A distillation process that consumes 85% less energy than traditional methods has been demonstrated by researchers from the University of Tokyo’s Institute of Industrial Science (www.energy.iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp) and Nippon Steel Engineering (NSE, both Tokyo, www.nsc-eng.co.jp). The technique, which involves the incorporation…
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…
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…
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…
A three-piece, stainless-steel ball valve features this company’s Smart Connect feature for joining pipes without welding. The ball valves are available in two grades of stainless-steel grades (304 and 316), in sizes from 0.5 to 2.0 in., and with more…
One additive intended for use in lead-acid batteries for micro-hybrid gasoline engines, and another for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, can improve battery performance. PBX51 is a performance additive designed to improve performance and lifetime for lead-acid batteries requiring high…
The Model TG-300 variable-speed low-flow pump is a positive displacement gear pump designed for smooth, continuous flows from 0 to 400 mL/min (0–5 gal/h). Fluids compatible with aluminum, steel, Viton and Teflon-wetted materials and viscosities of 30–600 cSt can be…
The HydroWhirl S tank washing nozzle range has been expanded to include ATEX-certified versions for use in atmospheres that are potentially explosive, while also meeting requirements for gas and dust approvals for all zones (0, 1 and 2). The HydroWhirl…
New biocomposite plastics that combine soybean-meal protein with conventional plastic resins allow significantly lower use of petroleum-based chemicals in polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) manufacturing. The new class of bioplastics incorporates soybean-meal protein, which is chemically bound to the PE…
The Atlas Syringe Pump XL allows automated volumetric dosing from 100 µL/min to 200 mL/min. The pump features two syringes that can be independently controlled or combined to enable continuous flow at pressures up to 6 bars. The pump is…