Rare-earth elements (REEs) are difficult to separate because of their similar properties, so conventional methods are often costly and generate significant amounts of waste. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL; Oak Ridge, Tenn.; www.ornl.gov) have developed a new technique…
Recycling lithium batteries (LIBs) requires extensive use of hydrometallurgy, which requires multiple steps of extraction-stripping processes, each requiring separate reactors and different parameters. Although there have been attempts to devise a single-step, one-pot solution by partitioning the reactor using membranes,…
This month, a demonstration experiment will begin on a new firing furnace for ceramics that is being developed by NGK Insulators, Ltd. (NGK; www.ngk.co.jp). The furnace is fired with hydrogen instead of fossil fuels, thereby reducing CO2 emissions. H2-fired combustion…
Following these guidelines can help workers to take the proper precautions to minimize the risk of leakage from spill pallets Container liquid leaks can occur at any time, even when all precautions have been taken and containers are stored on…
Technologies to process lithium-containing brines are in high demand as manufacturers seek to improve recovery volumes and sustainability The two main sources of lithium — one of the most in-demand materials on earth — are mining from ores and extracting…
The seventh annual Connected Plant Conference (www.connectedplantconference.com) — presented by Chemical Engineering and sister publication POWER Magazine — is taking place at the Marriott Canal Street in New Orleans, La. on Jun 25–28. The event will bring together industry experts…
Follow these key considerations when deciding which internals to use in fixed-bed, axial-flow vessels Fixed-bed, axial-flow vessel internals are installed in natural gas plants, petroleum refineries, petrochemical plants, chemical plants and industrial gas facilities. Thermal-swing gas and liquid dehydrators, treaters…
The new mobile, tilt-down flexible-screw conveyor (photo) fits restrictive processing situations. Positioning of the support boom against, and parallel to, the conveyor tube minimizes the height needed to maneuver the system under doorways and mezzanines, and to fit the conveyor’s…
Polymer components in column trays can avoid issues associated with corrosion of metal equipment Gujarat Alkalies & Chemicals Ltd. (GACL) — a major chemical producer in Gujarat state in western India — was facing corrosion challenges with its distillation columns.…
Numerous factors are taken into account when designing a filtration system, including technical, logistical and safety considerations Filtration is an essential step in the production and processing of many materials in the chemical process industries (CPI). Beyond the efficacy of…