Japan Blue Energy Co. (JBEC; Tokyo, Japan; www.jpo-net.co.jp), Daiwa Lease Co., Toyota Tsusho Corp., and Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. have established the Business Research Group of Hydrogen Innovation Town (BRG-HIT) to start verification tests for a new technology for making hydrogen…
Extraction of metals, such as lithium, from laterite ores is usually carried out through solubilization of metals by acids, such as sulfuric and hydrochloric acids. However, substantial metal recoveries from laterites have been achieved only through thermal pre-treatment of laterites,…
Aither Chemicals LLC (South Charleston, W.Va.; www.aitherchemicals.com) is planning to build a commercial-scale plant based on a catalytic ethane-cracking process that uses 80% less energy and generates 60% less carbon dioxide than conventional steam-cracking of ethane. The company has refined…
One of the most significant limitations on the operation of dynamic compressors (axial and centrifugal compressors) is the low-flow limit known as “surge”. A sudden valve closing, such as for emergency shutdowns or for a suction/discharge valve, presents significant challenges…
The prices of low-voltage variable frequency drives (VFDs) have declined substantially since they were introduced, while the cost of power has increased. Normal project economics will now justify these VFDs — which go up to 375 kW (500 hp) or…
Many CPI applications require the injection of chemicals, such as corrosion inhibitors, precipitation inhibitors, oxygen scavengers and countless others, into the process during operation. Follow these tips to design and operate a system that ensures accurate delivery of performance chemicals,…
The new V Series modulating ball valve is designed for controlling pressure, temperature flow and level. The valve body is available in carbon or stainless steel with NPT, Socket Weld, Tri-Clamp and 150# or 300# flanged end connections. Sizes are…
The first international “Science Award Electrochemistry” from BASF SE (Ludwigshafen; www.basf.com) and Volkswagen AG (Wolfburg; both Germany; www.volkswagen.com) goes to Dr.Naoaki Yabuuchi, Tokyo University of Science, Institute for Science and Technology (Tokyo, Japan). The jury of experts from BASF, Volkswagen…
Fans and blowers are common in air-handling and movement systems used in the chemical process industries (CPI). Two major uses of fans and blowers are in pneumatic conveying systems and in ventilation and air-pollution-control systems. Powering fans and blowers can…
Inorganic acids play a major role in the chemical process industries (CPI). They are used as raw materials, catalysts or finishing and pH control agents in the manufacture of a wide range of chemical products, from fertilizers to detergents, and…