Albemarle (vol)
Description
Within the framework of the History of Process Technology, we would like to invite you to an excursion to Albemarle (v/h AkzoKetjen) in Amsterdam on Tuesday 11 October 2011 at 10.30 a.m.
This excursion is organised by the Dutch Process Technologists with the Chemistry Historical Group of the KNCV.
As early as 1835, Gerard Tilman Ketjen established a factory on Marnixstraat in Amsterdam to manufacture "vitriolic oil". In 1888, the company was converted into the N.V. Maatschappij voor Zwavelzuurbereiding G.T.Ketjen & Co. Complaints from local residents meant that the factory eventually moved to Nieuwenhammerdam in Amsterdam Noord in 1900.
In 1953, a catalyst plant was built in collaboration with Cyanamid for the benefit of the oil industry.
In 1962, Ketjen merged with the Koninklijke Zout Industrie to form Koninklijke Zout Ketjen, which later became AKZONobel through further mergers.
Albemarle Catalysts Company acquired the catalyst plants in 2004.
Albemarle, founded in 1887 in the USA as a paper mill, acquired Ethyl Corporation in 1962, which owned the production of Tetraethyl Lead (TEL), the automotive anti-knockout agent. Since then, it has focused mainly on the production and sale of specialty chemicals and catalysts around the world.
The Amsterdam location houses three plants; the FCC plant, which has produced Fluid Cracking Catalysts since 1953, an HPC plant, which makes Hydro Processing Catalysts (since1956) and a multi-purpose plant, for the production of Isomerisation, Methyl Chloride, Methyl Amine, Melamine and Oxychlorination Catalysts.
In addition, the Amsterdam plant site is home to another Research Centre and several support departments
The programme, which offers a mix of company history and historical aspects of catalyst development, is as follows:
10.30 - 11.00 Reception with coffee/tea
11.00 - 11.40 Prof. Ernst Homburg (Maastricht University)
"From Leidseplein to Amsterdam-Noord: an overview of the history of Ketjen until c. 1945"
11.40 - 12.20 Dr Eelco Vogt (Albemarle )
"Ketjen location" Amsterdam Noord: growth & post-war developments
12.20 - 13.20 Lunch
13.20 - 14.00 Dr Erik LaHeij (Albemarle)
"History of FCC catalyst manufacturing"
14.00 - 14.40 Prof Em John Geus (Utrecht University)
"Ketjen catalyst manufacturing in bygone times"
14.40 - 15.00 Break: handing out personal protective equipment, overalls, etc.
15.00 - 16.00 Guided tour of the factory in which as many "historic" buildings/equipment as possible will be involved
16.00 - 16.30 After-dinner chat in the canteen
Location
Albemarle (formerly AkzoKetjen)
Nieuwendammerkade 1-3, Amsterdam
Organiser
Dutch Process Technologists
Name and contact details for information
Rob van Veen, telephone 035 69 45 313
Apply via
Rob van Veen
veen1948@xs4all.nl