Procter & Gamble

VOC Prediction Technology is faster and cheaper than current emissions testing methods. The technology will allow manufacturing facilities to predict emissions more frequently, helping them to comply with EPA standards.

"We are pleased that MRI’s environmental engineering capabilities have been acknowledged with this generous gift," said Dr. James Spigarelli, MRI President and CEO. "We look forward to developing VOC Prediction Technology and, through MRI Ventures, getting it to the marketplace where it can help companies all over the world ensure their compliance with air quality standards."

P&G’s gift of VOC Prediction Technology to MRI is the company’s first donation to a non-profit organization other than a university. Because P&G is not able to devote resources to commercialize all of its more than 27,000 patents, the company donates technologies which are not essential to current product development activities and can be best developed elsewhere. Each year P&G invests nearly $2 billion in research and development, and are awarded about 3,000 patents worldwide.

Missouri Governor Bob Holden said the technology donation to MRI will benefit the state’s science and technology initiatives.

"This donation recognizes the technology capability of Missouri and is a great role model for the type of public-private partnerships that will help Missouri remain on the cutting edge of research and development," said Gov. Holden.

VOC Prediction Technology
VOC Prediction Technology shows promise for giving the manufacturing industry a quick, easy and cost effective way to predict emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are carbon-containing compounds that are passed off through evaporation during production. P&G has used the technology to monitor emissions from the production of powdered detergents to ensure adherence to EPA air quality standards. MRI will look to expand the use of the technology to other products and manufacturing processes.

Under current EPA guidelines, VOCs must be periodically tested using Method 25A, a test wherein a measuring device is inserted into the top of the stack of a manufacturing facility. P&G’s VOC Prediction Technology entails a simple lab procedure in which 5 very small (20 gram) samples of detergent are separately placed in specially-designed aluminum bags, which are then inflated with air and heated in an ordinary oven. The accumulated VOCs are measured using a simple analytical tool, which gives an accurate prediction of the stack emissions. Results to date have shown close correlation between the Method 25A stack test and VOC Prediction Technology tests.

VOC Prediction Technology is cheaper and faster than Method 25A. It can take several weeks to get the results from a Method 25A test, and each test costs $20,000-$40,000. VOC Prediction Technology tests product samples in a matter of hours, and costs about $100. This will allow more frequent testing of VOC emissions so that plants can verify that they are in compliance with EPA standards.

"Because it is faster and cheaper than the current EPA testing method, VOC Prediction Technology can help manufacturing facilities monitor themselves more frequently. It additionally saves cost and time during new product research, as potential emissions problems can be identified and corrected early on," explains Giovanni B. de Amicis, P&G’s Vice President of Engineering.

Two P&G engineers, Wayne Beimesch and Don McGhee developed the VOC Prediction Technology for their company. P&G has been using the method for the past several years to monitor plant emissions.

It is estimated that with further development, nearly 4,000 U.S. facilities could benefit from the use of VOC Prediction Technology. In addition, there may be significant need for the technology globally as foreign countries continue to adopt VOC emission restrictions.

"Through MRI’s subsidiary, MRI Ventures (MRIV), we have the capability of bringing this cost saving invention to the marketplace," says Steve Lufkin, MRIV General Manager. "We are looking forward to meeting that goal."

P&G expects to be an early purchaser of the VOC Prediction Technology when it has been further developed and is ready for commercialization.

About Midwest Research Institute (MRI)
Midwest Research Institute is an internationally acclaimed center for applied research and technology development. As a private, not-for-profit organization, the Institute performs contract research and development for government and private industry. The work of MRI’s staff of scientists, engineers and analysts spans a broad range of scientific and technical disciplines including health, environment, engineering, technology development, and national security and defense. MRI also operates and manages the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, for the Department of Energy.

About Procter & Gamble (P&G)
P&G markets 300 brands to five billion consumers in 140 countries. P&G invests nearly $2 billion a year to develop and improve its products -- leading the way in R&D globally among consumer products companies. P&G’s Global Licensing and External Ventures Organization is charged with ensuring the company maximizes the value of its "treasure trove" of technologies for P&G shareholders. That includes selling, licensing and, in some cases, donating these technologies. The unit is also responsible for licensing select P&G brand trademarks.