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Enhancing Characterization of Thermal Barrier Coatings
Combining microscopy and machine-learning techniques leads to faster, more precise analyses of critical coating materials When the SR-71 Blackbird aircraft was designed to soar at three times the speed of sound, engineers faced an extreme challenge: managing the heat generated…
New evaporative crystallizer design accelerates direct-air carbon capture
A novel crystallizer has shown promise in lowering costs for direct-air capture (DAC) of CO2 emissions. In recent work published in Nature Chemical Engineering, a research team from the University of Toronto; www.utoronto.ca), led by mechanical and industrial engineering professor…
Enzymatic splitting process cuts cost and energy consumption for fatty-acid manufacturing
Fatty acids are indispensable ingredients in a broad range of high-value products, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food additives, industrial lubricants and many more. Current commercial production plants usually employ a thermal fat-splitting process that is often not economical for small- and…
Improving Recycling of Construction Materials with an Advanced Filter Press
An advanced membrane-chamber filter press improved material recovery and operating efficiency while lowering operating costs at a facility for the recycling of construction materials In today’s world, where resource conservation and sustainable practices are more important than ever, the RCO…
We all play a part in cyber-vigilance
As connected devices and systems have become more advanced, engineers in turn have become savvier about the realities of a digitally connected enterprise, especially with regard to securing their operational technology (OT) systems. Even with globally increasing cybersecurity awareness, however,…
Business News: January 2026
Plant Watch Aster invests in expansion projects at Bukom petroleum refinery December 11, 2025 — Aster Chemicals and Energy Ltd. (Singapore; www.aster.com.sg) announced a significant investment program at its Bukom petroleum refining facility in Singapore. The project includes a $75-million…
Focus On: Analyzers
This analyzer is designed to improve paper product quality The next-generation Wet End Analyzer (photo) is designed to help paper, board and tissue producers improve wet-end processes to achieve superior product quality, improved process stability and reduced operating costs. With…
Securing the Industrial Edge: Protecting Legacy Systems in the IIoT Era
Edge platforms, which provide a liaison between networks and legacy equipment, can provide a layer of cybersecurity protection without infrastructure modifications Chemical processing facilities worldwide are connecting decades-old equipment to modern networks for real-time monitoring and optimization. While this digital…
Field-trials upcoming for salt-based thermal-energy storage demonstration program
Field trials are expected to begin shortly for a high-temperature thermal-storage demonstrator built by AED Energy (London, U.K.; www.aedenergy.com). The field trials follow the successful completion of a test program of the demonstrator at AED’s London facility. The test program,…
Crystal Clear: Perfecting Product Purity Through Recrystallization
In the development of new pharmaceutical ingredients and other high-purity products, carefully controlled crystallization processes can help to eliminate critical impurities and zero in on optimal formulations Historically, small molecules have played a significant role in the pharmaceutical landscape, representing…