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Modern Fermentation and Fermenter Design
With the growth of ‘white biotechnology,’ industrial fermentation processes and large-scale fermenters will play a key role. Presented here are some design considerations In fermentation, microorganisms, animal and plant cells are used to produce chemical compounds. Enzymes, pharmaceutical ingredients, amino…
Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer boosts interfacial adhesion and recyclability
The high strength-to-weight ratio and robust mechanical properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) make them attractive for use in wind-power turbine blades, automobile components, and in airplanes and spacecraft. However, challenges — such as weak interfacial adhesion and poor recyclability —…
A control room with generative-AI capabilities
In January, specialty materials maker Celanese Corp. (Irving, Tex.; www.celanese.com) beta-launched a remote-operations control room (ROCR) that allows hands-free queries of plant data for faster data gathering and decision-making. The ROCR leverages recent advances in generative-artificial intelligence (gen-AI)-powered natural language…
Combined PLC and HMI increases I/O options
This company’s SmartAXIS touch family has been expanded with the new FT2J Series combined PLC+HMI (photo). A compact all-in-one form factor combines built-in full function controller features and functions, both onboard and expandable I/O, and an advanced technology 7-in. touchscreen…
Recovering lithium with thermal-swing liquid-liquid deionization
Much of the planet’s lithium is contained in brine, but the concentration is often quite low, making it difficult to efficiently extract lithium — typical extraction technologies may only demonstrate 30–60% yield. Adionics (Les Ulis, France; www.adionics.com) has developed a…
Chementator Briefs
CO2 liquefaction Last month, Linde Engineering (Pullach, Germany; www.linde-engineering.com) signed a contract with Yara International ASA (Oslo, Norway; www.yara.com) to build a world-scale carbon dioxide liquefaction plant in Sluiskil, the Netherlands. The Sluiskil project forms a key part of Yara’s…
This screw-conveyor system is flexible for many applications
The new Twin Tilt-Down Flexible Screw Conveyor system (photo) has dual hoppers on a common mobile base. Constructed and finished to 3-A sanitary standards, the self-contained system can fill two vessels with the same material simultaneously, or convey two different…
Production and Demand Challenges for ‘Green’ Hydrogen
Burgeoning demand for hydrogen to support decarbonization goals is straining existing supply chains for industrial gases and prompting companies to adapt quickly to the emerging net-zero-carbon economy The increasing use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier is causing a…
This range of high-performance water pumps expanded
This company has expanded its RDLO series from 21 sizes to 33 (photo). The pump sets are axially split volute casing pumps primarily used for clean water transport. A casing with double-volute compensating radial forces and a double-entry impeller compensating…
Business News: April 2024
Plant Watch EuroChem launches phosphate-fertilizer manufacturing complex in Brazil March 14, 2024 — EuroChem Group (Zug, Switzerland; www.eurochemgroup.com) opened a new fertilizer-production facility in Serra do Salitre, Brazil. With a total project investment of nearly $1 billion, the new phosphate…