Metal components made with laser powder-bed fusion — an important additive manufacturing process — must be qualified for use in critical applications, but the qualification relies on expensive non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. In-process monitoring offers a less expensive alternative, but…
Researchers at Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (ETH Zurich; Switzerland; www.ethz.ch) and Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU; www.ntu.edu.sg) developed a process to utilize industrial chicken feathers for making proton-conductive membranes that can be used in fuel cells, protonic transistors and water-splitting…
A new plasma-based technology is being touted as a more sustainable method for textile finishing, including water-intensive dyeing and coating processes. The Ausora process, developed by Xefco Pty. Ltd. (Eveleigh, Australia; www.xefco.com), in partnership with the Recycling and Clean Energy…
As various rotating machinery throughout fiber-processing operations experience extremely harsh and demanding environments, it is often difficult to manually retrieve oil samples. Maintaining an adequate surveillance of lubrication properties against harmful effects can prove very challenging. This company’s oil-monitoring system…
Canned motor pumps (CMPs) are designed to prevent emissions by eliminating the mechanical seal. Provided here is an overview of CMPs, along with information on common uses Emissions from process equipment not only pose safety and environmental risks, they also…
Selecting an effective system for controlling air pollution can help to achieve balance between environmental stewardship and industrial productivity Air pollution is an ongoing worldwide concern that impacts people and ecosystems across the globe. The emission of pollutants like particulate…
Adhering to API 682 guidelines will create safe, efficient and effective mechanical-seal supports in pumping systems In the 1980s, mechanical seals became the most frequently used sealing technology in petroleum refineries and chemical plants. The American Petroleum Institute (API; Washington,…
Achieving regulatory compliance is often viewed as overly complicated or restrictive, but a good understanding of the current regulatory landscape can help fuel business growth and efficiency When talking about modern manufacturing, few sectors experience as much regulatory scrutiny as…
A practical overview on how to use location factors, and some tips on when to use — or not use — them Often in the early stages of project development in the chemical process industries (CPI), the development team is…
The Model 42N-18SS ribbon blender (photo) is crafted from type 316 stainless steel with interior surfaces polished to a 150-grit finish for easy cleaning. With a maximum working capacity of 18 ft3, the blender is direct driven by a 10-h.p.…