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Processing & Handling

A new controller lets you empty drums automatically

The ViscoFlux mobile drum-emptying system has been further developed and now has an optional control unit enabling integration into a range of filling processes. For example, an end position cutoff can be integrated into the ViscoFlex so that the pumping…

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Polymer-based Piping

Polymer-based piping systems offer a number of advantages, along with some limitations, compared to metallic and other non-polymeric pipe materials. The use of thermoplastic piping in the chemical process industries (CPI) must be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis because…

AODD pumps now feature a conductive PTFE diaphragm

This company’s E-Series Plastic AODD (air-operated double-diaphragm) pumps have been upgraded with electrically conductive polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) diaphragms (photo) to provide safer transfer of chemicals while avoiding electrostatic discharge. As a result, E-Series pumps equipped with conductive PTFE diaphragms can be…

This CO2 compressor is the biggest ever

Launched in May, the new semi-hermetic, six-cylinder GEA Block piston compressor HG46 CO2 T has a displacement of 21.8 to 30.3 m3/h. It is said to be the biggest semi-hermetic compressor for transcritical CO2 applications with operating pressures of up…

This modular piping system is approved for handling foodstuffs

The new Food Grade range of pipework systems is said to be the first product range on the market that meets the stringent requirements of the European standard EC 1935/2004, as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Admin. (FDA)…

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Bio-butanol scaleup moves ahead with trials

In April development tests, Cobalt Technologies (Cobalt; Mountain View, Calif; www.cobalttech.com) produced n -butanol at the fermentation scale of 100 m3 per run, demonstrating lower production cost than butanol produced from petroleum. This represents production that is a factor of…

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Improved corrosion control in refinery steam systems

GE Power & Water (Trevose, Pa.; www.ge.com) has introduced a novel, dual-pronged approach to corrosion inhibition for boiler and steam-condensate systems in petroleum refineries. The technology is designed to prevent attack by acidic species on steam-system surfaces, providing reliability to…

Professor Dr. Nicolai Cramer receives BASF Catalysis Award 2013  

For his outstanding research contributions to catalytic processes in synthesis of biologically active molecules, Professor Dr. Nicolai Cramer is receiving the BASF Catalysis Award 2013. Professor Cramer heads the laboratory of asymmetric catalysis and synthesis at the École Polytechnique Fédérale…

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A pilot plant for making CNFs

Seiko PMC Corp. (Tokyo; www.seikopmc.co.jp) has installed a pilot plant for the production of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) at its Ryugasaki Factory, and will begin shipping samples next spring with the aim of commercial activities in 2015. In collaboration with professor…

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A solid-acid-catalyst alkylation process will be commercialized

What is said to be the world’s first commercial alkylation plant to use a solid acid catalyst is scheduled for startup early next year by Shandong Wonfull Petrochemical Group Co. (Zibo, China). The plant, which will produce 100,000 ton/yr of…