Calcium-sulfonate complex greases are widely used in applications in the pulp-and-paper, marine and steel-manufacturing sectors. Within an ever-volatile lithium market, calcium-sulfonate greases are increasingly seen as a reliable alternative to lithium-based greases. However, typical methods for preparing high-performance calcium-sulfonate grease…
Effective slurry mixing for electrode material has a significant effect on the performance of a lithium-ion battery fabricated downstream. A collaboration improved the slurry-mixing ability and improved the quality of the electrode materials The global shift towards cleaner and more…
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL; Oak Ridge, Tenn.; www.ornl.gov) and a team of interdisciplinary scientists tripled the yield of methanol in the catalytic hydrogenation reaction of carbon dioxide by introducing hydrides into the catalyst support material. The researchers…
A new 1-ft 3 (28-L) capacity Vee Cone Blender model VB-1-SSIS (photo) is suitable for laboratory and pilot applications. Constructed and finished to sanitary standards, it is equipped with an internal spray line with intensifier bar for rapid dispersion of…
Conventional bioprocesses use three separate steps to convert cellulose into products, such as bioplastics and biofuels. The consolidated bioprocess (CBP) combines all steps — cellulase production, cellulose hydrolysis and product fermentation — in a single reactor. Using the natural abilities…
In 1851, the year that the first America’s Cup sailboat race was contested, the top speed for a wind-powered vessel was 10 knots. Over the next 100 years, top sailboat speeds barely budged, but by the mid-1970s, top sailing speed…
In this exclusive interview, Jens Cuntze, member of Clariant’s Executive Steering Committee, offers his perspective on the goals, challenges and accomplishments of the Business Unit Catalysts, as well as the challenges faced by the chemical process industries Jens Cuntze is…
The V-Cone Blenders utilize diffusion as the main mechanism for mixing. As the V-shaped vessel rotates on its horizontal axis, batch materials cascade down, distributing particles over a freshly exposed surface. With operating speeds of 5 to 25 rpm, this…
This company has introduced new 6- and 8-in. valve sizes for its Model CV valve product line (photo). The new valves are available in actuated and manual versions with both featuring a Class 150 pressure rating. Additionally, the company is…
Traditionally, many polymerization reactions are carried out batchwise in reactor vessels, with the reaction taking place in solution, emulsion or in a melt. This procedure reaches its limits if, for example, the reaction is very exothermic or the viscosity increases…