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Processing & Handling

Leaks are minimized in this AODD pump

The new E-Series Plastic AODD (air-operated double diaphragm) pumps feature no mechanical seals or packing, thereby eliminating a critical leak point. Instead, these pumps have a stainless-steel containment ring that creates consistent high-torque compression all the way around the ring,…

Valves: An Open and Shut Case

Though times are changing, many of the traditional challenges associated with running a chemical processing plant remain the same. For years processors have been asking for leak-proof, high-performance valves, but it is only recently that valve manufacturers are employing new…

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Gas Sparging

Sparging refers to the process of injecting a gas through a diffuser into a liquid phase. It is used in both physical and chemical process applications. In physical process applications, the gas is used to either dissolve gas into liquid…

Reciprocating Compressors: Startup and Capacity Control Methods

There are two main reasons why compressor capacity regulation is used. The most prevalent reason is to adjust the suction flow to match the process demand. The second reason is to save energy. As a rule, capacity control is determined…

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This osmium-based catalyst is rendered nontoxic by polymer incarceration

Professor Shu Kobayashi and his research group at The School of Science, University of Tokyo (Japan; www.chem.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/users/synorg/index_E.html) have developed an osmium-based catalyst for performing asymmetric syntheses of drug precursors. While showing the same catalytic performance of its predecessor — a…

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A more-efficient Fischer-Tropsch reactor

The production rate (per amount of catalyst) for generating liquid hydrocarbons from syngas by the Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) process, using a slurry reactor or tubular reactor, is generally limited to about 30% of the maximum rate. The restraining factor is heat…

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Knowledge-based approach to catalyst development

Petroleum-derived ethylene normally contains traces of acetylene, which interferes with the conversion of ethylene into polyethylene (PE). Because it is difficult to separate it, the acetylene is selectively hydrogenated to ethylene — without subsequent hydrogenation to ethane — using a…

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Making synthetic rubber from biomass

Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (www.ajinomoto.com) and Bridgestone Corp. (Both Tokyo, Japan; www.bridgestone.com) have jointly developed a bio-based, high- cis-polyisoprene synthetic rubber. The two companies began an R&D cooperation in June 2011 to combine their know-how — Ajinomoto’s state-of-the-art fermentation technologies for…

Focus on Pipes & Fittings

A tube welder for sterile biopharmaceutical applications Sartorius Stedim Biotech The Biowelder Total Containment (TC) system features innovative technology that permits sterile connection of liquid-liquid thermoplastic tubing that has an outer diameter of up to 1 in. and that is…

A rubber liner prevents wear in this mixer

Materials that tend to harden during mixing cause rapid wear of the machines. The new continuous-motion Druvaflex Ploughshare mixer was developed with such applications in mind. The Ploughshare mixer was equipped with a vessel made of multi-layered, reinforced rubber. Due…