Using halide perovskites for photovoltaic (PV) solar-energy cells could dramatically reduce production costs compared to silicon-based PV cells, because perovskites are solution-processible at relatively low temperatures. However, long-term stability of these materials has been a significant challenge. Now, a research…
The prevalence of the various per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — compounds that are notoriously difficult to break down — in the water supply is causing global concern. A new partnership between Element Six (Oxford, U.K.; www.e6.com) and Lummus Technology…
Plant Watch Sika more than doubles capacity at its largest manufacturing plant in Indonesia August 13, 2024 — Sika AG (Baar, Switzerland; www.sika.com) has more than doubled the production capacity at the Bekasi plant, its largest manufacturing facility in Indonesia.…
Sliding vane pumps offer a potent processing option for low-viscosity liquids Multiple industries rely on process pumps for handling a variety of substances that help the world function as it does today. Those substances come in a wide variety of…
This three-way ball sector valve (photo) — said to be the world’s first — achieves high volumetric flowrates that are virtually identical in all directions. The company’s approach of using the ball sector design for three-way valves is said to…
Advanced strainers are designed to offer far greater reliability than conventional options under unpredictable conditions. An industry expert provides insight into strainer use, design, selection, installation and construction Plants in the chemical process industries (CPI) have long relied on strainers…
Plasma technology is being explored as an avenue for many molecular conversions, such as methane reforming. Now, for the first time, a plasma-based CO2-conversion technology is being demonstrated industrially. The proprietary technology, developed by D-CRBN (Antwerp, Belgium; www.d-crbn.com), is being…
A heater assessment study at an olefins plant led to the implementation of a new combustion-control platform in several furnaces to help optimize fuel ratios, improve overall furnace stability, reduce emissions and extend asset lifespan ORLEN Unipetrol RPA s.r.o. (Unipetrol;…
This company’s folding impellers (photo) are designed to enter through the small container openings often encountered in closed-lid mixing environments, then expand to their full operating diameter as the mixer shaft rotates. Standard two-blade folding impellers are sized for use…
The purchase price of an electric motor is generally thought to end up as a small fraction (2–3%) of the motor’s total lifetime cost, with the majority of costs resulting from the electricity used by the motor. This makes motor…