• IET's Plasma Enhanced Melter™ will convert hazardous waste into useful products
RICHLAND, WA, Oct. 1, 2007 -- Integrated Environmental Technologies, LLC ("IET") today announced contracts with Dow Corning Corporation and Veolia Environmental Services for the nation's first plasma-based gasification process to recycle hazardous waste. IET will install its patented Plasma Enhanced Melter™ (PEM™) technology at Dow Corning's plant in Midland, Michigan. The PEM™ facility will be operated by Veolia.
"Dow Corning has taken a major step in adopting this technology to convert its waste into products needed in its chemical manufacturing process," said IET Chief Executive Officer Jeff Surma. "We are pleased to partner with companies such as Dow Corning and Veolia who are committed to sustainable manufacturing by finding low cost and environmentally sound alternatives to traditional waste treatment."
Dow Corning's facility will use IET's PEM™ technology to transform hazardous chlorinated organic liquids produced at Dow Corning's plant into aqueous hydrochloric acid (HCl) and clean synthesis gas (referred to as "syngas"). These products will be provided back to Dow Corning for its use to replace raw materials that it would otherwise purchase. The project will remove the need for off-site transportation and incineration of hazardous waste.
"We realize the best way to advance our vision of sustainability is through eagerness to change and a willingness to invest in the best technology available," said Peter Cartwright, Dow Corning executive director for environment, health and safety. "This is an opportunity for Dow Corning to implement this innovative and environmentally sound manufacturing technology and also see if it has application in our other facilities."
IET's plant will convert more than 6600 tons per year of liquid hazardous waste and produce 12 million pounds per year of HCl and 10.5 million BTU per hour of syngas. Design and procurement of the facility began in the summer of 2007 and it is expected to be online in mid 2008.
"IET brings a unique, environmentally sustainable, and economically sound solution to two pressing problems for our society -- the vast accumulation of waste and the need for clean sources of energy. We are proud that Dow Corning has chosen our technology to showcase these capabilities in the U.S. chemical industry," said IET Chairman Gary Cook.
IET's PEM™ system has been proven effective for a broad variety of waste streams and IET has already sold and installed several commercial units.
Integrated Environmental Technologies, LLC ("IET") provides high-tech solutions to the problems of waste accumulation and the need for clean renewable fuels. Through its proprietary waste recycling system, the Plasma Enhanced Melter ("PEM™"), IET transforms municipal (household), commercial, medical, and most industrial and hazardous wastes into clean renewable products, such as ethanol, methanol, syngas and hydrogen, with minimal environmental impact and low costs.
Dow Corning provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicon-based technology and innovation, offering more than 7,000 products and services, Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated.
Veolia Environmental Services North America Corp., headquartered in Lombard, IL, offers fully integrated environmental solutions to virtually all industrial, commercial, municipal and residential sectors. It is part of the Veolia Environmental Services (VES) group.
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