Processing & Handling
A step toward the production of fuel for nuclear fusion
Masaru Nakamichi, leader of the Blanket Technology Group, Naka Fusion Institute, Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA, Ibaraki, Japan; www.naka.jaea.go.jp) has developed a new fabrication technology that enables the mass-production of beryllium intermetallic compounds (beryllides), which are advanced, efficient neutron multipliers…
Strain-hardening test method speeds HDPE pipe testing
A test method developed by SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corp.; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; www.sabic.com) scientists drastically reduces the time needed to evaluate slow-crack growth resistance in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that is used in pressure pipes. The strain-hardening test method allows…
A move toward bio-based malic acid, acrylic acid and butadiene
A move toward bio-based malic acid... Novozymes A/S (Copenhagen, Denmark; www.novozymes.com) has developed a strain of metabolically engineered Aspergillus oryzae fungus that is capable of producing the four-carbon, dicarboxylic acid compound malic acid. The chemical building block malic acid is…
A high-temperature F-T process demonstrated in China
Synfuels China Technology Co. (Beijing; www.synfuelschina.com.cn) says it has developed a high-temperature slurry Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) process (flowsheet) that produces mainly clean diesel, naphtha and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products, with unique features including: high productivity of proprietary catalyst; efficient recovery…
A hygienic actuator that requires less space
The MFO actuator from the proven 812/813 Series is a pneumatic actuator that was specially designed to be compatible with sterile and fine-chemical applications, and is particularly well suited for the tight space requirements associated with prefabricated system components. This…
A modular dosing system built to match the task
The Compact Vertical Dosing (CVD) system features a modular design that makes it possible to add or replace fittings and components during, or even after commissioning and without cost-intensive modifications. The design includes standardized components (dosing pump, valves and so…
A disposable diaphragm valve for high-tech applications
This company has introduced the world’s first single-use diaphragm valve with pneumatic actuator, which allows a paradigm shift to single-use technology: from manual systems that can be automated for fault free operation and with complying documentation. In the manufacture of…
Eliminate valve noise before it’s born
Acoustical noise from control valves is not only potentially harmful to workers, but the vibrations can also cause damage to pipelines and other equipment. The new Neles Q2-Trim reduces noise up to 30 dB compared to a typical control valve.…
Small But Mighty
Sometimes the smallest parts — such as seals and gaskets — can have the greatest impact on plant performance. For this reason, seal and gasket manufacturers are developing innovative new materials and designs that will help these diminutive, but important,…
This metering pump is small, but accurate
Introduced at Achema 2012, the Chem Mini gear pump (photo) is particularly suited for precision metering tasks of low- to medium-viscosity media. The range covers low flow applications in classic transfer and metering tasks for all industries. For particularly critical…