A handheld Raman device for material identification This company’s handheld 1,064-nm Raman Progeny analyzer (photo) is used for raw material identification, in-process analysis and authentication of finished products in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Traditional processes can include laboratory analysis, a costly and…
Because of their excellent mechanical properties, light weight and biodegradability, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) are attractive materials for next-generation reinforced biomaterials and bioplastics. However, the method for separating cellulose to make CNF, known as fibrillation, is energy-intensive, which limits applications for…
The electrolytes used in nearly all lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries are carbonate-based, which makes them flammable and prone to degradation mechanisms, including side reactions, which can result in gas evolution and the formation of undesirable chemicals like hydrogen fluoride. A…
The destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) presents unique issues in wastewater treatment, as these substances are persistent in many treatment environments, and PFAS-laden purification media is challenging to dispose of. Now, InEnTec Inc. (Richland, Wash.; www.inentec.com) says that…
With a recent round of investment funding, UP Catalyst (Tallinn, Estonia; www.upcatalyst.com) plans to build a pilot plant for a process that converts waste carbon dioxide into a range of solid carbon materials, such as carbon nanotubes, (CNTs), graphite and…
Environmental imperatives drive the development of technologies for the chemical recycling of plastic waste, but significant hurdles – including economic viability, collection logistics and feedstock complexity – need to be addressed for chemical recycling to have a larger impact Plastic…
Coriolis mass flowmeters are available with a range of body styles and transmitters, enabling significant functionality improvements without sensor replacement Coriolis meters have long been a mainstay in the chemical process industries (CPI), providing highly accurate mass-flow measurements for raw-material…
Milling is commonly used for particle-size reduction and control of particle-size distribution (PSD) for crystalline solids. Mills are effective for generating consistent solids properties, through size reduction and surface-modification mechanisms [1]. This one-page reference outlines the mechanical forces involved in…
Consider the potential for stem seal leakage when selecting a valve Experienced process control engineers follow familiar, time-tested steps when presented with a new system to design and specify. Selecting a control valve for a process always requires the same…
Plant Watch BASF completes superabsorbent polymers expansion project in Texas October 16, 2024 — BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany; www.basf.com) announced that its petrochemicals division has completed production upgrades for superabsorbent polymers (SAP) after a $19.2-million investment in its Freeport, Tex.…