Digital transformation in the chemical process industries demands open architecture, enterprise-wide interoperability and a focus on sustainability. Progress discussed here is moving the industry in that direction Many companies in the chemical process industries (CPI) are currently pursuing digital transformations…
This company has launched a digital optimizer for the Editube wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP). The new WESP Optimizer improves the operation of the WESP unit by better adjusting it to changes in the overall process, and has important built-in functions…
Developed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT; Cambridge, Mass.; www.mit.edu), these durable, flexible solar cells are glued to a strong, lightweight fabric, making them easy to install on a fixed surface. They are one-hundredth the weight of…
Granular activated carbon (GAC) can be used to remove polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from groundwater and drinking water, but current methods to regenerate spent GAC are costly and require high temperatures of greater than 1,000°C. A team of scientists at Battelle…
BTX extraction A newly launched series of blended solvents for the extraction of benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX) from a variety of feeds shows improved performance over single solvents, while avoiding environmentally problematic solvent components. The series, known as BTX…
Bauxite residue (red mud) is a byproduct from the smelting of aluminum. Like other waste slags from the metallurgy industry, bauxite residue is traditionally put into hazardous-waste landfills, although it contains a mixture of valuable raw materials in low concentrations.…
Measuring temperature is required in nearly all chemical processes, but engineers often struggle with implementation. Here are suggestions to avoid common pitfalls Measuring temperature in chemical processing applications remains, arguably, the most misunderstood of the four main process variables, which…
This company has received TEX, IECEx, and UKEx certifications for its IRmadillo process analyzer (photo) for use in high-temperature liquid processes up to 220°C (428°F). These Ex certifications rate an analytical instrument as safe for use in hazardous environments, including…
The new Profinet Gateways for the LB and FB Remote I/O systems (photo) enable the integration of Ethernet-based process control while providing access to complete diagnostic data. They support communication via HART on the instrument lines, connecting any data from…
Microorganisms populate nearly any habitat, no matter how hostile it is. Their great variety of survival strategies is of huge potential in biotechnology. However, most of these organisms are unknown, because they cannot be cultivated. To make better use of…