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Cybersecurity Implications of IT and OT Convergence

As the “Industry 4.0” revolution progresses, the convergence of IT systems with OT systems presents significant security risks. Presented here are strategies to bridge the divide between the two areas and secure plant operations The convergence of information technology (IT)…

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Aerogel insulation

A pilot plant intended to manufacture silica aerogel products for different applications, including spray insulation, is being planned by the company Aeroskin Tech AG (Zurich, Switzerland; www.aeroskintech.com). Aerogels are dried gels that maintain their volume when dried, and have nanoscale…

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Efficient cavitation-based method for challenging oil separations

Many separation processes depend on chemical or thermal principles, such as solvent extraction or distillation, but in some cases, mechanical methods can provide effective separations with lower cost and energy requirements. Eirex (Vaughan, Ont., Canada; www.eirex.ca) has developed a proprietary…

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New screening method reveals microbial enzymes for breaking down PET

Breaking down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into its constituent monomers under mild conditions is a key goal of plastics recycling. Knowledge of how many naturally occurring enzymes are capable of breaking down PET, and which would be most effective in industrial…

PFAS-free membrane introduced for water-treatment needs

At Aquatech Amsterdam 2025, this company is launching the new Mytex H5L ultrafiltration (UF) membrane (photo), which includes no per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The water treatment industry faces increasing pressure to develop alternatives to polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes, which…

Show Preview: Interphex

Interphex 2025 (www.interphex.com) is taking place April 1–3 at the Javits Center in New York City. This event is targeted at professionals in the pharmaceutical manufacturing and biotechnology sectors. An exhibit hall with over 500 exhibitors will show-case the latest…

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Plasma plays a part in cleaner ammonia production

Despite the abundance of nitrogen and hydrogen, industrial ammonia synthesis remains an energy-intensive process. Electrochemical methods have been suggested as potentially lower-energy alternatives to traditional ammonia synthesis, but these newer technologies often struggle with achieving key performance metrics. By integrating…

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Cybersecurity Strategies for Every OT Mindset

Whether cautious or cutting-edge, operational technology (OT) teams need a balanced approach to cybersecurity — one that starts with understanding their current state, collaborating with subject matter experts and building a practical roadmap to success There can be little doubt…

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Business News: March 2025

Plant Watch LG Chem set to commence production of bio-based acrylic acid February 13, 2025 — LG Chem Ltd. (Seoul, South Korea; www.lgchem.com) will commence the production of bio-based acrylic acid in the second quarter of 2025, with plans to…

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First open process automation (OPA) control system at a commercial manufacturing facility

An ExxonMobil Corp. (Spring, Tex.; www.exxonmobil.com) adhesive-resin finishing facility in Baton Rouge, La. has become the first commercial process-manufacturing facility to be controlled by an open, standards-based process automation system. This is a departure from the closed, proprietary systems currently…