A naphtha-cracking process with improved yield, reduced coking and longer catalyst life is being developed in a five-year Japanese project led by professor Takashi Tatsumi at the Tokyo Institute of Technology (TiTech; www.titech.ac.jp), with participation from the National Institute of…
A proprietary nanoscale catalyst and an updated engineering design have allowed higher conversion rates for transforming the heaviest fractions of crude oil, known as vacuum residue, into high-value transportation fuels, such as diesel. Developed by UOP LLC (Des Plaines, Ill.;…
Last month, W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore; Elkton, Md.; www.gore.com) introduced what is claimed to be the worlds first 20-nm-rated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filter that is available in a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) cartridge. Compared to conventional filtration media, this new…
The first commercial-scale biobutanol plant using the Gevo Integrated Fermentation Technology (GIFT) process is set to come online in mid-2012 at the former site of an ethanol facility in Minnesota. In late January, Gevo (Englewood, Colo.; www.gevo.com) was awarded a…
KTM Unibody EB700 ball valves have a one piece, cast body to minimize potential leak paths and improve safety compared to split-body designs. The EB700 series has a rugged design with a seat made from a co-polymer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)…
A new catalyst design, in which gallium atoms are integrated into the zeolite catalyst structure, can increase yields of aromatic compounds from biomass by 40% in a catalytic fast-pyrolysis process. The higher yields of benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX), as…
The intermediary report on "10 Years of Research: Risk Assessment, Human and Environmental Toxicology of Nanomaterials" by the joint Dechema/VCI Working Group "Responsible Production and Use of Nanomaterials" is now available in English. Experts from industry and research institutions have…
HinderRust is a new rust-inhibiting lubricant for machinery that is non-aerosol-based, and free of solvents and odor. The multi-use product is designed for machinery and tools, and can extend their lifetimes by keeping them rust-free, the manufacturer says. Specific uses…
Mixing and melting kettles from this company are rated for full vacuum and for temperatures of 250ËšF. The 185-gal, hemispherical vessels are jacketed for 15-psi steam. A submerged steam calandria is also supplied for additional heating. Both the vessels and…
The Bio aseptic transfer valve is said to set new standards for the safe and clean transfer of sensitive product from process to process. The Bio overcomes issues with traditional methods of transfer where there is a brief time period…