Latest News
Rising heat concerns
This summer is proving to be a hot one across much of the U.S. as heat waves grip many regions with little relief from nighttime cooling. If it seems like it has been getting hotter, there are data to support…
Versatile production of biopolymers in new semi-crystalline format
Bio-based polymers, such as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), are seeing increasing application as a more sustainable alternative to fossil-based materials. A new, flexible production platform developed by CJ Biomaterials, Inc. (Woburn, Mass.; www.cjbiomaterials.com) is now enabling the production of PHA in both…
Biomimetic membrane may have promising applications
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…
Facts At Your Fingertips: Understanding Energy Efficiency in a Fired Heater
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…
The next generation of pilot reactors launched at Achema
The Sakura and Sakura Mini next-generation premium pilot reactors (photo) incorporate the latest reactor-vessel technology to provide enhanced performance and efficiency for chemical process scaleup. Sakura includes vessels of up to 100 L, with the option to upgrade to this…
New bulk-bag unloader discharges problematic materials
A new bulk-bag unloading station features a proprietary design that promotes the smooth, consistent, complete discharge of non-free-flowing materials. Developed for emptying difficult bagged powders and other bulk materials that cake, clump, bridge or generate nuisance dust, the new AFC…
Ethernet-APL: A game changer for the CPI
Ethernet-APL fulfills the promise to bring digitalization to every corner of a process plant. The fast and efficient communication of large amounts of data is barrier-free and reliable in potentially explosive areas. At 10 Mbit/s, the transmission of enormous amounts…
A proof-of-concept “BionicHydrogenBattery”
At a press conference during Achema 2024, Festo SE & Co. KG (Esslingen, Germany; www.festo.com) presented the BionicHydrogenBattery — a new concept for the simple storage and safe transportation of hydrogen. Currently, H2 can only be stored and transported safely…
Certified conveyor controllers promote safety, compliance
This company has earned the UL 508A certification for its pneumatic vacuum-conveyor controls (photo). Secured to support operator safety and help speed the conveyor installation process, the certification documents conformance with the National Electric Code (NEC) standard for the safe…
Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 into a range of chemicals
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,…