Difference between revisions of "Secat"

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Secat is the primary research facility for the aluminium industry, based in Kentucky, USA (the center of the USA's aluminium industry with 142 aluminium facilities)<ref>Secat homepage [http://www.secat.net/about.php About, overview] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>. Their activities cover materials testing, business analysis, new product design and environmental/ecological analysis of aluminium.
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'''SECAT''' - the South East Center for Aluminum Technology - is the primary research facility for the aluminium industry, based in Kentucky, USA (the center of the USA's aluminium industry with 142 aluminium facilities)<ref>Secat homepage [http://www.secat.net/about.php About, overview] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>. Its activities cover materials testing, business analysis, new product design and environmental/ecological analysis of aluminium.
Secat have been key in providing the evidence behind the aluminium industry's claims to be a 'sustainable metal' which is part of the solution to climate change, not part of the problem. <ref> [http://www.secat.net/ Secat homepage] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>
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Secat has been key in providing the evidence behind the aluminium industry's claims to be a 'sustainable metal' that is part of the solution to climate change, not part of the problem. <ref> [http://www.secat.net/ Secat homepage] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>
  
 
==Dominating the environmental discourse on aluminium==
 
==Dominating the environmental discourse on aluminium==
  
Secat publish their research through the Department of Energy, [[Light Metals]] magazine (with whom they are affiliated) and other academic journals such as [[Minerals, Metals & Materials Society]].<ref>Secat homepage [http://www.secat.net/answers_resources.php Aluminium Answers, Resources] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>  
+
Secat publish its research through the Department of Energy, [[Light Metals]] magazine (with whom it is affiliated) and other academic journals such as [[Minerals, Metals & Materials Society]].<ref>Secat homepage [http://www.secat.net/answers_resources.php Aluminium Answers, Resources] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>  
  
 
As well as industrial research into the properties and applications of the metal, increasing importance has been placed on creating a green image for aluminium which will allow the industry to grow despite climate change legislation which should necessitate cuts in this energy intensive and polluting metal.
 
As well as industrial research into the properties and applications of the metal, increasing importance has been placed on creating a green image for aluminium which will allow the industry to grow despite climate change legislation which should necessitate cuts in this energy intensive and polluting metal.
 
For this reason Secat, along with the [[European Aluminium Association]] and other international aluminium bodies have headed up research into [[Life Cycle Assessment]] for metals, attempting to show that aluminium can be used to save carbon in vehicles and other applications due to its light weight compared to steel. The most prominent author in this area is [[Subodh Das]], ex-Secat president, and previously researcher for [[ARCO Aluminium]] and [[Alcoa]].<ref>Secat homepage [http://www.secat.net/answers_resources.php Aluminium Answers, Resources] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>
 
For this reason Secat, along with the [[European Aluminium Association]] and other international aluminium bodies have headed up research into [[Life Cycle Assessment]] for metals, attempting to show that aluminium can be used to save carbon in vehicles and other applications due to its light weight compared to steel. The most prominent author in this area is [[Subodh Das]], ex-Secat president, and previously researcher for [[ARCO Aluminium]] and [[Alcoa]].<ref>Secat homepage [http://www.secat.net/answers_resources.php Aluminium Answers, Resources] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>
  
However, the 'light car' technology is not as foolproof as Secat have attempted to present, as [[Mercedez Benz]]spokeswoman [[Edith Meissner]] notes when asked about lighter aluminium cars:
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However, the 'light car' technology is not as foolproof as Secat has attempted to present, as [[Mercedez Benz]]spokeswoman [[Edith Meissner]] notes when asked about lighter aluminium cars:
  
:"It [aluminium] is very complex to produce and difficult to process." "In the current environmental discussion, it should not be forgotten that it takes a lot of energy to produce aluminum."<ref>Jens Meiners, 2007. [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb4893/is_200702/ai_n19241094/ 'New CO2 rules to help aluminum makers; Study credits big cut in greenhouse gas to increased use of metal'], Automotive News Europe, February 19, 2007</ref>
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:"It [aluminium] is very complex to produce and difficult to process." "In the current environmental discussion, it should not be forgotten that it takes a lot of energy to produce aluminium."<ref>Jens Meiners, 2007. [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb4893/is_200702/ai_n19241094/ 'New CO2 rules to help aluminium makers; Study credits big cut in greenhouse gas to increased use of metal'], Automotive News Europe, February 19, 2007</ref>
  
 
A critique of aluminium [[Life Cycle Assessment]] promoted by Secat can be found at the [[European Aluminium Association]] page.
 
A critique of aluminium [[Life Cycle Assessment]] promoted by Secat can be found at the [[European Aluminium Association]] page.
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===National Laboratories===
 
===National Laboratories===
  
To boost it's resources and reputation, Secat works with the Department of Energy National Laboratories, according to their website "to bring these national intellectual treasures to U.S. aluminum companies, enabling them to compete in the global market."<ref>Secat homepage [http://www.secat.net/about_affiliates_labs.php Affiliates, national laboratories] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>
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To boost its resources and reputation, Secat works with the Department of Energy National Laboratories "to bring these national intellectual treasures to U.S. aluminium companies, enabling them to compete in the global market."<ref>Secat homepage [http://www.secat.net/about_affiliates_labs.php Affiliates, national laboratories] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>
  
Secat has Memoranda of Understanding and Work for Others agreements in place with several USA National Laboratories, covering intellectual property and business arrangements. These laboratories have been identified as having specific equipment and staff expertise of value to the aluminum industry.<ref>Secat homepage [http://www.secat.net/about_affiliates_labs.php Affiliates, national laboratories] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>  
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Secat has 'Memoranda of Understanding and Work for Others' agreements in place with several USA National Laboratories, covering intellectual property and business arrangements. These laboratories have been identified as having specific equipment and staff expertise of value to the aluminium industry.<ref>Secat homepage [http://www.secat.net/about_affiliates_labs.php Affiliates, national laboratories] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>  
  
 
*[[Albany Research Center]]  
 
*[[Albany Research Center]]  
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*[[U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory]]  
 
*[[U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory]]  
 
*[[U.S. Department of Energy]] which is also steward of US nuclear weapons.
 
*[[U.S. Department of Energy]] which is also steward of US nuclear weapons.
*[[Industrial Technologies Program]] partnership between dept of Energy and US industry
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*[[Industrial Technologies Program]] partnership between Dept of Energy and US industry
*[[Industrial Technologies Program: Aluminium]] Energy dept and aluminium industry working together as part of the Industry of the Future partnership programme. Helping the aluminium industry to achieve economic, energy and environmental gains.
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*[[Industrial Technologies Program: Aluminium]] Energy Dept and aluminium industry working together as part of the Industry of the Future partnership programme. Helping the aluminium industry to achieve economic, energy and environmental gains.
 
*[[Industrial Technologies Program: Hydrogen]] partnership for Hydrogen cell car research.
 
*[[Industrial Technologies Program: Hydrogen]] partnership for Hydrogen cell car research.
 
*[[Asia-Pacific Partnership]] 'clean' energy promotion body. 37% of world energy producers are members.
 
*[[Asia-Pacific Partnership]] 'clean' energy promotion body. 37% of world energy producers are members.
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*[[The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation]]  
 
*[[The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation]]  
*[[Sloan Industry Center for a Sustainable Aluminum Industry]]
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*[[Sloan Industry Center for a Sustainable Aluminium Industry]]
*The [[Aluminum Association]]
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*The [[Aluminium Association]]
*[[Aluminum Extruders Council]]
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*[[Aluminium Extruders Council]]
 
*[[ASM International ]]
 
*[[ASM International ]]
 
*[[Associated Industries of Kentucky]]  
 
*[[Associated Industries of Kentucky]]  
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*[[ExxonMobil]] Chemical
 
*[[ExxonMobil]] Chemical
 
*[[Dubai Aluminium Company]]
 
*[[Dubai Aluminium Company]]
*[[Century Aluminum]]
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*[[Century Aluminium]]
 
*[[Caterpillar]]
 
*[[Caterpillar]]
 
*[[British Petroleum]]
 
*[[British Petroleum]]
*[[ARCO Aluminum]]  
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*[[ARCO Aluminium]]  
 
*[[Alcoa]]
 
*[[Alcoa]]
 
*[[Alcan]]
 
*[[Alcan]]
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==People==
 
==People==
  
===Board of Directors===
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===Board of Directors in May 2010===
  
*[[Denis Ray]] President & CEO
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*[[Denis Ray]] President & CEO (previously [[Alcoa]] and [[Reynolds Aluminium]])
*[[Mike Harris]]Board Chairman 2006-2009. Retired President/CEO [[Logan Aluminum]], Inc.
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*[[Mike Harris]]Board Chairman 2006-2009. Retired President/CEO [[Logan Aluminium]], Inc.
 
*Dr [[Thomas W. Lester]] Board Vice-Chairman. Dean, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky.  
 
*Dr [[Thomas W. Lester]] Board Vice-Chairman. Dean, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky.  
*[[Matt Aboud]] Managing Director [[Hydro Aluminum]] Casthouse Products.
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*[[Matt Aboud]] Managing Director [[Hydro Aluminium]] Casthouse Products.
 
*[[Tom Brackmann]] President Nichols Aluminum.
 
*[[Tom Brackmann]] President Nichols Aluminum.
*[[Donald Ray Carey]] President [[Ohio Valley Aluminum Company]], LLC.
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*[[Donald Ray Carey]] President [[Ohio Valley Aluminium Company]], LLC.
 
*[[Luther Deaton]], Jr. President & CEO [[Central Bank & Trust]] Co.
 
*[[Luther Deaton]], Jr. President & CEO [[Central Bank & Trust]] Co.
 
*[[Alan Dick]] Sr. Vice President [[Aleris International]]
 
*[[Alan Dick]] Sr. Vice President [[Aleris International]]
*[[Patrick Franc]] President [[ARCO Aluminum]], Inc
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*[[Patrick Franc]] President [[ARCO Aluminium]], Inc
 
*[[Scott Goodrich]] Vice President, Technology [[Alcan]] Rolled Products  
 
*[[Scott Goodrich]] Vice President, Technology [[Alcan]] Rolled Products  
 
*[[Len Heller]] Vice President UK Office for Comm. & Econ. Dev
 
*[[Len Heller]] Vice President UK Office for Comm. & Econ. Dev
 
*[[Fred Mudge]] Chairman [[R.J. Corman Railroad Group]]
 
*[[Fred Mudge]] Chairman [[R.J. Corman Railroad Group]]
*[[Matt Powell]] Plant Manager [[Century Aluminum]]
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*[[Matt Powell]] Plant Manager [[Century Aluminium]]
*[[Randy Schumaker]] Chief Management Officer [[Logan Aluminum]]
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*[[Randy Schumaker]] Chief Management Officer [[Logan Aluminium]]
 
*[[J. Phil Tays]] Executive Vice President of Mfg Operations [[Wise Alloys]]<ref>Secat homepage [http://www.secat.net/about_board.php Board of Directors] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>
 
*[[J. Phil Tays]] Executive Vice President of Mfg Operations [[Wise Alloys]]<ref>Secat homepage [http://www.secat.net/about_board.php Board of Directors] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>
  
 
*Dr [[Subodh Das]] ex President and most published academic of Secat.<ref>Secat homepage [http://www.secat.net/answers_resources.php Aluminium Answers, Resources] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>
 
*Dr [[Subodh Das]] ex President and most published academic of Secat.<ref>Secat homepage [http://www.secat.net/answers_resources.php Aluminium Answers, Resources] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>
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 +
===Board of Directors in Feb 2012===
 +
 +
*[[Patrick M. Franc]] Board Chairman 2011. President [[ARCO Aluminum]], Inc
 +
*Dr [[Thomas W.Lester]] Board Vice-Chairman. Dean, Univ. of KY College of Engineering
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*[[Alan Dick]] Board Vice-Chairman. Sr. Vice President [[Aleris International]]
 +
*[[Dan DeVeau]] President & CEO. [[Secat]], Inc.
 +
*[[Tom Brackmann]] President [[Nichols Aluminum]]
 +
*[[Luther Deaton]], Jr. President & CEO [[Central Bank & Trust]] Co.
 +
*[[C. Mike Harris]] Retired President/CEO [[Logan Aluminum]], Inc.
 +
*[[Len Heller]] Vice President UK Office for Comm. & Econ. Dev.
 +
*[[Todd Johnson]] VP of Technical Serv. [[Alexin]], LLC
 +
*[[Wesley Oberholzer]] Exec VP/COO [[Wise Metals]] Group
 +
*[[Randy Schumaker]] Chief Management Officer [[Logan Aluminum]]<ref>Secat website, About Secat [http://www.secat.net/about_board.php Board] Accessed 08/02/2012</ref>
 +
  
 
===Staff===
 
===Staff===
  
*[[Denis Ray]] President & CEO (previously [[Alcoa]] and [[Reynolds Aluminim]])
 
 
*[[Todd Boggess]] Business Manager
 
*[[Todd Boggess]] Business Manager
*[[Shridas Ningileri]] Director, Center for Aluminum Technology
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*[[Shridas Ningileri]] Director, Center for Aluminium Technology
 
*Dr [[Chenghe Xiao]]
 
*Dr [[Chenghe Xiao]]
 
*Dr [[Xiyu Wen]]
 
*Dr [[Xiyu Wen]]
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*Dr [[Yansheng Liu]]
 
*Dr [[Yansheng Liu]]
 
*Dr [[Lirong Tong]]
 
*Dr [[Lirong Tong]]
*[[April Castle]]
 
 
*Dr [[Xiaoxuan Li]]
 
*Dr [[Xiaoxuan Li]]
*[[Barbara Kepler]]
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*[[Sherri Hackworth]] <ref>Secat homepage [http://www.secat.net/about_staff.php Staff] Accessed 08/02/2012</ref>
*[[Sherri Hackworth]] <ref>Secat homepage [http://www.secat.net/about_staff.php Staff] Accessed 14/05/10</ref>
 
 
 
  
 
==Funding==
 
==Funding==

Latest revision as of 22:36, 8 February 2012

Mining-alcans-60px.jpg This article is part of the Mining and Metals project of Spinwatch
Global warming.jpg This article is part of the Climate project of Spinwatch.

SECAT - the South East Center for Aluminum Technology - is the primary research facility for the aluminium industry, based in Kentucky, USA (the center of the USA's aluminium industry with 142 aluminium facilities)[1]. Its activities cover materials testing, business analysis, new product design and environmental/ecological analysis of aluminium. Secat has been key in providing the evidence behind the aluminium industry's claims to be a 'sustainable metal' that is part of the solution to climate change, not part of the problem. [2]

Dominating the environmental discourse on aluminium

Secat publish its research through the Department of Energy, Light Metals magazine (with whom it is affiliated) and other academic journals such as Minerals, Metals & Materials Society.[3]

As well as industrial research into the properties and applications of the metal, increasing importance has been placed on creating a green image for aluminium which will allow the industry to grow despite climate change legislation which should necessitate cuts in this energy intensive and polluting metal. For this reason Secat, along with the European Aluminium Association and other international aluminium bodies have headed up research into Life Cycle Assessment for metals, attempting to show that aluminium can be used to save carbon in vehicles and other applications due to its light weight compared to steel. The most prominent author in this area is Subodh Das, ex-Secat president, and previously researcher for ARCO Aluminium and Alcoa.[4]

However, the 'light car' technology is not as foolproof as Secat has attempted to present, as Mercedez Benzspokeswoman Edith Meissner notes when asked about lighter aluminium cars:

"It [aluminium] is very complex to produce and difficult to process." "In the current environmental discussion, it should not be forgotten that it takes a lot of energy to produce aluminium."[5]

A critique of aluminium Life Cycle Assessment promoted by Secat can be found at the European Aluminium Association page.

History

Affiliations

National Laboratories

To boost its resources and reputation, Secat works with the Department of Energy National Laboratories "to bring these national intellectual treasures to U.S. aluminium companies, enabling them to compete in the global market."[6]

Secat has 'Memoranda of Understanding and Work for Others' agreements in place with several USA National Laboratories, covering intellectual property and business arrangements. These laboratories have been identified as having specific equipment and staff expertise of value to the aluminium industry.[7]

Government bodies

Universities/research bodies

Organisations

Principle Customers

Clients are some of the major companies from the aluminium industry as well as oil, coolants, construction, chemicals, automotive, consulting and electrical industries. They include:

People

Board of Directors in May 2010

Board of Directors in Feb 2012


Staff

Funding

Clients

Publications

Contact

1505 Bull Lea Road Lexington, KY 40511

  • TEL: (859) 514-4989
  • FAX: (859) 514-4988
  • info@secat.net

Resources

Notes

  1. Secat homepage About, overview Accessed 14/05/10
  2. Secat homepage Accessed 14/05/10
  3. Secat homepage Aluminium Answers, Resources Accessed 14/05/10
  4. Secat homepage Aluminium Answers, Resources Accessed 14/05/10
  5. Jens Meiners, 2007. 'New CO2 rules to help aluminium makers; Study credits big cut in greenhouse gas to increased use of metal', Automotive News Europe, February 19, 2007
  6. Secat homepage Affiliates, national laboratories Accessed 14/05/10
  7. Secat homepage Affiliates, national laboratories Accessed 14/05/10
  8. Secat homepage Affiliates, national laboratories Accessed 14/05/10
  9. Secat homepage Affiliates, Government bodies Accessed 14/05/10
  10. Secat homepage Affiliates, Universities Accessed 14/05/10
  11. Secat homepage Affiliates, Organisations Accessed 14/05/10
  12. Secat homepage Customers Accessed 14/05/10
  13. Secat homepage Board of Directors Accessed 14/05/10
  14. Secat homepage Aluminium Answers, Resources Accessed 14/05/10
  15. Secat website, About Secat Board Accessed 08/02/2012
  16. Secat homepage Staff Accessed 08/02/2012