Chang Whan Chi

Title: Chang Whan Chi: Innovator in Binderless Zeolite Technology

Introduction

Chang Whan Chi is a notable inventor based in Columbia, MD (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of zeolite technology, particularly in the development of binderless adsorbents. With a total of 4 patents, his work has advanced the efficiency and effectiveness of zeolite applications.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents focuses on the "Preparation of binderless 3A adsorbents." This innovation involves forming shaped products of a 3A zeolite as beads or extrudates without any binder remaining. In the case of beads, a 4A powder is mixed with a caustic solution and a metakaolin clay binder to create the beads. These beads are then converted to a binderless 4A product, which undergoes a partial calcium exchange followed by a potassium exchange to achieve the desired 3A binderless bead. The extrudates are produced by forming binderless 4A extrudates from a mixture of 4A powder and clay, containing 40-60% by weight clay, which are then subjected to potassium exchange. Both the beads and extrudates are designed for drying mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds, such as ethylene and water.

Another significant patent is for "Binderless zeolite extrudates and method of producing." This process involves extruding a mixture containing about 40-60% zeolites and metakaolin clay, which is treated with sodium hydroxide to convert the clay into zeolite. After extrusion, the particles undergo a drying aging process, during which most of the clay is converted to zeolite. A further heat treatment in a dilute caustic aqueous solution ensures complete crystallization, followed by washing and calcination to produce an effective adsorbent product.

Career Highlights

Chang Whan Chi is currently employed at W. R. Grace Co., where he continues to innovate in the field of zeolite technology. His work has not only contributed to the advancement of materials science but has also provided practical solutions for various industrial applications.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Chang has collaborated with notable colleagues, including James Neil Pryor and Richard J Nozemack. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment that enhances innovation and research in their field.

Conclusion