Latest News
A new intelligent drive module for machine builders
This company has launched the first in a new line of high-performance intelligent drive module (IDM) products. The IDMsm (photo) is a two- or four-axis EtherCAT DS402 universal servo drive featuring unique control algorithms and processing technologies that enhance the…
Sealing Technology for Caustic Service
This overview compares various sealing technologies, and points out advantages and disadvantages of applying different mechanical-sealing designs for caustic fluids Caustic applications in chemical plants can play havoc on the mechanical seals of rotating equipment. These applications can be difficult…
Understand and Mitigate Waterhammer in Fluid Processes
Waterhammer arises because of sudden changes in fluid flow, and can present significant problems in processes that involve flowing liquids. This article outlines these potential issues and offers guidance for handling the pressure changes arising from waterhammer Most large-scale processes…
Facts at your Fingertips: Thermal Oxidizer Selection
Thermal oxidizers are pollution-control units designed to prevent process-generated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from entering the environment. Different technologies offer tradeoffs among initial cost, operating expense, complexity, emissions, fuel efficiency and destruction efficiency. This one-page reference provides information on selecting…
Like Metals, Polymers Fail — but Differently
This pictorial guide illustrates some of the common problems that can occur with polymeric and elastomeric materials that differ from those that occur with metallic seals and components Failures of polymer (plastic and elastomeric) parts and their consequences can be…
Technology Profile: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Latex Production
This column is based on “Acrylonitrile Butadiene Latex Production – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/nitrile-rubber-production-cost. Nitrile rubber (also known as NBR, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene latex, Buna-N) is a synthetic polymer…
Monitor tension remotely with this Web-based sensor
The UHF Band RTM (remote tension monitoring) meter (photo) is a wireless bolt-monitoring system that can be used to remotely monitor the tension in critical joints. This wireless sensor detects and collects the tension level in a bolted joint as…
VDMA Fuel Cell working group expands
At the digital general meeting of the VDMA Fuel Cell Working Group, Fabian Kapp, Managing Director of Graebener Maschinentechnik, was elected to the board, which consists of five members. Fabian Kapp: "I am very pleased about the election and…
Phillips 66 and Faradion to collaborate on development of sodium-ion batteries
Phillips 66 (Houston) and Faradion Ltd. (Sheffield, U.K.; www.faradion.co.uk), one of the U.K.-based companies behind the first demonstration of a sodium-ion powered vehicle, have launched a technical collaboration to develop lower-cost and higher-performing anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. Sodium-ion battery…
INEOS Phenol and ENGIE announce hydrogen-power pilot project in Antwerp
For the first time in Belgium, hydrogen will be used in a commercial-scale cogeneration plant designed to generate electricity and heat from natural gas. The aim of the pilot project by INEOS and ENGIE is to replace natural gas with…