Last month, the world’s largest double re-slurry para-xylene crystallization unit was started as part of Shenghong Refining and Chemicals Co. Ltd.’s integrated refining/chemicals project in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, China. Double re-slurry crystallization takes advantage of freezing-point differences among the three…
The combination of electrochemical principles and microbial activity is the backbone of a treatment technology designed specifically for ultra-concentrated and challenging industrial wastewater. The Bioelectrochemical Treatment Technology (BETT) developed by Aquacycl (Escondido, Calif.; www.aquacycl.com) involves “microbial fuel-cells” that produce direct…
The new KCD2-SCS-EX2 (photo) is a two-channel, dual-function analog input (AI)/analog output (AO) intrinsic-safety barrier in a compact 12.5-mm housing. The two channels of the KCD2-SCS Series interface modules can be configured individually for analog input or analog output control…
The newest addition to this company’s Fastfeed product lineup is the Fastfeed PLC model FF-425-PLC (photo), which features full automation controls and a touchscreen operation designed to increase efficiency and productivity even further. The Fastfeed PLC offers unique mechanical advantages,…
Last month, a pilot plant officially opened at the Fraunhofer Center for Chemical-Biotechnological Processes (CBP; Leuna, Germany; www.cbp.fraunhofer.de). The plant aims to further develop a process that recovers multiple products from rapeseed, including high-grade, pre-raffinate-quality rapeseed oil, a high-grade, protein-rich…
Using Waste Heat To convert large amounts of waste heat into electricity as efficiently as possible, turbines with a high degree of efficiency are required that work with a special conversion process — the organic Rankine cycle (ORC). In a…
The GRX graphite rupture disc (photo) has been developed for processes with corrosive media, low and medium pressure and temperatures between –180 and 500°C (1,500°C in the absence of O2). Thanks to the specially developed Pyro-Carbon (PyC) coating, the GRX…
Hydrogen is a clear piece of the decarbonization puzzle for many industrial sectors, including petroleum refining, but a major challenge lies in the storage and long-distance transport of hydrogen in its gaseous form. One proposed solution is the use of…
Technologies to process lithium-containing brines are in high demand as manufacturers seek to improve recovery volumes and sustainability The two main sources of lithium — one of the most in-demand materials on earth — are mining from ores and extracting…
The Open Process Automation Standard (O-PAS) Business Guide makes the business case for the O-PAS. An example from the biopharmaceutical industry illustrates the benefits of interoperability and open process automation architecture Normally, technical standards focus purely on technology. However, while…