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This patented process improves grease handling
Calcium-sulfonate complex greases are widely used in applications in the pulp-and-paper, marine and steel-manufacturing sectors. Within an ever-volatile lithium market, calcium-sulfonate greases are increasingly seen as a reliable alternative to lithium-based greases. However, typical methods for preparing high-performance calcium-sulfonate grease…
This laboratory cone blender has an intensifier bar
A new 1-ft 3 (28-L) capacity Vee Cone Blender model VB-1-SSIS (photo) is suitable for laboratory and pilot applications. Constructed and finished to sanitary standards, it is equipped with an internal spray line with intensifier bar for rapid dispersion of…
CO2-to-methanol conversion improved with catalyst-support ion swap
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL; Oak Ridge, Tenn.; www.ornl.gov) and a team of interdisciplinary scientists tripled the yield of methanol in the catalytic hydrogenation reaction of carbon dioxide by introducing hydrides into the catalyst support material. The researchers…
Executive Interview: Clariant Catalysts Business Unit
In this exclusive interview, Jens Cuntze, member of Clariant’s Executive Steering Committee, offers his perspective on the goals, challenges and accomplishments of the Business Unit Catalysts, as well as the challenges faced by the chemical process industries Jens Cuntze is…
How to Conduct a Thermal Audit of an Industrial Facility
The efficiency of steam-generating and distribution systems can be improved incrementally, but more substantial gains can be found using pinch analysis for better heat recovery When it comes to improving the energy efficiency of a thermal system, most industrial organizations…
Innovative Membranes Empower Processes
New membranes enable traditional water treatment and emerging energy transition applications While membranes and filters have provided a reliable and cost-effective solution for water desalination, purification and treatment as well as specialty process separations, innovative membrane and filtration technologies are…
Business News: July 2024
Plant Watch Agilyx polystyrene depolymerization plant commissioned in Japan June 7, 2024 — Agilyx ASA (Tigard, Ore.; www.agilyx.com) announced that its depolymerization technology was successfully demonstrated during commissioning of Toyo Styrene’s 10-ton/d chemical recycling facility in Japan. The recycling plant…
Modular Construction: Choosing the Optimal Module Type
Plant process modules are not a one-size-fits-all solution. These considerations can help determine the best size for your project With the growing recognition of the advantages of modular construction over traditional field construction [1, 2], it’s no surprise that an…
A fungus converts cellulose directly into a platform chemical
Conventional bioprocesses use three separate steps to convert cellulose into products, such as bioplastics and biofuels. The consolidated bioprocess (CBP) combines all steps — cellulase production, cellulose hydrolysis and product fermentation — in a single reactor. Using the natural abilities…
Acoustic damping for production facilities
Basotect thermoset melamine resin foam (photo) offers outstanding acoustic properties. Because of its fine, open-cell foam structure, it can achieve sound-absorption values in the mid- and high-frequency ranges. Moreover, sound absorbers made from Basotect reduce the echo caused by reverberation…