This company has launched new pipe transition fittings made of plastic with internal and external threads of metal. The transition fitting is sealed with an EPDM O-ring, which also protects against distortion and damage to the plastic during installation. The…
Stamicarbon B.V. (Sittard, the Netherlands; www.stamicarbon.com), the licensing and IP Center of Maire Tecnimont S.p.A. (www.mairetecnimont.it), has recently signed a license agreement with Tierra del Fuego Energia Y Quimica S.A., an Argentina based company controlled by shareholders from China. The…
A compact, inexpensive and energy-saving continuous process to make bioethanol is being developed by professor Yoshio Katakura at Kansai University (Osaka; microbial.life-bio.kansai-u.ac.jp), in collaboration with the Kinki Bio-industry Development Organization (Osaka), Kansai Chemical Engineering Co. (Amagasaki), and Akita National College…
A novel nickel-manganese-gallium alloy, introduced by Goodfellow Corp. (Oakdale, Pa.; www.goodfellowusa.com), elongates in a magnetic field, allowing the conversion of magnetic field energy into kinetic energy. The material offers an alternative to conventional actuators, and could find other uses in…
Pump Wisdom: Problem Solving for Operators and Specialists By Heinz P. Bloch. John Wiley & Sons Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Web: wiley.com. 2011. 224 pages. $49.95. Reviewed by Stanley S. Grossel, Process safety and design consultant, Clifton,…
A PTFE diaphragm permits compact construction of this diaphragm pump, and offers cost savings for high-pressure applications. A patented pressure-supported diaphragm-fixation system is used, so that the fixation is structurally prevented from expanding during the pressure stroke. No auxiliary seal…
Grace Davison (Columbia, Md.; www.grace.com) has commercialized a set of catalysts and additives for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) that contain either zero or low rare-earth metal content. The new product family, known as Replacer, includes new catalysts for processing both…
Modular valve construction allows for custom solutions The Entech DRV-BN non-slam nozzle check valve (photo) has a modularity that allows for customized solutions, as well as in-field reconfiguration and a consistent spring force mechanism for quick and easy maintenance. The…
Chemfluoro Convoflex WCSR Multipurpose Chemical Transfer Hose is designed for bulk-chemical transfers where corrosive chemicals, such as acids, may damage the stainless-steel braid commonly used as a cover on transfer hoses. The new hose is said to provide longer service…
Researchers from the University of Cantabria (Santander, Spain; www.unican.es) have developed a process for incorporating Waelz slag into ceramic clay construction bricks, offering an alternative for disposal of the industrial byproduct. The engineers replaced between 20 and 30% of clay…