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…
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…
A process in which sulfur is extracted from natural gas in the field and converted to sulfur dioxide, which is then injected into the gas reservoir and reacts with hydrogen sulfide in situ to produce elemental sulfur, has been developed…
Verenium Corp. (formerly Celunol; Cambridge, Mass.; edlinks.chemengonline.com/7372-537) is starting up a 1.4-million gal/yr demonstration-scale facility at Jennings, La., which will produce ethanol from regional feedstocks (including sugarcane bagasse and specially bred "energy cane") via proprietary cellulosic-ethanol technology. The technology was…
Although theoretically promising 80% more energy than is required to grow and convert to cellulosic ethanol, switchgrass has proven to be a difficult fuel source to break down cost effectively. With $1 million from the U.S. Depts. of Agriculture (USDA)…
Sugar-beet processors in the U.S. generate approximately 40 million tons of fiber-rich sugar-beet pulp every year as a byproduct of sucrose extraction. Most of it is used as livestock feed or in pet food. Researchers with the U.S. Agricultural Research…
In cooperation with several universities, Clariant International Ltd. (Muttenz, Switzerland; edlinks.chemengonline.com/7371-543) has developed a process to manufacture high-quality nano-sized zeolite L (Linde Type L) in technical quantities. This new range of nano-scale aluminosilicates, tradenamed Lucidot, open up a new range…
A new nanomaterial which doubles as a filter and a reactor capable of destroying unwanted substances, has been developed by a team from Nanyang Technological University (NTU; Singapore; edlinks.chemengonline.com/7371-544), and the Singapore Public Utilities Board. The material consists of nanosized…
Emerson Process Management (St. Louis, Mo.; edlinks.chemengonline.com/7371-545) claims to be the first process-automation supplier to start taking orders for WirelessHART-enabled products, based on the recently approved open standard for in-plant wireless communications. These measurement and communications products include pressure, flow,…
Basin Electric Power Cooperative (BEPC; Bismarck, N.D.) has selected the CO2-capture technology of Powerspan Corp. (Portsmouth, N.H.; edlinks.chemengonline.com/7371-546) for a commercial demonstration at BEPC’s Antelope Station coal-fired power plant, located near Beulah, North Dakota. Approximately 1 million ton/yr of CO2…