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This new LTS catalyst delivers a boost for H2 and NH3 production

In conventional hydrogen and ammonia plants, the final conversion of CO to H2 occurs across the low-temperature shift (LTS) catalyst. This makes the LTS catalyst one of the most important catalysts in the plant — even small changes in its…

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This new route to PLA requires no organic solvent or metal catalyst

A process to make polylactic acid (PLA) that requires no solvent or metal catalyst has been developed by Ricoh Co. (Ricoh; Tokyo, www.ricoh.com), in cooperation with Shizuoka University. Ricoh’s continuous PLA process is based on a commercially available organic catalyst…

Focus on Physical Properties To Improve Processes

Music is nature’s gift to humans. Irrespective of nationality, we all like to hum melodies, tap rhythms and sway to pleasing tunes. Even children just learning to stand enjoy wiggling to good music. In all cultures, the notes that comprise…

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Composites that can enhance forward osmosis

Researchers from the Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Monash University (Clayton, Victoria, Australia; www.monash.edu), have reported on a new composite polymer hydrogel with light-absorbing particles incorporated within it, that can be used as draw agents in the forward osmosis (FO) process…

Cut, bevel and weld pipe — with a single machine

The Axxair range of pipe cutting, beveling and welding machines has been added to this company’s range of products. By simply exchanging motors, these machines can cut pipe, then bevel the ends and weld parts. The unit cuts stainless steel,…

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Using chemistry to protect structural steel during a fire

A technique for protecting structural steel from fire using the endothermic decomposition of magnesium hydroxide has been developed by a team from the Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Materials Engineering, the University of Auckland (New Zealand; www.auckland.ac.nz). Led by professor…

Determining Friction Factors in Turbulent Pipe Flow

Head loss due to friction for fluids traveling through pipes, tubes and ducts is a critical parameter for solving turbulent-flow problems in the chemical process industries. The Colebrook equation is used to assess hydraulic resistance for turbulent flow in both…

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A new roasting process slated for commercialization

Outotec Oyj (Espoo, Finland; www.outotec.com) has introduced a new partial roasting process to purify copper and gold concentrates that are contaminated with arsenic, antimony and carbon. The process is a pretreatment stage for Cu- and Au-extraction plants, and enables the…

This swivel joint is made for toxic fluids

The Endura Series Dual Split Flange (DSF) swivel joint is specially designed to transfer acids, solvents, petrochemicals and other toxic fluids. The combination of the DSF swivel technology with user-friendly counterbalance solutions makes the Endura Series effective for performing effectively…

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This MOF selectively captures radioactive iodine

A challenge in recovering fissile material from spent nuclear fuel is separating radioactive components that cannot be reused as fuel. Researchers at Sandia National Laboratory (Albuquerque, N.M.; www.sandia.gov) have fabricated metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) capable of selectively capturing gaseous iodine from…