By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, Mar. 19�W. R. Grace & Co. Monday said its Davison business unit joined with Chevron Products Co. to form Advanced Refining Technologies LLC (ART), a joint venture to develop and market hydroprocessing catalysts.
ART offers catalysts for upgrading heavy oil and for distillate hydrotreating operations, including vacuum gas oil, hydrocracking pretreat, and product post-treat applications.
Refiners use these catalysts to remove sulfur and other contaminants from petroleum to produce cleaner transportation fuels.
Paul J. Norris, Grace chairman, president and CEO, said, "We are fortunate to have Chevron as a partner, since they are among the technology leaders in their field, both in catalysts and in process technology.''
ART's key focus will be new product development. Both parent companies have contributed their catalyst expertise and scientists from both companies will work together to develop new technology.
Davison and Chevron Products Co. have equal representation on the company's board. In addition, Davison will manufacture catalysts for the venture at its in existing facilities in Chicago, Baltimore, Md., and Lake Charles, La. The venture is based in Columbia, Md., at Davison's headquarters.
Grace supplies catalysts and silica products, specialty construction chemicals and building materials, and container products. Chevron Products Co., a subsidiary of Chevron Corp. engages in refining, marketing, and transportation of petroleum products.
