Battelle and Ferratec, LLC. Bring Production of Ferrate(VI) One Step Closer to Reality
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 22 -- Battelle and Ferratec, LLC, today announced what could be an historical agreement that may finally result in a commercially viable means to produce potassium ferrate(VI). Under the terms of the agreement, Battelle and Ferratec will conduct a scalability review to determine preliminary output levels for this highly anticipated and powerful oxidant.
For centuries, ferrate has been known as a powerful oxidizing agent but no one has been able to create a cost effective and high-yield manufacturing process. Possible applications include water purification and decontamination of chemical agents.
Battelle's recent and award winning* Ferrate(VI) Production Process has made this breakthrough possible with the discovery of a new chemical process to produce ferrate. Using inexpensive and readily available raw materials, Battelle's process is based on fundamental electrochemical, general chemistry, and engineering economic principles. While current technologies have only been able to produce minimal amounts of ferrate with purity rates reaching only 35%, Battelle has made strides in this field by producing ferrate at a purity exceeding 95%.
"It's almost hard to imagine that we may finally start seeing ferrate(VI) produced at a rate that will result in commercial use that may truly have an impact on everyday life," said Battelle scientist Bruce Monzyk. "This process is much anticipated by the scientific community due to the fact that it combines over 50 years of collective research."
One of ferrate's greatest potential uses lies within water treatment. Unlike traditional chlorine or permanganate reagents, ferrate(VI) is a unique oxidizing agent because it is virtually impossible to administer an overdose when treating water. Additionally, its use produces no harmful by-products, making ferrate a "green" alternative for treating water.
"This is just the first step in what we plan to be an exciting journey in making ferrate(VI) an economical and commercial solution," says Andy Wolter, of Ferratec, LLC. "We are delighted to be working with Battelle to make this extremely valuable substance available on a scale that could one day impact everything from the water we drink to the health of our environment."
*In October 2007, Battelle's Ferrate Production Process was awarded a R&D 100 Award.
About Battelle
Battelle is the world's largest non-profit independent research and development organization, providing innovative solutions to the world's most pressing needs through its four global businesses: Laboratory Management, National Security, Energy Technology, and Health and Life Sciences. It advances scientific discovery and application by conducting $4 billion in global R&D annually through contract research, laboratory management and technology commercialization. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle oversees 20,400 employees in more than 120 locations worldwide, including seven national laboratories which Battelle manages or co-manages for the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Battelle also is one of the nation's leading charitable trusts focusing on societal and economic impact and actively supporting and promoting science and math education.
About Ferratec
Ferratec is a holding company with the exclusive license to manufacture and distribute potassium-ferrate world-wide under the process developed with Battelle. Ferratec was formed by the private investment and business incubation firm, The Incubation Factory, with the objectives of partnering with Battelle to complete the final phase of manufacturing scalability and partnering with established industry experts to bring potassium-ferrate to the global market. Ferratec is headquartered in Saint Louis, MO, in the headquarters of The Incubation Factory.
The Incubation Factory (TIF) is a for-profit, "go to market" business and technology incubator specializing in high-growth, business-to-business opportunities. TIF works with independent entrepreneurs, investors, private and public companies as well as universities. TIF serves companies from a wide array of industries; the current portfolio includes companies in healthcare, information technology, fitness equipment, veterinary medicine, RFID, and WIMAX. TIF's successes include multiple companies growing at a rate to qualify for Inc. 500 recognition and Advanced Business Fulfillment (ABF), the fastest growing company in Missouri in 2003 and the 23rd fastest nationwide. ABF was subsequently sold to WebMD for $260,000,000.
For more information on Battelle, visit http://www.battelle.org/
For more information regarding ferrate or Ferratec LLC, contact Andy Wolter at andy.wolter@theincubationfactory.com. All media related inquiries should be directed to:
CONTACT:
Katy Delaney
Media Relations Manager of Battelle
+1-410-306-8638
delaneyk@battelle.org
or Kyle Kuhnel
+1-973-984-3000
kkuhnel@sherryllc.com
for Battelle
Source: Battelle
Web Site: http://www.battelle.org/
