The Elbé Technologies Company launches NoVap’Poly: an innovative solution to the problem of evaporation of volatiles liquids stored in tanks, such as hydrocarbons (petrol, diesel, naphtha...). To test the feasibility of a key stage in the manufacture of its product the company benefitted from the Prestation Technologique Réseau, a government scheme to give financial aid for innovative projects.

A specialist in materials and their application and the author of a thesis on hydrocarbons, Laurent Bédel set up his company in Raon-L’Etape in April 2009. In parallel with consultancy and technical support services, Elbé Technologies specialises in the design and development of the industrial product, NoVap’Poly. This innovative solution makes it possible to prevent the evaporation of volatile liquids (hydrocarbons, alcohol...) stored in tanks, thus reducing the discharge of pollutants or noxious substances. "The invention involves plastic floaters which, because of their characteristic geometry, position themselves independently on the surface of the tanks, so as almost completely to cover it." Evaporation of volatile liquids is a phenomenon taken very seriously by professionals. "The risk of fire, explosion or pollution caused by the fumes of volatile organic compounds is very great. In addition, evaporation represents a real loss of profits for the companies." Laurent Bédel has been working on this product for 3 years now. "I needed finance in order to be able to carry out the feasibility studies. I have now succeeded in completing these."

In order to develop NoVap’Poly, Laurent Bédel benefitted from aid from the government scheme to give financial aid for innovative projects, Prestation Technologique Réseau (PTR). This aid is granted to small and medium enterprises, particularly those with fewer than 50 employees. Financed by OSEO, this aid takes the form of a subsidy of a maximum of 10,000 Euros. "Thanks to the quick response of 3i Lorraine of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Vosges, the PTR was granted to my company to support the development of my product, because it came within the definition of an innovative project" explains Laurent Bédel. "The PTR has been a real boost to my business. Thanks to it, I have been able to progress very quickly in the development phase." This aid, which does not exceed 50% of the total cost of the programme, makes it possible to share the risks between financiers and manufacturers.

Today, NoVap’Poly has reached technical maturity. "The assembly process is correct, even if it has been necessary to revise the floater geometry. We are now completing the accelerated aging tests with the oil industry to validate the compatibility of the product with certain particularly aggressive solvents, such as benzene and to explore new areas of application." Laurent Bédel, who comes originally from the Vosges region, intends to start investing soon in an assembly unit. "The floaters are already being manufactured in Lorraine, and we are assembling the parts in Alsace" states the Elbé Technologies boss. "It really is a local business and I insist that it remains such !"