Processing & Handling
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
Choosing Oil-injected Screw Compressors
Screw compressors are widely used throughout the chemical process industries (CPI) and represent a substantial percentage of all positive-displacement compressors that are now sold and in operation in CPI facilities. In general, screw compressors are efficient, reliable, simple and…