AkzoNobel N.V. (www.akzonobel.com) has partnered with Dutch start-up company Photanol (both Amsterdam, the Netherlands; www.photanol.com) to manufacture specialty chemicals using a photosynthesis-like process that combines sugar production with fermentation in a single organism. Photanol has developed genetically engineered cyanobacteria that…
A method for using liquid CO2, rather than water, as a hydraulic fracturing fluid has been field-tested in a mid-continent oil well, and has benefited well productivity, according to developer Praxair Inc. (Danbury, Conn.; www.praxair.com). Aside from enhanced well performance,…
Last month, Veolia Water Technologies (Birmingham, England; www.veoliawaterst.co.uk) introduced a new generation of biofilm carriers for moving-bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs). Trade-named AnoxKaldness Z-MBBR, the new carrier is the result of two decades of development work, says the company. Unlike conventional…
The research group of Masatsugu Morimitsu at Doshisha University (Kyoto, Japan; www.doshisha.ac.jp) has developed an “evolutionary” electrowinning process for the production of rare and base metals that promises to reduce both the power consumption and environmental burden. The process features…
Graphene continues to show new, promising properties Researchers from Monash University (Melbourne, Australia; www.monash.edu.au) have discovered that graphene oxide sheets can change their structure and become liquid droplets spontaneously. Because graphene droplets change their structure in response to an…
An increasingly tight labor market for engineers in the chemical process industries (CPI) is pushing salaries for engineers higher, while a strengthening wave of retirements is driving efforts in several communities to address the gaps in experience and education. Data…
GEA Refrigeration Technologies GmbH (Bochum, Germany) names Nadine Kipphardt marketing manager. Ralph Exton, chief marketing officer, water and process technologies, for GE Power & Water (Schenectady, N.Y.), has been appointed to serve as the 2014–2015 treasurer on the board of…
Burners are mechanical devices that are utilized for mixing proper quantities of fuel and air, and also for maintaining a stable flame inside fired equipment. Burners are critical components that must be periodically maintained to ensure the reliability of fired…
SKF USA These all-spherical, two-piece washers optimize bolt mounting for machinery and bolted equipment. They automatically adjust under compression to compensate for up to 4 deg. of angular deviation, creating an exact parallel plane between the inner faces of the…
Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. (Aubagne, France) welcomes Miriam Monge as director of marketing for integrated solutions. Jose Varela becomes vice president and general manager of the personal safety division of 3M Co. (St. Paul, Minn.). Luis López-Remón is…