Latest News
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…
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…
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…
Beer-foam separator reduces water wastage
The Beer Foam Separator (BFS 900; photo) is built to be used in combination with this company’s GHS VSD+ screw vacuum pump. The BFS 900 was designed and developed in partnership with leading breweries and in direct response to the…
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…
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…
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…
Solids’ Characteristics and the Drying Process
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…