News

2010
Ceramatec leading the effort on finding beneficial uses of FLY ASH Waste from Coal Power Plants
The primary goal of this R&D work is to develop a novel high-surface area material for inclusion into animal litter that is derived from coal fly ash (a waste product). As a secondary goal, Ceramatec will perform research that is specifically designed to promote the beneficial utilization of coal fly ash into new markets (outside of its traditional use in the concrete market).

Ceramatec begins work on extracting the hidden oil from Oil Shales
The objectives of this project (Post Retort, Pre Hydro-treat Upgrading of Shale Oil) is to develop a process, utilizing laboratory scale equipment, for oil shale upgrading. The goal is to determine the most effective alkali metal for reducing and scavenging sulfur and nitrogen contained in shale oil in the presence of hydrogen; and to develop a low temperature electrolytic process for generating alkali metal and elemental sulfur from alkali metal sulfide & polysulfides. Alkali metals evaluated shall be sodium and lithium; the alkali polysulfides used in the electrolysis shall be synthetic. Shale oil from at least one oil shale source shall be utilized. Tests will be conducted to demonstrate the steps linking the shale oil upgrading and alkali metal electrolytic regeneration. An analytical model to evaluate performance and cost will also be developed.

Ceramatec wins DOE award for developing novel ceramic membranes for hydrogen separation
Ceramatec was recently awarded a 3-year project to develop hydrogen separation membrane under the Department of Energy’s “Novel Non-Precious Metal Hydrogen Separation And Production R&D”. Separation of hydrogen from coal gas is a critical technology that plays an important role in our nation’s energy needs. Traditionally, the use of precious metals, as the membrane material or along with a ceramic to form a cermet, is the basis for hydrogen separation membranes. Limited supply of precious metal and due to much of its production controlled by foreign mines, the need for developing a non-precious metal-based membrane is paramount. Ceramatec will evaluate the use of a pressure driven, high temperature proton conducting, ceramic membrane system to remove hydrogen from the syngas. This system, in addition provides an opportunity to isolate high pressure CO2 as the retentate which is amenable to low cost capture and transport to storage sites.

Nov, 2009
Ceramatec's Sodium-Sulfur battery selected as 10 most brilliant innovations of 2009
Ceramatec, has been working on a material that could form the electrolyte heart of a sodium battery cool enough for residential use. ...they hope to develop a $2000 refrigerator-size unit that can yield 5 kilowatts for 4 hours before recharging—and keep it up for 10 years. If they succeed, it could help bring at-home generation of electricity from the margins into the mainstream. Entire article...

Oct 15, 2009
Ceramatec's biodiesel catalyst system, which can cut CO2 emissions by 57%, to be deployed at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
Ceramatec Inc. of Salt Lake City, Utah, has developed an electrochemical and ceramic membrane technology that can bolt right on to a biodiesel plant and reprocess that glycerine into useable substances.Entire article...

Sept 23, 2009
Clean Coal Task Force (CCTF) Funds Eight Projects
The CCTF, whose job is to first identify and then fund research projects that could lead to the development of technologies to reduce the environmental impact of coal-based electric generation in Wyoming and across the United States has given a $950,000 award to Ceramatec, Inc., and WRI for a project on the removal of synthesis gas pollutants and synthesis of liquid fuel. Entire article...

August 7, 2009
Ceramatec Develops 24-hour Solar Energy Storage Battery
Salt Lake City-based Cerametec, Inc. is in development of a battery that solar energy users outside the grid could use to store energy from their solar panels for most of a day, and its size and configuration – almost fitting in the palm of a hand, without lead and sulfur – promises safer, more manageable energy storage. Entire article...

March 20, 2009
Ceramatec Scientist Discusses Fly Ash Treatment with CNN
Finding use for fly ash biproducts from coal-burning power plants is just one technology Ceramatec assists to resuse valuable resources. Entire article...

January 20, 2009
Ceramatec's President, Dr. Ashok Joshi, to receive 2009 IRI Acheivement Award
Industrial Research Institute to recognize Dr. Ashok Joshi, president of Ceramatec, as an innovator and high-technology entrepreneur for the past 25 years. Read more...

May 21, 2008
Ceramatec Wins First Place in Utah's Annual Innovation Awards as Recognized by Stoel Rives and University of Utah
Ceramatec was recently recognized by the firm of Stoel Rives and the University of Utah for innovation in the field of Material Science technology for the application of NaSelect™ membrance technology for removing sodium from low-level radioactive waste. The membrane is 100% selective for sodium.

May 20, 2002
President of Ceramatec receives Governor's Award for Science and Technology
Dr. Ashok Joshi, President and CEO of Ceramatec was awarded the Medal for Science and Technology by the Governor of the State of Utah for significant contributions that positively impact the state of Utah through furthering the advancement of science and technology in the industrial sector. Dr. Joshi's professional life has been dedicated to the development and commercialization of ionic technologies primarily here in Utah , but also in other US locations, as well as his native India . He holds over 60 patents in the field. He is an active member in the Industrial Research Institute and has twice been the keynote speaker at the International Conference on Ionics. Dr. Joshi received his PhD from Northwestern University in Materials Sciences. Under Dr. Joshi Ceramatec has doubled its high tech workforce and represents Utah in high profile industries such as alternate energy sources, specifically Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. Ceramatec under Dr. Joshi's guidance continues the development of new technologies that will develop into new business entities for Utah .

July 10, 2002
Ceramatec Invited by the US Federal government to attend Homeland Security Meeting: Ceramatec was one of 50 US companies invited to Washington DC to present new technologies for Homeland Security. At that symposium Ceramatec shared information regarding technologies under development that address such topics as purifying air and water in the event of a chemical or biological attack and the development of a transparent light weight ceramic armor for use in military vehicles. Ceramatec has ongoing projects focus on Homeland Security and Defense with a number of government agencies.