Latest News
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…
Focus on Mobile Devices
Updated digital technology to support field workers The updated Ability Connected Worker technology (photo) offers new functionalities that strengthen and accelerate the digitalization of the field-operator experience to mitigate the risk of human error and unscheduled downtime. The enhanced software…
Chemical Recycling: A Deep Dive on Depolymerization
Looking at the challenges and benefits of various recycling technologies, this article uses polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as an example to analyze the economics and design considerations for depolymerization processes Plastics are a valuable commodity in society and provide versatile materials…
Benefiting from Nozzle Flexibility in Piping Design
The inclusion of nozzle flexibility (directional spring rate) in pipe-stress analysis results in more realistic piping reactions on pressure-vessel nozzles, whereby it will be easier to meet the limited nozzle-load capacity of the nozzles. It will surely contribute to a…
Improving PRV Cost of Ownership with Upstream Rupture Discs
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…
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…
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…
New bio-based concrete admixture is scaling up production
A new biomass-based liquid admixture for concrete uniquely combines the benefits of traditional performance-enhancing additives with decarbonization. Hydrous bio-graphene oxide (hBGO), developed by AlterBiota (Edwardsville, Nova Scotia, Canada; www.alterbiota.com), is a stable, high-solids dispersion that helps to improve strength and…
A biocatalytic process for producing nitriles — without cyanide
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…
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,…