In The News
Technology launched for enhancing propane recovery in GSP
The gas subcooled process (GSP) is a method for low-temperature separation of natural-gas liquids (ethane, propane) from natural gas. Depending on the current market prices of ethane and propane, gas processors extract ethane from the natural gas or reject it…
New compressor design for H2 is leak-proof and improves efficiency
A newly developed hydrogen compressor has a linear motor design and is hermetically sealed to increase the efficiency of H2 compression while avoiding potential problems associated with H2, such as leaks and embrittlement. The linear motor-driven reciprocating compressor (LMRC), developed…
Combining photo- and mechanochemistry for ‘greener’ synthesis
Solvents are commonly used for performing photochemical reactions. Many of these solvents are toxic, and require additional downstream processing to purify the product and treat waste. Now, by combining light with mechanical energy in ball mills, researchers at Ruhr University…
How Protective is Your PPE?
As process technologies — and their associated risks to workers — evolve, personal protective equipment must continue to push the boundaries in both functionality and comfort Personal protective equipment (PPE) — helmets, fire-resistant clothing, gloves, goggles and so on —…
These nonwovens are electrically conductive, but thermally insulating
Researchers at the University of Bayreuth (Germany; www.uni-bayreuth.de) have developed nonwoven materials that exhibit an unusual combination of high electrical conductivity and extremely low thermal conductivity. These composites of carbon and silicon-based ceramic can be manufactured and processed cost-effectively by…
Scaleup for a hydro-organic-metallurgical process
Following a successful proof-of-concept to recycle spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) using reagent extracted from fruit peel waste, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU; www.ntu.edu.sg) has partnered with Se-cure Waste Management Pte. Ltd. (SWM; Singapore; www.se-curewaste.com) to scale up the technology in…
Converting algae shells into ‘tunable’ perovskites
A research team, led by scientists at the Center for Molecular Bioengineering (B CUBE) at the Technical University of Dresden (Germany; www.tu-dresden.de), has converted mineral shells of single-celled algae into lead-halide perovskites with tunable physical properties. The new perovskites have…
Plant Watch: April 2023
Plant Watch Evonik to expand methionine production capacity in Singapore March 9, 2023 — Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany; www.evonik.com) is expanding its capacity to produce DL-methionine on Jurong Island, Singapore, by 40,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr). Following the…
Patented technology captures real-time ‘hyperspectral’ images
The Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M; Spain; www.uc3m.es) has patented a new system for capturing hyperspectral images — those capable of collecting information across a broad frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum (near-infrared, mid-infrared and terahertz). The system can…
Using a ‘green’ oxidizer to degrade Kraft lignin into vanillin
The demand for vanillin vastly outstrips the natural resources of this flavoring agent. A chemical process is thus used to produce the required large quantities of vanillin from petroleum, which is far less expensive than obtaining the substance from fermented…