Processing & Handling
Chementator: Smart pump control
Kadant AES (Queensbury, N.Y.; edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-543) has introduced a patented control technology for high-pressure positive-displacement (HPPD) pumps, which is said to be capable of reducing energy usage by up to 60%. The so-called UniGY PhD (Pump-modeling hydraulic drive) uses pump-modeling software…
Chementator: Improved transistor
Researchers at the Faculty of Engineering, Lund University (Sweden; edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-545) have used nanotechnology to develop a transistor that is said to be 50 times more energy efficient that conventional models. The prototype transistor is made of indium arsenide, where the…
Chementator: A barrier for PVs
Honeywell Specialty Materials (Morristown, N.J.; edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-546) has launched PowerShield PV325, a material that protects photovoltaic (PV) modules — including the critical components that convert sunlight into electricity — in all types of environments. The material is ultraviolet, moisture and weather…
Zirconium and its Alloys: For Extreme Sulfuric Acid Applications
One of the earliest applications for zirconium in the chemical process industries (CPI) is for sulfuric acid service. Used commonly during the manufacture of chemicals as a catalyst, dehydrating agent, absorbent, or an oxidizing or reducing agent, sulfuric acid is…
Focus on Pumps
A Pump Intended for Non-API Processes The Sunflo P-2500 high-pressure centrifugal pump features distinctions from previous models in the P-2000 Series including: upgraded seal-housing drain cavities, enhanced seal design, numerous seal flush plans, labyrinth gearbox seal, and heavy duty bearings…
Chementator: A New Way to Make Dispersions
At last month’s CosmoProf exhibition (April 10 – 14; Bologna, Italy), VMI-Rayneri (Montaigu, France; edlinks.chemengonline.com/7372-531) introduced a new vacuum-injection process for dispersing powder-like solids into liquids or pastes during the production of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food or other chemical products. Normally,…
Chementator: This Catalyst Helps Visible Light Split Water into H2 and O2
Normally, only the ultraviolet (higher energy) component of the solar spectrum is usable for the photo-catalytic electrolysis of water into hydrogen and oxygen, which takes place in photochemical cells with an anode made of single-crystalline, rutile-type titanium oxide and a…
Chementator: Improving the Performance of HDS Catalysts
Researchers at Oxford Catalysts Ltd. (Oxford, U.K.; edlinks.chemengonline.com/7372-534) have shown that the method of preparation — rather than the identity or combination of metals used — has the greatest influence on the performance of hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts. The results of…
Chementator: Roll-to-Roll Manufacturing a Breakthrough for OLED Commercialization
A new roll-to-roll manufacturing process promises to overcome the major cost barriers impeding the widespread adoption of high-performance organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) for lighting, e-paper and display applications. The culmination of a four-year, $13-million research partnership between GE Global Research…
Chementator: A Less Expensive Way to Make Boron Carbide Components
Because parts made from boron carbide have a higher rigidity and lower weight compared with those made from silicon carbide and alumina, boron carbide parts are important components for semiconductor manufacturing equipment and other components requiring high-temperature and abrasion resistance,…