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Multi-state switchable stationary phase for chiral separation
High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a chiral stationary phase (CSP) is the most effective method for separating enantiomers of chiral molecules. However, the limited number of CSPs available puts a constraint on applying this technology universally. Now, researchers from the…
Ionic liquids enable lower-cost desalination with forward osmosis
Membrane-based forward osmosis (FO) desalination could be a lower-cost alternative to conventional reverse osmosis (RO) technology, which can desalinate ocean water effectively, but requires electricity to drive the separation, and so remains expensive. Scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL;…
October 2019 Plant Watch
Plant Watch Total-Corbion JV inaugurates PLA bioplastics plant in Thailand September 13, 2019 — Total Corbion PLA, a 50/50 joint venture (JV) between Total S.A. (Paris, France; www.total.com) and Corbion N.V. (Amsterdam, the Netherlands; www.corbion.com), has inaugurated its polylactic acid…
Air Movers for Dilute-Phase Pneumatic Conveying
Selecting the best air mover for a bulk-solids pneumatic-conveying application is a critical design decision. Provided here is information on three classes of air movers when dilute-phase pneumatic conveying is required In a typical bulk-solids pneumatic-conveying system, an air mover…
K Show Preview
K 2019, known as “The World’s No. 1 Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber” and scheduled to take place in Düsseldorf, Germany from October 16 to 23, is fully booked. Over 3,000 exhibitors from more than 60 countries have registered…
Robots Enter the CPI
Long used for discrete manufacturing, robots are now making their way into product-development laboratories and even production sites Unlike some industrial sectors, such as mining and discrete manufacturing, where the use of robotics continues to streamline operations at the expense…
Building a Better Liquid-Dosing System
Modernized pumps and advanced controls improve accuracy and repeatability of liquid-dosing systems Whether the application is dosing chemicals for process or water treatment, whether it’s batch or inline dosing and whether it’s continuous or intermittent flow, at its heart, successful…
Focus on Maintenance Tools
Wireless condition monitoring for rotating machinery Last month, this company introduced the Sulzer Sense wireless IoT condition-monitoring system (photo). The solution includes wireless sensors that are attached to a pump, agitator, motor or any rotating equipment. The sensors measure temperature…
This machinery protection system has SIL-2 certification
The VC-8000 Setpoint machinery-protection system (photo) has received SIL-2 certification, allowing it to be specified and used as part of SIL-rated functional safety applications. These typically include, but are not limited to, radial vibration, axial position and bearing temperature measurements…
This valve sensing-and-control unit has been re-engineered
The second-generation ThinkTop V50 and V70 control units have been re-engineered to offer fast and intuitive setup and commissioning; a repositioned Gore vent; a more compact and aesthetic design; burst-seat clean functionality; and a QR code for easy online access…