Process heating systems are critical parts of chemical process industries (CPI) facilities. Unfortunately, the reliable, efficient operation of utility systems is often taken for granted, and they receive little engineering attention. This is perhaps understandable, since these systems play a…
Three of the critical aspects of dust collection systems are properly identifying necessary dust capture points, effectively capturing dust at each point and accounting for solids loading in the ductwork. Key considerations for these aspects are presented here Dust collection…
The Viper-28 flange-spreading wedge (photo) is said to be the most powerful flange spreader in the world, boasting a spreading force of 28 metric tons and a precision tip measuring just 5 mm. This tool handles a wide range of…
At Achema in June, GIG Karasek GmbH (Gloggnitz, Austria; www.gigkarasek.com) introduced the ECO2Cell, an electrochemical CO2-recycling technology that utilizes proprietary catalysts to convert captured carbon dioxide into a range of chemicals. Using only water, CO2 and electricity as process inputs,…
The Solidmix technology (photo) is suitable for the pre-drying of shredded battery scrap and has been optimized for the separation of the solvents contained in the batteries. By means of vacuum drying, the solvents can be quickly and reliably separated…
Understanding material characteristics is important in designing and defining process criteria for optimal performance of rotary and fluidized-bed dryers The ability to efficiently, reliably and consistently dry bulk solids in an industrial setting relies largely on tailoring the dryer’s design…
The pneumatically actuated P40 PD tank-bottom valve (photo) is designed for use in sterile applications. The sealing principle of the valve is based on the company’s PD sealing technology, which hermetically separates the actuator from the medium. All actuator parts…
The costs associated with installing and maintaining pressure-relief valves (PRVs) can often be reduced by equipping systems with upstream rupture discs Reclosing pressure-relief devices, commonly referred to as pressure relief valves (PRVs), are designed to allow for the release of…
Nitrile compounds (R–N≡N) are important for the manufacturing of fragrances, pharmaceuticals, superglue and chemical-resistant gloves. Currently, such nitrile compounds require the use of highly toxic cyanide in their synthesis. Now, an alternative cyanide-free chemo-enzymatic cascade process is being developed by…
Researchers from the Adolphe Merkle Institute (AMI; Fribourg, Switzerland; www.ami.swiss), together with international collaborators, have pioneered a novel method for creating thin, energy-converting membranes that mimic the structure and function of biological cell membranes. This discovery, described in a recent…