Ondeo Nalco Company ("Nalco") was named one of the recipients of the 2003 Illinois Governor's Pollution Prevention Award for its efforts in reducing emissions in its manufacturing processes.
Nalco was recognized for its use of the UltraXol(TM) system at its clearing plant in Bedford Park. UltraXol is a processing technique developed by Nalco for manufacturing Colloidal Silica products that is more efficient, more cost effective, and requires fewer natural resources per pound of product. The UltraXol technology uses a one-step catalyst process. The program replaces the two-step process, ion exchange and polymerization, historically used to produce Colloidal Silica products. Spent catalyst is regenerated on site and reused. Secondly, the effluent and energy required from the ion exchange step is eliminated.
As a result of implementing this program, 122 million pounds of steam have been saved which translates to 125 million cubic feet of natural gas, or 17.5 tons of nitrogen oxides and 5.3 tons of carbon monoxide reductions. In addition, the UltraXol technology will save 28.2 million gallons of municipal water per year.
"This was a technological advance of a newly designed process that provides both competitive and economic benefits to the company while at the same time providing a more environmentally friendly process," said Mike Altmyer, plant manager for Nalco's Clearing Plant.
This is the fourth time Nalco has been recognized by the state for its pollution prevention efforts. The company won the award in 1991 for its PORTA-FEED(R) advanced chemical handling system. In 1993, Nalco received the award for the Advanced Recycle Center(R), a means to help industrial customers conserve and reuse water. The third award came in 1999 for the company's development of ULTIMER(R), a liquid dispersion polymer that removes solids from wastewater prior to use in the industrial process.
"We are honored to once again have been recognized by the Governor's office," said Bill Roe, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Nalco. "Our commitment to providing environmentally sustainable solutions creates a win-win situation for our customers and the communities in which we operate."
Award applicants were judged based on innovative strategies and use of alternative technologies to reduce toxicity and volume of waste. Criteria included technological innovation, environmental significance, economic benefits and commitment to pollution prevention.
Source: Ondeo Nalco Company
