Queen's University included in chemical engineering roll of honor
Queen's University Belfast chemists are celebrating after being named on the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) roll of honour for 2013. The chemists have been recognised for their work in removing harmful mercury from natural gas.
The award of the IChemE Nicklin Medal is the latest accolade for the University's multi-award winning partnership with Malaysian oil and gas giant PETRONAS which has developed a much more environmentally friendly and safer gas production process.
The Nicklin Medal has been awarded jointly to Queen's Ionic Liquid Laboratories (QUILL) and PETRONAS for the mercury removal project, which was also the major winner at the global IChemE Awards in November, receiving three awards.
Queen's and PETRONAS are among 20 individuals and organisations from around the world being honoured by IChemE for their achievements and exceptional work across all aspects of chemical, process and biochemical engineering.
Their award-winning technology is being used to produce mercury-free natural gas at two PETRONAS plants in Malaysia. Explaining how it works, Professor Martin Atkins from QUILL said: "Mercury is one of the biggest threats to downstream processing in the oil and gas exploration industries, so it is a huge problem for companies like PETRONAS. It contaminates natural gas, corrodes processing equipment, and compromises the safety of processing plants and the quality of the end product. The amount of mercury present can vary considerably, which makes it incredibly difficult to manage.
"We developed a new ionic liquid based formulation which completely removes mercury from natural gas and is capable of handling the unpredictable surges of mercury in the gas stream. The result is a robust technology, providing a cost-effective and sustainable production process. It is a cutting-edge development, and we are delighted that it has been recognised yet again by IChemE.
"This latest accolade is further global recognition of the impact of Queen's world-leading research in 'green' chemistry and its potential for powering a more sustainable future. On behalf of QUILL and PETRONAS I would like to thank IChemE for this great honour."
IChemE chief executive, David Brown, said: "Announcing the IChemE medal and prize winners each year is one of my great privileges. It's also a time to reflect on the excellent work that is taking place to 'advance chemical engineering worldwide'.
"2013's roll of honour includes winners from Japan, Austria, Italy, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, UK, France, Australia, Ireland and Germany. All have one thing in common – over the past year they have shown talent, expertise and sheer hard work to promote chemical engineering and the profession. I would like to congratulate them all and welcome their names to the rich and growing history of IChemE medal and prize winners."
QUILL is home to nearly 100 scientists who are exploring the enormous potential of ionic liquids or 'designer solvents'. QUILL Co-Director Professor Jim Swindall said: "Ionic liquids are salts that remain liquid at room temperature and do not release hazardous vapours. They can be used as non-polluting alternatives to conventional solvents, and are revolutionising chemical processes by offering cleaner, greener and smarter solutions to traditional methods.
"Queen's is dedicated to advancing knowledge and changing lives, and QUILL's work on ionic liquid chemistry has a bearing on most of our lives. Ionic liquids have huge potential to revolutionise how we live and work, and our impact on the environment. Our inclusion in the IChemE roll of honour enhances the University's reputation as a global authority in this increasingly important area of research."
Provided by Queen's University Belfast
