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Processing & Handling

A boost in durability and UV protection for waterborne coatings

The new high-performance ultraviolet (UV) absorber Hostavin 3330 disp. XP enhances the durability and UV protection of waterborne coatings, enabling them to reach the performance of conventional solvent-borne systems, says the producer. Hostavin 3330 disp. XP has an active UV…

A new, larger drive size added to this modular valve series

By expanding the valve line to include drive sizes up to 130 mm, globe valves, angle seat and diaphragm valves of the Element Series can now be used to achieve fittings up to orifice dia. DN 50. The expanded area…

The next generation in dome design debuted at Weftec

This company has unveiled an innovative, flush-batten-aluminum geodesic dome design, which may be considered a new paradigm in engineered cover technology. OptiDome features a double web I-Beam for strength and stability, plus optimized patent-pending, batten seal technology that eliminates environmental…

This solenoid valve operator is removable under pressure

Manual operators are often included on solenoid valves to enable functional checking during startup and commissioning. These operators are then removed prior to the plant being handed over to operations personnel to prevent potential trips or unplanned shutdown. The new…

Volkswagen and BASF present the first Science Award Electrochemistry  

The first international “Science Award Electrochemistry” from BASF SE (Ludwigshafen; www.basf.com) and Volkswagen AG (Wolfburg; both Germany; www.volkswagen.com) goes to Dr.Naoaki Yabuuchi, Tokyo University of Science, Institute for Science and Technology (Tokyo, Japan). The jury of experts from BASF, Volkswagen…

This concentrate pump operates with steam, air or more

The new Pivotrol PTF4 is a high-capacity, pressure-powered condensate pump that covers a wider motive-pressure range. This new version can be operated by steam, air or other pressurized gases, and covers a complete pressure range of up to 200 psig.…

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A concept for making gasoline from air

Air Fuel Synthesis Ltd. (AFS; Darlington, U.K.; www.airfuelsynthesis.com) has recently demonstrated a process for producing carbon-neutral liquid hydrocarbon (HC) fuel from air-captured carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The proof-of-concept demonstration facility, located at Teesside, England produces 5–10 L/d of liquid HCs.…

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Progress for making smart membranes

Last month marked the completion of the three-year, €3.6-million E.U.-funded research project, Self-assembled Polymer Membranes (SelfMem). Coordinated by the Institute of Polymer Research at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG; Germany; www.hzg.de), with twelve partners from industry and academia in Israel, Canada…

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New catalysts for Baeyer-Villiger oxidation reactions

Kazuaki Ishihara and his group at Nagoya University (Japan; www.ishihara-lab.net) have established a new, environment friendly reaction technology — using Baeyer-Villiger oxidations — for selectively oxidizing ketones into esters. The reaction uses hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant, and has potential…

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A little gold can reduce the Pt loading in fuel cells

A challenge in the development of polymer-electrolyte membrane fuel cells is the durability and electrocatalytic activity of platinum-based electrocatalysts. The sluggishness of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) causes the fuel cell performance to be limited by the cathodic reaction, and…