A novel technology for cooling and dehumidification is nearing commercialization through several strategic partnerships, including GE Vernova, BASF and Carrier Global. Montana Technologies’ (Ronan, Mont.; www.mt.energy) AirJoule technology employs a metal-organic-framework (MOF) desiccant material that exhibits higher water-uptake capacity and…
In January, specialty materials maker Celanese Corp. (Irving, Tex.; www.celanese.com) beta-launched a remote-operations control room (ROCR) that allows hands-free queries of plant data for faster data gathering and decision-making. The ROCR leverages recent advances in generative-artificial intelligence (gen-AI)-powered natural language…
The high strength-to-weight ratio and robust mechanical properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) make them attractive for use in wind-power turbine blades, automobile components, and in airplanes and spacecraft. However, challenges — such as weak interfacial adhesion and poor recyclability —…
Ensure plant safety with this aseptic valve technology This company now equips the aseptic double-seat valves of the Aseptomag range with lockout-tagout (LoTo) devices. LoTo devices are mechanical locking systems that isolate machinery from potentially hazardous energy sources prior to…
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm, Sweden; www.kth.se) have developed a way to decouple the production of hydrogen and oxygen in water electrolysis, thereby reducing the explosion potential of mixing the two gases. The method, described in a…
Researchers at Lund University (Sweden; www.lth.se) have succeeded in converting worn-out cotton sheets into new viscose fibers using a process that — for the first time — enables all of the viscose to be recycled. Current recycling methods often require…
In late February, Yokogawa Electric Corp. (Toyko; www.yokogawa.com) announced that it has invested in and signed a memorandum on a business partnership with Tsubame BHB Co., Ltd. (Yokohama, Japan; tsubame-bhb.co.jp). Yokogawa is the latest to partner with Tsubame BHB, joining…
Plant Watch EuroChem launches phosphate-fertilizer manufacturing complex in Brazil March 14, 2024 — EuroChem Group (Zug, Switzerland; www.eurochemgroup.com) opened a new fertilizer-production facility in Serra do Salitre, Brazil. With a total project investment of nearly $1 billion, the new phosphate…
Last month, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC; www.sec.gov) finalized rules [1] that require registrants to disclose information about climate-related risks in their annual reports and registration statements. Recognizing that climate-related risks can affect a company’s business and financial…
Much of the planet’s lithium is contained in brine, but the concentration is often quite low, making it difficult to efficiently extract lithium — typical extraction technologies may only demonstrate 30–60% yield. Adionics (Les Ulis, France; www.adionics.com) has developed a…