ICM and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries team up to accelerate innovation in ethanol dehydration

In Kansas, ICM and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. have entered into a strategic alliance to accelerate innovation in ethanol dehydration. The collaboration focuses on integrating MHI’s Mitsubishi Membrane Dehydration System (MMDS™) with ICM’s bioethanol process design. Together, the companies aim to increase efficiency in ethanol production by reducing energy consumption, enhancing process reliability, and supporting the industry’s efforts to lower carbon intensity.

MHI recently achieved more than 99.5 vol.% ethanol purity using its MMDS™ at a pilot plant installed at the Nagasaki Carbon Neutral Park, located within the company’s Nagasaki District Research & Innovation Center. Early pilot results indicate a significant reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional dehydration methods. Further testing and validation are planned as both companies prepare for the next phase of development and commercial implementation.