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A new hydraulic bulk-bag conditioner streamlines workflow

A new Block-Buster hydraulic bulk-bag conditioner (photo) features arched doorway masts that increase overhead clearance for easier insertion and removal of palletized bulk bags using a forklift. The conditioner loosens hygroscopic chemicals, spice blends, heat-sensitive products and other bulk materials…

Recycle exhaust air and reduce energy costs

The new Vibro-Bed Energy Recovery System (ERS; photo) is an exhaust-air recycling system engineered to help material processors lower energy costs, reduce unpleasant odors and curb emissions. The Vibro-Bed ERS can be retrofitted onto this company’s and competitors’ fluidized-bed drying…

Preventing Dust Explosions with Flow Analysis

Dust collection systems are often designed using simple rules of thumb that may not be sufficient for proper operation. Flow analysis can ensure that the systems meet requirements The presence of dust is one of the many potential causes for…

New compact, variable-speed reciprocating compressors

The new i.Comp 8 and 9 oilless compressors (photo) are available in two sizes and three configurations (G, Tower and Tower T). The i.Comp units deliver oil-free air at up to 160 psi and 20 ft3/min. The direct-drive motor and…

These pumps can handle challenging solid materials

The Vortex Series of pumps (photo) are designed for handling abrasive wastes. Using a recessed impeller design, the series combines the efficiency characteristics of a self-priming pump with the solids-handling capabilities of a chopper pump. This makes it suitable for…

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Immobilizing enzymes as a stable, active foam

Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT; Germany; www.kit.edu) have developed a new class of materials — enzyme foams. Normally, foaming modifies the enzyme structure and enzymes lose their biocatalytic activity. The new protein foams, however, are said to…

Bin activators are designed to enhance solids handling

This company’s Bin Activators (photo) help to eliminate bridging and ratholing in bulk-solids handling applications. They also reduce particle segregation and promote improved mass flow. The company offers a number of Bin Activator designs to meet a wide range of…

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Piloting a chemical-recycling process for polycarbonate plastics

Covestro AG (Leverkusen, Germany; www.covestro.com) has developed a chemolysis process for recycling polycarbonate back into monomers. In laboratory trials, the process has been shown to recycle waste streams with more than 50% polycarbonate content into monomers, closing the loop to…

Low-profile enclosures provide maximum mounting space

PolySlim low-profile enclosures (photo) accommodate existing panel designs, eliminate unneeded depth and material, optimize installations and save space. The low-profile design of PolySlim enclosures makes them suitable for use on building exteriors and in tight spaces. They protect equipment in…

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Scaled up facility under construction for single-step, CO2-to-fuels process

Construction is underway by AIR Co. (Brooklyn, N.Y.; www.aircompany.com) for a commercial demonstration plant capable of converting captured carbon dioxide into fuel-grade paraffins, as well as ethanol and methanol, in a single step. The facility will be a larger version…