Processing & Handling
Dose chemical reactors at ‘high’ flowrates with this syringe pump
The Atlas Syringe Pump XL allows automated volumetric dosing from 100 µL/min to 200 mL/min. The pump features two syringes that can be independently controlled or combined to enable continuous flow at pressures up to 6 bars. The pump is…
Integrated energy-efficient design boosts aromatics production
A Samsung petrochemicals facility in South Korea will be the first to feature a suite of energy efficiency technologies developed by UOP LLC (Des Plaines, Ill., www.uop.com) for improved aromatics production. A number of UOP aromatics-processing design features and materials…
This new PET process eliminates production steps
A new process for generating sheets of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) eliminates several production steps used in the traditional process, offering greatly reduced energy use and improved polymer properties. Developed by Octal Petrochemicals LLC FZC (Muscat, Oman; www.octal.com), the direct-to-sheet PET…
Drastically reduce energy consumption with exergy recuperation
A distillation process that consumes 85% less energy than traditional methods has been demonstrated by researchers from the University of Tokyo’s Institute of Industrial Science (www.energy.iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp) and Nippon Steel Engineering (NSE, both Tokyo, www.nsc-eng.co.jp). The technique, which involves the incorporation…
This new LTS catalyst delivers a boost for H2 and NH3 production
In conventional hydrogen and ammonia plants, the final conversion of CO to H2 occurs across the low-temperature shift (LTS) catalyst. This makes the LTS catalyst one of the most important catalysts in the plant — even small changes in its…
This new route to PLA requires no organic solvent or metal catalyst
A process to make polylactic acid (PLA) that requires no solvent or metal catalyst has been developed by Ricoh Co. (Ricoh; Tokyo, www.ricoh.com), in cooperation with Shizuoka University. Ricoh’s continuous PLA process is based on a commercially available organic catalyst…
Focus on Physical Properties To Improve Processes
Music is nature’s gift to humans. Irrespective of nationality, we all like to hum melodies, tap rhythms and sway to pleasing tunes. Even children just learning to stand enjoy wiggling to good music. In all cultures, the notes that comprise…
Composites that can enhance forward osmosis
Researchers from the Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Monash University (Clayton, Victoria, Australia; www.monash.edu), have reported on a new composite polymer hydrogel with light-absorbing particles incorporated within it, that can be used as draw agents in the forward osmosis (FO) process…
Cut, bevel and weld pipe — with a single machine
The Axxair range of pipe cutting, beveling and welding machines has been added to this company’s range of products. By simply exchanging motors, these machines can cut pipe, then bevel the ends and weld parts. The unit cuts stainless steel,…
Using chemistry to protect structural steel during a fire
A technique for protecting structural steel from fire using the endothermic decomposition of magnesium hydroxide has been developed by a team from the Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Materials Engineering, the University of Auckland (New Zealand; www.auckland.ac.nz). Led by professor…