful, family-friendly opportunity to gather somewhere new and exciting to see familiar faces. We met as a group at the start of the day and had the morning to explore the campus. Everyone had their own tickets, which enabled employees and their families to come and go as they pleased. We regathered in the cafeteria around noon for lunch and a big group photo. All of us employees had such a great time mingling with one another. My kids had a great time interacting with the virtual reality exhibits.

Q: Why are the Koch Modular outings special to you?

A: The Koch Modular outings give me the chance to connect with my coworkers in person. I love working from home, but meeting people face-to-face adds a new level of connection. It’s funny—I’ve been surprised by how tall some people are in real life! Getting to meet everyone’s families is also a huge bonus. Normally, you’d never have the chance to meet your coworkers’ kids, but these outings make it possible, and it’s so sweet. It reminds me that the people I talk to on the screen every day are real people with lives outside of work. Plus, it shows how much the company cares about us as individuals.

Q: What’s next for Koch Modular outings, and are there any other events you’d like to see in the future?

A: I think the annual Topgolf event could definitely make a comeback—it was really well-received when we did it in the past. And the 5K has become a great annual tradition, whether you’re walking or running, it’s always a lot of fun. In the future, I’d love to see something like a team bonding event at Dave & Buster’s here in Houston. It’s a fun, family-friendly option that would work for everyone, no matter their mobility. Another idea I’ve been thinking about is maybe doing a volunteer activity together, like helping out at the Houston Food Bank. We have a lot of people with big hearts in our group, so I think that would be really meaningful. All in all, the employee events are very well received. I hope we continue the tradition for years to come.

Meet Kerri

Kerri Lewis is a Piping Designer who has been doing 3D design using CADWorx for over 20 years. She has worked in every stage of Oil & Gas from drilling to facilities & manufacturing. She joined Koch Modular in late 2021 having previously worked for Hercules Offshore Drilling, Audubon Engineering, CSD Engineering, Jacobs & W.

H. Linder. She is happily married to her husband Derek and they have 2 amazing kids, Natalie and Owen.

Kerri Lewis, Koch Modular Piping Designer

The post Koch Modular’s Houston Team Explores NASA with their Families appeared first on Koch Modular Process System.

Koch Modular has donated a pilot-scale KARR column to the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). This donation supports the department’s ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its undergraduate teaching laboratories, enhancing the practical learning experience for engineering students.

For more than 40 years, Koch Modular has been committed to supporting educational growth by collaborating with numerous academic institutions worldwide. These include the Technical University of Denmark, Syracuse University, Villanova University, the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Missouri, Miami University, the University of Cincinnati, and Georgia Tech University, among others. Donating to UT Austin reinforces Koch Modular’s commitment to enriching engineering education by providing students with hands-on opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge.

A Hands-On Approach to Learning

The chemical engineering undergraduate teaching labs at UT Austin include numerous experiments supported by industry leaders such as Emerson, Chevron, Phillips 66, BP, Valero, and Koch Modular. These labs incorporate Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Project-Based Learning (PjBL) approaches, enabling students to engage with real-world scenarios, tackle open-ended challenges, and undertake meaningful research projects, offering students a state-of-the-art educational environment.

“This practical experience further enhances experiential learning in our laboratories,” states Carlos Landaverde-Alvarado, assistant professor of instruction at UT Austin. “The use of the KARR column underlines how industry collaborations can improve the education of engineers by integrating real-world problems to laboratory courses, enhancing student engagement, and connecting student projects to industry applications. The addition of pilot-scale equipment to the ChE laboratories is key as we aim to create more effective links to the practice of the profession and as we help our students develop, solidify, and apply their scientific knowledge.”

Why the KARR^® Column?

The pilot-scale KARR column is a highly effective tool for technical universities, particularly in studying liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) processes. Its design provides the versatility needed to explore a wide range of LLE processes, making it an essential resource for chemical engineering programs. The column’s compact size makes it suitable for laboratories with limited space, while still offering the efficiency needed to achieve numerous theoretical stages. Additionally, its low material volume requirements make it both time and cost-efficient, maximizing its educational value.

Brendan Cross, a principal extraction engineer at Koch Modular and an advocate for the donation, understands the value of students performing pragmatic extraction pilot testing as part of their undergraduate curriculum. “Giving students the ability to conduct tests using a pilot-scale KARR column enables further education on how liquid-liquid extraction processes are developed and validated. This rare opportunity not only teaches students how to use a piece of commercially utilized technology but allows them to learn how pilot testing is performed within the industry, deepening their understanding of complex chemical engineering concepts.”

Data generated from this column can be scaled up accurately, allowing for the precise design of commercial-sized KARR columns. This makes the KARR column not only a valuable educational tool but also a practical asset for industrial applications.

Collaboration Driving Progress

Marisa Meier, an associate director of alumni and corporate relations at UT Austin, highlights the importance of strategic partnerships. “Collaboration between industry and academia is crucial for driving progress in STEM,” she states. “By combining academic research with industrial expertise, we can achieve advancements that benefit both sectors and society at large.”

Koch Modular’s donation is a testament to the company’s commitment to advancing STEM education by providing essential resources to future engineers. This contribution, alongside the support of other industry partners, underscores the importance of collaboration in advancing educational excellence and innovation.

Through initiatives like this, Koch Modular continues to play an instrumental role in equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in a rapidly changing field.

About Koch Modular

Koch Modular has successfully designed and constructed modular systems for the global chemical processing industry for over 25 years and has over 40 years of process engineering experience. Specializing in mass transfer, Koch Modular supports innovative technology companies on their pathway from concept to commercialization, providing pilot testing and process conceptualization services, process design package development, detailed engineering, and modular constructed systems. To learn more, visit kochmodular.com.

Media Contacts

Emily Steinhauer
CG Life
esteinhauer@cglife.com

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Benzene Stripping: A Critical Step in Compliance

Benzene, with its hazardous properties, is subject to strict EPA initiatives aimed at limiting its release into the environment. Leveraging steam stripping technology, Koch Modular has successfully designed systems capable of reducing benzene concentrations in wastewater to as low as 5 parts per billion (ppb). This approach is both effective and efficient, utilizing steam to volatize benzene due to its lower boiling point and limited solubility in water.

Our Proven Process

The benzene stripping process begins with a detailed understanding of the feed stream’s composition, often characterized by fouling properties that demand a durable design. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

1. Handling Inert Gases: Stripped inert gases are routed to a flare header to maintain safe operations.

2. Preheating the Feed: Wastewater is preheated near its boiling point using heat exchange with the stripped effluent, ensuring energy efficiency.

3. Steam Stripping Column: Preheated feed enters the top of the stripping column while live steam is injected at the base. Steam effectively separates benzene from water, leaving behind a cleaner bottoms product.

4. Condensation and Separation: Overhead vapors, containing water and benzene, are condensed and separated into two liquid phases. Benzene is decanted off, while the aqueous layer is refluxed to the column.

Engineering for Performance and Longevity

The physical properties of water, benzene’s relative volatility, and the low concentration gradients present unique challenges in tray efficiency. Our systems are engineered to manage these challenges while maintaining continuous operation in demanding environments.

The Modular Advantage

At Koch Modular, we deliver these systems using a modular delivery model, integrating all components into road-transportable modules. This modular construction method offers several benefits:

• Reduced Costs: Lower installation and field construction expenses.
• Faster Timelines: Accelerated project delivery compared to traditional field-erected systems.
• Guaranteed Quality: Complete process performance guarantees backed by over 30 successful implementations.

Each system includes structural steel, all process equipment, piping, field instruments, control systems, and insulation—fully compliant with client standards and specifications.

A Partner You Can Rely On

From concept to commercialization, Koch Modular guides clients in developing an efficient process for benzene removal. By combining innovation with proven technology, we help petrochemical plants achieve environmental compliance while maintaining operational efficiency.

If you’re looking for a trusted partner to optimize your wastewater and process waste streams, Koch Modular has the experience and expertise to deliver solutions that work.

Chat with Tom

Tom Schafer is a chemical engineer with 48 years of experience in process design, operations management, cost estimating, plant layout, and sales & marketing—specific expertise in equipment design, including distillation, heat transfer, fluid flow, and process control. Tom holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Manhattan College.

Email: thomas.schafer@kochmodular.com

Tom Schafer, Koch Modular, Co-founder & Vice President

The post Optimizing Benzene Stripping for Petrochemical Wastewater Streams appeared first on Koch Modular Process System.

1. Size Limitations: Efficiency Beyond Small Spaces

Myth: Truckable modules are too small to be practical for complex chemical processing facilities.

Reality: The misconception that truckable modules are limited to small sizes overlooks the advancements in modular construction. While transportation constraints impose size limitations, truckable modules can be substantial and tailored to fit complex requirements. In the chemical processing industry, these modules can house essential equipment, control rooms, or entire processing units. Designed to maximize internal space while adhering to transportation limits, truckable modules can efficiently accommodate the needs of large-scale chemical operations.

2. Complexity of Assembly: Advanced Systems in Modular Design

Myth: Truckable modules are overly simplistic and lack the complexity required for sophisticated chemical processes.

Reality: The belief that truckable modules are simplistic is an underestimation. Modern modular construction, especially in the chemical processing sector, involves sophisticated engineering and advanced systems integration. Truckable modules can be equipped with intricate piping systems, specialized reactors, and high-tech control panels, all assembled with precision. The off-site fabrication shops where these modules are built allow for meticulous quality control and integration of complex systems, ensuring they meet the demanding requirements for chemical processing.

3. Cost Considerations: Balancing Value and Investment

Myth: Truckable modules are more expensive than traditional construction methods for chemical processing facilities.

Reality: While modular construction may require a modest amount of additional upfront engineering and a small percentage of extra structural steel, these negligible costs are significantly offset by the savings realized from reduced labor hours due to the improved productivity of horizontal modular construction. This does not even account for the indirect cost savings from minimized field construction hours, reduced disruptions to existing operating facilities, and an overall shortened delivery schedule that enables a faster time to market. Therefore, in reality, truckable modules typically deliver an overall cost saving of 20% to 30% compared to traditional stick-built projects.

4. Design Flexibility: Custom Solutions for Specialized Needs

Myth: Truckable modules limit design options for chemical processing facilities.

Reality: On the contrary, truckable modules offer significant design flexibility and are designed to be scalable and repeatable. For smaller projects with limited unit operations, entire process systems can be integrated into a single module. For larger projects with multiple unit operations and increased throughput, systems can be divided into several modules that interconnect at the project site to form a complete unit. Modules can be customized to include specialized equipment, integrate with existing systems, and accommodate unique process requirements. This flexibility enables the creation of efficient and effective processing units that align with the project’s goals and regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

Truckable modules represent a significant advancement in modular construction, offering practical solutions and innovative designs for the chemical processing industry. By debunking these common misconceptions, we better understand their true potential and benefits. From size and complexity to cost, quality, and design flexibility, truckable modules provide valuable advantages that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of chemical processing facilities.

As the chemical processing industry continues to embrace modular construction, overcoming misconceptions and recognizing the strengths of truckable modules will be crucial for unlocking new opportunities and achieving operational excellence. Modular construction is not merely a trend but a strategic approach that can drive efficiency, flexibility, and innovation in the chemical processing sector.

Chat with Mauricio

Mauricio Villegas is the Manager of Business Development at Koch Modular Process Systems. He has over 25 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry, delivering projects across sectors ranging from small brownfield projects to greenfield mega-projects. Before joining Koch Modular, he held various management roles at WorleyParsons, Technip, IHI E&C, and Arcadis. Mr. Villegas earned a BS in Business Administration and Management from Northeastern University.

Email: mauricio.villegas@kochmodular.com

Mauricio Villegas, Koch Modular Business Development Manager

The post Debunking Myths: Understanding the Realities of Truckable Modules appeared first on Koch Modular Process System.

In this session, Lisa Dlugo, who has been a vital part of Koch Modular for almost 15 years, shares her experiences in organizing company-wide events and her extensive background in Human Resources. She emphasizes the company’s dedication to encouraging community among employees and highlights their efforts in building connections and enhancing company culture. Lisa also discusses HR goals and offers advice for potential employees, showcasing Koch Modular’s supportive and growth-oriented environment.

Q: Can you tell us about your role and history with Koch Modular and what it’s like to organize company-wide events?

Lisa: As the Human Resources Manager at Koch Modular, I handle all aspects of the Human Resources function, including recruitment, benefits administration, employee relations, performance management, health & safety, ethics & compliance, as well as assisting with facility management of our Headquarters in Paramus, NJ. One of the responsibilities I enjoy is coordinating company events. I have over 30 years of experience in organizing employee events for the various companies I have worked for in the past.  At Koch Modular, I lead the employee activities committee that plans company events ranging from individual regional outings, such as golf or fishing trips, to larger annual all-employee events with team-building activities, typically followed by a cocktail hour and dinner.

Q: Koch Modular hosts company-wide events yearly. What made this one special? What activities took place?

Lisa: We typically host two major events each year to bring together all of our employees who work both on a remote basis and/or onsite at our Paramus, NJ, and Houston, TX locations.  Given our mostly remote work environment, we feel that bringing all of our employees together for in-person events on a regular basis is critical in helping to build relationships, as well as enabling friendships to form. This year is very special because it’s the celebration of Koch Modular’s 25th anniversary, so we flew everyone in to celebrate.  The celebration kicked off with departmental gatherings, training, seminars, and team-building activities. After a nice, casual lunch at the hotel, we enjoyed a cruise on the Hudson River with magnificent views of New York City (including Lady Liberty) and a wonderful dinner. Each attendee received a Koch Modular anniversary gift to commemorate this milestone occasion: a backpack and a mini inspection flashlight.

Q: What was your favorite memory from the 2024 Spring Gathering?

Lisa:  That’s a hard question to answer.  There were so many great memories!  Seeing my coworkers in person is always fantastic, especially newer employees who have joined us on a remote basis. Meeting newcomers face-to-face, as well as reconnecting with old friends and colleagues, is always so much fun. I was pleasantly surprised by the weather; rain was forecasted, but the sun came out just as we boarded the yacht, making for a beautiful afternoon on the river. We had a great turnout, with about 88 people in attendance. It was so enjoyable to have everyone together for this special celebration.

Q: How have Koch Modular company-wide events evolved since you first joined the company?

Lisa: When I first joined the company, our events were quite structured, with the same four outings every year. After a few years, employees expressed a desire for more variety, so we formed an employee activities committee. This committee has enabled us to come up with new ideas and plan diverse events, including family trips to the zoo, bowling, baseball games, golf, participation in corporate 5k fun runs, and ski trips.  Our family event in Houston this summer is a trip to NASA, which I think will be so cool!  We now offer a wide range of activities in both New Jersey and Houston–something for everyone.

Q: Why does Koch Modular invest in company events, and why are these events important to you?

Lisa: Our Executive Committee has always valued bringing people together for non-work-related events to cultivate relationships and help employees get to know each other on a personal basis. These events are crucial because they help build connections and a sense of community, especially among remote employees.  The feedback I have received from employees is that they genuinely appreciate and enjoy these events/gatherings.  We always have a great turnout!  I enjoy meeting and spending time with my coworkers, particularly newcomers who have never physically worked in the office.

Q: From a company culture perspective, can you share some of your goals for the HR department at Koch Modular?

Lisa: My goals for the HR department evolve yearly, but my primary focus is always on providing the best possible service to our employees. I enjoy talking to people and assisting them with various aspects of their work life, whether it be answering questions, offering advice, or resolving issues. I strive to always be accessible to all employees and to implement quality programs, such as new benefit & wellness plans and informative training initiatives. This year, one of my key goals is to update the employee handbook, which will look a bit different from previous handbooks and contain a great deal of new information, as we now have employees in about 18 different states!

Q:   Why would you consider Koch Modular a great place to work?  What advice would you give someone considering a career at Koch Modular?

Lisa:   Koch Modular is a unique company not just in the type of work we do, but in how we interact with each other.  It is a comfortable environment with comradery among coworkers. One of the things that stands out to me is that the Executive Committee and Management Team truly care about their employees. They are all hands-on engineers and managers who value employees’ opinions and contributions. Koch Modular provides opportunities for learning and growth, not only for experienced individuals but also for recent college graduates and professionals early in their careers.  Here, you’ll gain valuable experience as our engineers see a project evolve from conception to delivery, being involved in every aspect of the process. Colleagues often highlight this comprehensive exposure as one of the most rewarding aspects of working at Koch Modular. The Company also provides employees an opportunity to get involved in areas outside of their disciplines. Getting involved in activities outside of one’s specialty area (e.g. participating in a Work Group, Employee Activities Committee, etc.) provides the chance for professional and personal development.  We encourage all employees to get involved and take advantage of all offered opportunities both in and out of their respective disciplines.

Chat with Lisa

Lisa is a Human Resources Generalist with over 35 years of experience in all disciplines, including recruitment and staffing, benefits administration, employee relations, performance management, and compliance.  She holds a degree in Business Administration, as well as professional HR and Ethics & Compliance certifications.   Former employers include Lummus Technology, Ebasco Services, and ADP.  Lisa has been married for 36 years to husband Phil; proud mom of son Michael, daughter Cara, and the newest addition to the Dlugo Clan, grandson Vincent Gabriel.
Email: lisa.dlugo@kochmodular.com

The post Celebrating Koch Modular’s 25th Anniversary: A Q&A with Lisa Dlugo appeared first on Koch Modular Process System.

In the context of escalating environmental concerns and the urgent need to mitigate climate change, modular pilot and demonstration-scale plants have a critical role in accelerating the global transition to clean energy solutions. These plants represent a transformative approach to energy research and development, optimizing innovation processes, reducing project timelines, and managing inherent risks. Their ability to facilitate comprehensive sustainable feedstock experimentation and validate clean energy processes is essential for enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and expediting the deployment of clean energy technologies.

Understanding Modular Pilot and Demonstration Scale Plants

Modular pilot or demonstration-scale plants are custom-designed for each project as scaled-down versions of commercial operations rather than scaled-up versions of laboratory equipment. These small-scale plants enable the pilot testing of novel technologies and difficult separations, providing proof-of-concept testing to de-risk and validate processes for commercial scale. Testing in a lab or process model may not translate directly to larger scales; therefore, it is essential to test with actual feed materials, collect data over extended periods, and observe system performance. Modular project delivery offers several benefits, including cost certainty, project predictability, risk mitigation, shorter time to market, minimized site operations interruptions, improved productivity, and reduced hazards and safety risks.

Join Mauricio Villegas for a poster session, “Modular Pilot & Demonstration Plants: Accelerating the Global Transition to Clean Energy” on Monday, June 17, at 4:00 pm EST at the 2024 TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Exposition. And, visit Koch Modular at booth #606 to connect with our team of industry experts.

Koch Modular will be presenting on a variety of topics at this year’s event. Explore more of our TechConnect presentations HERE.

Chat with Mauricio

Mauricio Villegas is the Manager of Business Development at Koch Modular Process Systems. He has over 25 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry, delivering projects across sectors ranging from small brownfield projects to greenfield mega-projects. Before joining Koch Modular, he held various management roles at WorleyParsons, Technip, IHI E&C, and Arcadis. Mr. Villegas earned a BS in Business Administration and Management from Northeastern University.

Email: mauricio.villegas@kochmodular.com

Mauricio Villegas, Business Development Manager

The post TechConnect Spotlight: Modular Pilot & Demonstration Plants Accelerating the Energy Transition appeared first on Koch Modular Process System.

Ensuring the effective removal of contaminants from wastewater has become imperative, especially with the proliferation of ammonia-intensive decarbonization methods. Mining operations, spurred by the need for critical minerals and metals in energy production and storage, have heightened ammonia content in wastewater streams. Likewise, converting livestock waste into renewable fuels contributes to elevated ammonia levels in wastewater. Rising operational expenses, aging infrastructure, the emergence of contaminants such as PFAS, and stringent regulatory standards compound this challenge.

Steam stripping and solvent extraction are two technologies that can be used for efficiently removing challenging contaminants from wastewater across diverse conditions to achieve tangible operational and cost benefits

Understanding Steam Stripping

Steam stripping, alternatively referred to as steam distillation, presents an economically viable approach to eliminating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from wastewater. Compounds amenable to stripping typically exhibit lower boiling points than water, form azeotropes with water, or demonstrate partial solubility in water. These contaminants encompass a range of substances, including alcohols, dioxane, chlorinated hydrocarbons, BTX aromatics (benzene-toluene-xylene), aliphatics, acetates, THF, ethers, ketones, acetonitrile, and ammonia. However, for more complex containments, other separation methods must be explored.

Exploring Solvent Extraction

Solvent extraction offers an effective and economically viable approach for eliminating stubborn wastewater contaminants with boiling points higher than water or without volatility. This method proves especially advantageous in scenarios where the energy expenses linked with distillation or evaporation are considerable. Contaminants conducive to extraction cover a broad spectrum, including carboxylic acids, metal ions, quaternary ammonium cations, phenolic compounds, DMF, DMAC, pyridines, aniline, nitrotoluenes, and organofluorines such as PFAS.

Join William and Kyle for their poster session, “Strategies for Effective Industrial Wastewater Purification,” on Monday, June 17, at 4:00 pm EST at the 2024 TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Exposition. And, visit Koch Modular at booth #606 to connect with our team of engineers.

Koch Modular will be presenting on a variety of topics at this year’s event. Explore more of our TechConnect presentations HERE.

Can’t make it to the conference? Join our on-demand webinar.

Chat with William

William Gallei is a process engineer with Koch Modular. He has over 12 years of experience in the chemical and petrochemical industry and holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Manhattan College.

Email: william.gallei@kochmodular.com

William Gallei, Process Engineer

Chat with Kyle

Kyle Parkinson is a process engineer with Koch Modular and has over 11 years of experience in the chemical and petrochemical industry, with a recent focus on liquid-liquid extraction. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Bucknell University.

Email: kyle.parkinson@kochmodular.com

Kyle Parkinson, Process Engineer

The post TechConnect Spotlight: Industrial Wastewater Purification appeared first on Koch Modular Process System.

In recent years, industrial biologists have been developing systems to produce organic chemicals from biomass using processes such as fermentation. These processes typically yield low concentrations of organic chemicals with boiling points higher than water, making distillation impractical for initial recovery and purification.

Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) is an efficient method for removing these compounds, either directly from the fermentation broth (whole broth) or from the broth after pre-treatment to remove undesirable components such as cell mass and lignin.

Choosing the appropriate extraction column is crucial for optimizing performance and cost. Many biomass feed solutions, particularly those from fermentation processes or algae ponds, tend to emulsify when mixed with an organic solvent.

The presentation will explore the application of liquid-liquid extraction technology for recovering bio-chemicals, its use across various industries and feedstocks, and considerations for pilot testing, scale-up, and commercialization.

Glatz will also present “LLE: Efficient Recovery and Purification of Biobased Chemicals” in a poster session on Tuesday, June 18, at 1:30 pm EST in Expo Hall BC.

Visit Koch Modular at booth #606 to connect with our engineers during the conference and explore more of our presentations HERE.

Chat with Don

Don Glatz is the Manager of Extraction Technology at Koch Modular. With a remarkable career spanning over 47 years, Don is an expert in evaluating, optimizing, scaling, and designing extraction processes. His profound knowledge and experience have been shared through numerous published papers and articles. Don holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, complemented by an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. His invaluable contributions continue to shape the field of extraction technology.

Email: donald.glatz@kochmodular.com

Donald Glatz

Extraction Technology Manager

The post TechConnect Spotlight: Harnessing LLE for Efficient Recovery and Purification of Biofuels and Bioproducts appeared first on Koch Modular Process System.

Koch Modular will join the brightest researchers, innovators, and technology prospectors at the 2024 TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Expo at the Gaylord National Convention Center in Washington, D.C., June 17-19. As a proud sponsor of the conference, Koch Modular will have an exhibit at Booth #606, hosting four poster sessions, two presentations, and a panel featuring two of our esteemed subject-matter experts.

Join forces with industry collaborators and leaders in applied research to expedite the creation and implementation of innovative material, energy, and sustainability solutions in products and society.

Our Schedule

• Presentations
  • Monday, June 17th at 10:30 am
    • Session: Biofuels and Remediation
      • Donald Glatz, Utilizing Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) or Solvent Extraction (SX) in the Efficient Recovery and Purification of Biofuels & Bioproduct (Chesapeake A)
  • Tuesday, June 18th at 9:15 am
    • Session: Advances in Critical Mineral Separations
      • Brendan Cross, Enhancing Critical Material Recovery: Replacing Mixer-Settlers with Agitated Extraction Columns (National Harbor 4)
• Posters 
  • Monday, June 17th at 4:00 pm
    • Mauricio Villegas, Modular Pilot & Demonstration Plants: Accelerating the Global Transition to Clean Energy (Expo Hall BC)
    • Kyle Parkinson, William Galli, Methods for Contaminant Removal in Industrial Wastewater (Expo Hall BC)
  • Tuesday, June 18th at 1:30 pm
    • Donald Glatz, LLE: Efficient Recovery and Purification of Biobased Chemicals (Expo Hall BC)
  • Tuesday, June 18th at 4:00 pm
    • Brendan Cross, Using Agitated Extraction Columns for Enhanced Critical Minerals & Materials Recovery (Expo Hall BC)
• Panelist Session
  • Tuesday, June 18th at 10:30 am
    • Donald Glatz and Brendan Cross, Innovations Spotlights (Room: Maryland 3)

Visit Koch Modular at Booth #606 to connect with our team and view the full conference schedule here: https://www.techconnectworld.com/World2024/dag.html

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