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The 2021 Kirkpatrick Award: Call for nominations
Since 1933, Chemical Engineering has honored noteworthy chemical engineering technologies that have advanced to the commercialization phase. These technologies generally seek to develop new processes or improve current ones, often with targets of better efficiency, new or improved products and…
Membrane extraction improves biofuel yield
Typically, the production of fuel-grade chemicals, such as butanol, from biomass fermentation processes involves low-yield batch processes and high energy costs. Now, researchers from Imperial College London (ICL; www.imperial.ac.uk), in partnership with bp plc (London; www.bp.com), have demonstrated a new…
Powder sifters automatically remove foreign objects
GS centrifugal sifters (photo) automatically capture and remove foreign objects from granular and powdered product streams to prevent contamination and safeguard downstream equipment. Installed at the silo, bulk-bag discharge station or other storage unit, GS sifters pass the product stream…
A reliable and versatile pneumatic pressure controller
PMT Model 40 pneumatic pressure controllers (photo) are available in standard control modes of 100% proportional, 200% proportional, 200% proportional plus reset, 75% proportional (positioner only), or 300% PID (proportional-integral-derivative). These options make the controllers versatile enough to fit into…
New high-volume granulation equipment improves yield
By combining the HSM 2000 X.ONE high-shear mixer and FBE 1800 X.ONE fluidized-bed units, this company has introduced the new GT 1600 X.ONE (photo), an advanced granulation system for high-volume batch production. The GT 1600 X.ONE eliminates some of the…
Protect potable water with this diverse product family
The VaultSafe product line (photo) is designed to protect potable water systems from contaminated floodwaters, freezing temperatures and intentional harmful contamination. The VaultSafe family consists of the FloodSafe inflow preventer, the FrostSafe air damper and the VentSafe vent-pipe security cage.…
Achieve repeatable reactions with this one-step solution
This company’s Continuous Hybrid Reactor (CHR; photo) has been designed to facilitate safe, efficient, repeatable chemical reactions. The CHR features a proprietary design that develops a deep vacuum to promote a high level of control over heat-transfer rate, residence time,…
Thermal and visible videoscope for underground utility vaults
The new FLIR VS290-32 (photo) is said to be an industry-first videoscope that combines thermal imaging and a visible camera designed for safer and more efficient inspections of hard-to-reach areas. The VS290-32 is the company’s first industrial-grade, electrical safety-rated, flexible…
Preventing Electrostatic Explosions and Fires
There are many occasions in chemical processing plants where electrostatic charge generation and accumulation can occur, potentially leading to fires and explosions. Engineers must understand these hazards and how to mitigate them We are all familiar with the electrostatic shocks…
Practicing Year-Round Waste Compliance
There are many regulations surrounding the production of waste at manufacturing facilities. By approaching regulatory practices in a proactive manner, sites can ensure personnel and environmental safety, as well as continuous compliance When it comes to handling hazardous waste in…