Research & Development

Lummus Technology operates a research & development (R&D) center for polymerization technology at the BASF Verbund site in Germany as well as a pilot plant in the Lummus R&D center in Pasadena, Texas. The advanced laboratory allows preparation and semi-commercial product application testing for a variety of polyolefins including super absorbent polymers. The latest analytical technics are available in the laboratory or partner institutions. The center is staffed with an international team of experienced scientists, product experts and laboratory technicians who are able to constantly improve each aspect of our technologies.

Catalyst Development

One aspect of our R&D comprises the development, synthesis and testing of new polymerization catalysts in the areas of Ziegler-Natta catalysts and Metallocene catalysts. Several modern automated autoclave systems are available for direct catalyst testing.

Product Development and Analytics

Product development is key for a successful polymer technology and must go hand in hand with catalyst and process development. We are very active in the field of product development, and, with our laboratory equipment, we are in the position to test each aspect of our newly developed products. When it comes to detailed polymer analytics, state-of-the-art analytical equipment for liquid/gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy and more is available.

We also offer services to assist our licensees in analyzing products in detail at any time.

Process Development

With a focus on delivering the best-in-class technology to our licensees, we continuously work to advance our processes. This includes the reduction of investment requirements (CAPEX) but also the integration of the latest available automation. One primary focus today is the reduction of the carbon footprint of our processes. While polyolefin plants usually do not emit greenhouse gases the reduction of energy consumption is crucial. Clients will benefit by lower operating costs (OPEX) as well as by an improved reputation. Improvements are available as part of the licensing package but as revamp packages, too. As a non-producing licensor, we can make improvements available to all licensees without any restrictions.