A research team from Los Alamos National Laboratory (Los Alamos, N.M.; www.lanl.gov) has developed a novel catalyst for the cathode of a fuel cell that avoids using expensive ($1,800/oz.) platinum metal. The cathode catalyst is on based carbon, partially derived…
A system that utilizes existing biological wastewater-treatment facilities for destruction of biodegradable volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other organic hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) has been demonstrated at three U.S. petroleum-refining and chemical facilities, and the developer has plans to extend…
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI; Tokyo, www.mhi.co.jp) says it has established technology to produce bioethanol for automobile use by using soft-cellulose, such as wheat straw and rice straw, as raw materials. MHI estimates the fuel cost for a full-scale production…
A team from CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering (Melbourne, Australia; www.csiro.au) has developed a new technique for growing smart materials known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which can be used in pollution control, or as catalysts, or for transporting drugs in…
Last month, construction was completed on the world’s first commercial plant to produce a next-generation solid fuel, called Bio-cokes, at Takatsuki, Japan. The renewable material is produced from forest residues and can be used as an alternative to coal-based coke…
A team led by Rice University (Houston; www.rice.edu) researcher Michael Deem has assembled a database of 2.6 million possible unique zeolites — porous silicate minerals often used as catalysts or molecular sieves. The database of potential structures could inform efforts…
Last March, KSB AG (Frankenthal, Germany; www.ksb.com), received a pump order in the double-digit, million-euro range. The pump units are intended for one of the biggest seawater-cooling plants in the world, which is situated in the industrial city of Ras…
The Thermiculite family of products for seals and gaskets offers a cost-effective alternative to industrial seals where resistance to high heat is critical. Thermiculite critical service materials are rated for temperatures up to 1,800F and meet the requirements of the…
The Type 3738 electronic valve position monitor is a contactless, magneto-resistive sensor system that works with a Namur signal in compliance with IEC 60947-5-6 and is powered by a two-wire supply. As a result, the positioner can replace existing solenoid…
With the new Duo-SAS-360 Isolator, it is now possible to monitor the critical microbiological quality of air in cleanrooms and isolators. Two stainless-steel aspirating heads, with a long connecting cable, can be positioned in different locations and controlled from outside…