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Technology Profile: Production of Vinyl Acetate

Vinyl acetate (also known as vinyl acetate monomer; VAM) is important in the manufacture of many polymers and resins. The greatest demand for vinyl acetate is associated with the production of polymers and copolymers, mainly poly(vinyl acetates) used in papermaking,…

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Understanding Attrition in Solids Processing

Better qualitative and quantitative understanding of the mechanisms of particle breakage at the level of the particles, the bulk material and the equipment helps minimize the risk, uncertainties and impact of particle attrition in solids processing operations Unwanted breakage, degradation…

New balance enclosures provide enhanced containment

The VSE balance enclosure (photo) is offered in 24-, 36- and 48-in. widths to accommodate an analytical balance and other small-scale lab processes. The balance is constructed of chemical-resistant metal framing and¼-in.-thick clear acrylic side panels and viewing sash. Efficient…

Safe, Efficient Industrial Lighting

Good lighting at CPI plants is important to prevent accidents. Improved safety can be achieved with LEDs, which are also more efficient and economical than alternatives   The chemical industry has long been plagued with safety challenges that make it…

Continuous measuring system for pure water streams

QuickTOCuv (photo) is a measuring device for continuous online determination of total carbon (TC), total organic carbon (TOC), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in pure water, such as condensate return and boiler feedwater. It is also…

New pressure-feed vessels bring many benefits for ribbon blenders

This company’s ribbon blenders, which are custom-built for multi-phase mixing, now come with an optional pressure-feed vessel. Wherein minor liquid ingredients must be thoroughly blended into powder or other solids, a pressure-feed vessel enables 100% discharge of the liquid component…

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Effective Contracting for a Pilot Plant

Contracting a pilot plant is a viable approach for any organization. However, it can be fraught with potential issues, which need to be understood and addressed in advance Reduced in-house resources have limited the options many organizations have for designing…

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Perfluorinated Ion-Exchange Membranes: Development and Application

Perfluorinated ion-exchange membranes are developing beyond legacy applications to find use in a wide variety of emerging markets, including renewable energy Ion-exchange membranes are used in numerous industrial processes, including seawater desalination, electrodialysis and the production of commodity chemicals via…

Recovering phosphoric acid from sewage-sludge incineration ash

This month, SusPhos B.V. (Amsterdam, the Netherlands; www.susphos.com) is increasing the capacity ten-fold of its 25-kg/d pilot plant in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands. The pilot plant, which began operating in January, is being used to develop a process that recovers phosphorus…

Improved process for recycling used motor oil produces higher-grade base oils

Front-end engineering design (FEED) is underway for a facility designed to de-contaminate and upgrade used motor oil from passenger vehicles into a higher-value product mix of base oils than is currently possible with existing motor-oil recycling processes, and in a…