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Pilot planned for electrochemical extraction of REEs and other critical metals
Construction is planned for a pilot plant that will demonstrate a modular electrochemical technology for extracting rare-earth elements (REEs) and nickel from industrial wastes, such as coal ash. The startup Blueshift (Boston, Mass.; www.buildblueshift.com) recently announced venture capital funds that…
Precisely adjust centrifuge separations with this new system
Varipond C (photo) is a new technical solution for decanter centrifuges that enables simple, fast and precise adjustment of the separation zone and pond depth. Varipond C ensures consistent separation results and high product yields in the production of beverages,…
Mobile spectroscopy solutions for plastics and textiles
This company’s PAL Two (photo) is a new handheld spectrometer technology used for identifying various plastics and textiles, specifically in recycling processes. Designed with ergonomics in mind, PAL Two allows for single-handed operation, making it user-friendly and convenient. Additionally, it…
An Array of Factors Complicates U.S. Petroleum Refining Strategy
Maintaining profitability amid considerable uncertainty in global trade, environmental policy and product demand is a daunting prospect for the U.S. refinery fleet A complex and somewhat unprecedented interplay of factors has been complicating investment and production strategies for U.S. petroleum…
SAFs from multiple feedstocks at lower cost
A pilot project completed at the end of last year demonstrated the ability of a technology to convert a range of feedstocks into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at lower cost than current ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) processes. Universal Fuel Technologies (UniFuel; Los…
Selective silica removal makes for better bauxite beneficiation
The extraction of alumina from bauxite is significantly impacted by the silica content of the ore — specifically the presence of silica in kaolinite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4). This is because traditional bauxite-beneficiation methods, such as washing, flotation and particle-size separation, also typically…
An integrated process makes valuable mid-chain carboxylic acids from organic waste
A dual process strategy bridging fermentation and electrochemistry is enabling the production of mid-chain carboxylic acids (MCCAs) — important and valuable precursors to a number of products — using inexpensive organic waste streams from breweries, distilleries and dairies. Developed by…
Facts At Your Fingertips: Valve Actuator Types
Actuators are attached to the control mechanism of a valve to replace a manual lever or handle, and they control the position of a valve (open, closed or specific position) remotely and automatically. In industrial applications, numerous types of actuators…
New production facility for high-purity graphene announced in Texas
A new facility in Texas to manufacture high-purity graphene powder from acetylene has been announced by HydroGraph Clean Power Inc. (Vancouver, B.C.; www.hydrograph.com). At capacity, the facility will generate thousands of metric tons per year of sp2-bonded powdered graphene with…
Smart analysis provides notable drivetrain energy savings
Drivetrain Analyzer Cloud (photo) helps companies significantly reduce the energy consumption of their drive systems through energy-based maintenance. The Connection Module IOT collects extensive data from the drive train and transmits it to the Drivetrain Analyzer Cloud. There, relevant operating…