#Japan #Tokyo #Mitsubishi Heavy #Bioethanol #ICM Inc

Strategic Partnership Between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and ICM

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), based in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, has recently forged a strategic alliance with ICM, Inc., a leading US company specializing in bioethanol manufacturing processes from Kansas. This partnership aims to accelerate the development of innovative dehydration technology for bioethanol, specifically focusing on enhancing the efficiency of the membrane separation dehydration system.

The collaboration will integrate MHI's Mitsubishi Membrane Dehydration System (MMDS®) with ICM's production processes for bioethanol. The two companies aim to work together to reduce energy consumption, improve manufacturing stability, and ultimately increase the dehydration efficiency of bioethanol.

MHI has successfully achieved a purity level of over 99.5% vol ethanol, meeting domestic fuel standards, using MMDS® at a pilot plant established in the Nagasaki Carbon Neutral Park. This pilot plant is a part of MHI's comprehensive research institute located in Nagasaki, and it showcases the potential of MMDS® technology.

The dehydration process of removing moisture is known to consume a significant amount of energy in bioethanol production, and traditional methods like Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) are not enough to meet the efficiency demands of today’s market. By utilizing a molecular sieve membrane separation approach, MMDS® aims to improve the overall effectiveness of ethanol production while also allowing for compact equipment design and simpler installation procedures.

Shaun Hubler, the Director of Technology Commercialization at ICM, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “Through this partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, we are exploring new approaches to ethanol dehydration, aiming for further improvements in manufacturing efficiency and reliability. The results from our pilot plant in Nagasaki are promising, and we look forward to advancing towards commercial deployment.” This synergy between the two companies is expected to establish a long-term cooperation model that enhances the efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness of the global bioethanol industry.

MHI plans to promote the development of efficient manufacturing processes for plant-based clean fuels such as bioethanol that do not require hydrogen. By doing so, the company aims to facilitate the rapid establishment and societal implementation of decarbonization technologies and contribute to the realization of a sustainable carbon-neutral society.

About ICM, Inc.

Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Colwich, Kansas, ICM, Inc. provides innovative technologies, solutions, and services aimed at enhancing agricultural sustainability and promoting renewable energy. The company has delivered its proprietary process technologies to over 110 facilities globally, producing approximately 8.8 billion gallons of ethanol and 25 million tons of distiller’s grain annually, positioning itself as a leader in biofuel manufacturing.

For further details, visit ICM's official website.

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group

Since its establishment in 1884, the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group has been a global leader in engineering and manufacturing, addressing societal challenges and supporting people's lives. By incorporating advanced knowledge into its long-standing high technological capabilities, MHI is committed to facilitating energy transitions toward a carbon-neutral society, smartening social infrastructure, and addressing developments in cybersecurity domains, thereby enhancing the quality of life for people everywhere. For more information, visit MHI's official website or Spectra.