Processing & Handling
Optical cavity furnace can boost solar cell efficiency
Using an array of lamps inside a highly reflective chamber, the optical cavity furnace (OCF) takes advantage of photonics effects to help manufacture solar photovoltaic cells with higher efficiency than those made by conventional rapid-thermal-processing (RTP) methods. In addition, the…
Ground this piping system without wires
The patented Earthing Bridge is now complimented with a new model — the Universal Earthing Bridge. The new version replaces the earthing cable traditionally used for electrostatic grounding of pipe systems. The bridge is fixed to the company’s pull-ring using…
Elastomers specifically designed for extruded tubing
Sil-X-Shin silicone elastomers are specifically engineered for extruded tubing for healthcare, beverage and architectural glazing applications. The elastomers are available in a wide range of Shore A hardness (from 30 to 80 on the Shore A scale), and come in…
Chemically-resistant pump for small, precise fluid handling
Available from this company, the HNP 11558 micro annular gear pump features the toughest, most chemically resistant materials for its key components, as well as magnetic coupling for leak-free pumping. For example, ceramics are used for bearings and shafts, the…
A three-way valve for diverting flows
Rather than using two, two-way automated valves to control the flow of liquids, a single three-way valve does the job with fewer components and lower costs. The PTP Series is a group of three-way PVC ball valves that protect piping…
A car company moves closer to making cellulosic ethanol ecomomically
Using gene recombination technology, Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC; Toyota City, Japan: www2.toyota.co.jp/en) has developed a new strain of yeast that achieves one of the highest ethanol-fermentation density levels in the world — approximately 47 g/L with 87% yield (based on…
A process pump with a water-cooled head option
The N0150 diaphragm pumps can now be customized with water-cooled heads to prevent pump overheating in process applications where exothermic reactions can produce excessive heat and potentially shorten pump service life. Capable of serving a range of industries, the pumps…
This high-speed disperser handles viscosities up to 50,000 cP
d fsbgsd High-speed dispersers from this company are suitable for most straightforward powder wet-out applications with fluid viscosities up to 50,000 cP. The units, which can be built to mix vessels up to 6,000 gal or larger, are constructed with…
Use this booster to help valve positioners
Incorporating a fixed deadband, internal soft seats and an integral bypass restriction, the VBL pneumatic volume booster has an enhanced performance capability that is important in applications where a valve positioner alone cannot provide the stroking speed needed to meet…
Making formic acid by artificial photosynthesis
For the first time, an organic compound has been synthesized from water, carbon dioxide and sunlight — without any other external energy or reagents. The achievement, which was demonstrated by researchers at Toyota Central Research and Development Laboratories, Inc. (Toyota…