Processing & Handling
Simplifying the Use of Pipe-flow Friction-Factors
The Nikuradse-Prandtl-von Karman (NPK) equation is the most widely used expression to determine friction factors for fluid flow in smooth pipes [1–3]. It implicitly relates the friction factor (expressed here as f; sometimes called λ) to the Reynolds number, Re.…
Sample corrosive or toxic process fluids with this device
The LSS-30-PP is a sampling system designed to allow sampling of hazardous process fluids without personnel contact. The LSS-30-PP is similar in design to the LSS-140-ST from this company, but has a smaller sample cylinder (300 mL), and has wetted…
Improved heavy-crude conversion process boosts diesel yields
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.;…
Selecting Two- and Four-wire Magnetic Flowmeters
To optimize process control and overall plant performance, magnetic flowmeters (mag meters) are the most widely used devices in many industrial flow-measurement applications. Mag meters are used to measure the flow of water and other conductive liquids by applying a…
Prevent wear and cavitation with this coating
Loctite Nordbak 7255 Sprayable Ceramic Coating is a two-part ceramic coating designed to protect metal surfaces of industrial equipment from wear, abrasion and corrosion. The product is packaged in a convenient, reusable, dual-cartridge dispenser (photo) and is sprayed onto metal…
Ten years of risk assessment for nanomaterials — conclusions to date: no unusual risks
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…
Next-generation cross-coupling reactions
Professor Kenichiro Itami and coworkers at at Nagoya University (Nagoya, Japan; synth.chem.nagoya-u.ac.jp) have developed a new, next-generation type of cross-coupling reaction for synthesizing biphenyl compounds — one of the most important backbone structures for pharmaceutical and electronics chemicals. The chemists…
Nano-engineered glass absorbs organic contaminants and serves as a nanoreactor
An organosilica material with unique structural properties due to its nanoscale architecture has been used to extract hydrocarbons and other organic contaminants from water. Marketed as Osorb by ABS Materials Inc. (Wooster, Ohio; www.absmaterials.com), the nanostructured glass represents a platform…
Demonstration for integrated production of bioethanol
Oji Paper Co. (OJI; www.ojipaper.co.jp), in collaboration with Nippon Steel Engineering Co. (www.nsc-eng.co.jp) and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST; all Tokyo, Japan; www.aist.go.jp), has started pilot testing of a new, integrated process for making cellulose-based…
February Letters: Solutions for high-purity piping code
Solutions for high-purity piping code You ran a most illuminating article based on the new ASME code (July 2011, New Piping Code for High-Purity Processes, pp. 49–53), and I have been examining the welding industry’s response to the new challenges.…