Researchers from Monash University (Melbourne, Australia; www.monash.edu.au) have discovered that graphene-oxide sheets can change their structure and become liquid droplets spontaneously. Because graphene droplets change their structure in response to an applied magnetic field, they could be used for controlled…
Aiming to understand the nature of the synergistic effect of ultrasound and enzymes in the production of fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass, researchers from the Institute of Chemical Technology (Mumbai, India; www.ictmumbai.edu.in) have studied the ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis of waste…
Researchers from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST; Tsukuba City, Japan; www.aist.go.jp), with support from New Energy and Industry Technology Development Org. (NEDO; Kawasaki City; Japan; www.nedo.go.jp) have developed a technology to efficiently synthesize tetra-alkoxy-silane —…
A commercial prototype perovskite solar cell that is less expensive than current thin-film solar cells is under development by a team from Nanyang Technological University (Singapore; www.ntu.edu.sg), in collaboration with Dyesol Ltd. (Queanbeyan, NSW, Australia; www.dyesol.com) and professor Michael Grätzel…
Emerson Process Management The Fisher P700 series rotary actuators for Fisher C series valves (photo) help to deliver full valve capacity and reduce maintenance in liquid-propane gas (LPG) applications. These actuators offer a reliable method to remotely operate internal…
Gaskets are relatively simple pieces of equipment in principle, yet are entirely critical in many types of chemical process industries (CPI) applications, including pipes and vessels. An understanding of gasket function, and of the forces and stresses acting on gaskets…
Smith Flow Control USA The TorkDrive prevents manual valves from being damaged due to excessive torque application during valve operation. It can be customized to suit most manufacturer’s handwheel-operated valves (including ball, gear, gate and globe) where valves require a…
Flux-Geräte The follower plate and process seal of the drum-emptying system Viscoflux mobile is designed for opening diameters of lidded drums with 560 and 571 mm as standard. During the fluid-transfer process, the process seal adapts to beadings and slight…
AUMA Riester This company has developed a new solid-model generator to enable users to generate 3D actuator models that replicate their exact, order-specific configurations. The free service, which allows actuator models to be reviewed from all perspectives before delivery, provides…
Reed Resources Ltd. (Perth, Western Australia; www.reedresources.com) has advanced its Barrambie Titanium Project — about 600 km northeast of Perth, Western Australia — with the construction (now in its final stages) of a mini-pilot plant in Canada to demonstrate a…