Grace Davison (Columbia, Md.; www.grace.com) has commercialized a set of catalysts and additives for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) that contain either zero or low rare-earth metal content. The new product family, known as Replacer, includes new catalysts for processing both…
Modular valve construction allows for custom solutions The Entech DRV-BN non-slam nozzle check valve (photo) has a modularity that allows for customized solutions, as well as in-field reconfiguration and a consistent spring force mechanism for quick and easy maintenance. The…
Chemfluoro Convoflex WCSR Multipurpose Chemical Transfer Hose is designed for bulk-chemical transfers where corrosive chemicals, such as acids, may damage the stainless-steel braid commonly used as a cover on transfer hoses. The new hose is said to provide longer service…
Researchers from the University of Cantabria (Santander, Spain; www.unican.es) have developed a process for incorporating Waelz slag into ceramic clay construction bricks, offering an alternative for disposal of the industrial byproduct. The engineers replaced between 20 and 30% of clay…
The research group of professor Akihiko Kondo at Kobe University (Kobe City, www2.kobe-u.ac.jp/~akondo/index_English.htm) has developed a one-step, pretreatment process for making bioethanol from cellulose and lignocellulose. The process uses an ionic liquid — which converts cellulose into a gel —…
A process for making polyols from soybean oil and glycerin has been licensed by its developer, Battelle (Columbus, Ohio; www.battelle.org), to Emery Oleochemicals Americas (Cincinnati, Ohio; www.emeryoleo.com), who intends to produce the renewably sourced polyols at prices similar to those…
This new range of high-pressure check valves is constructed of corrosion-resistant materials that are compliant with the National Assn. of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) MR0175/ISO15156 standards, which makes them suitable for harsh-duty applications, such as chemical injection in oil-tool applications. The…
Gas-liquid reactors in the chemical process industries (CPI) have increasingly been designed to handle larger manufacturing scales. Since gas-liquid reactors can represent substantial capital and operating costs for the user, optimizing mixing and maximizing productivity are critical. The need for…
UniVessel SU (photo) is a single-use bioreactor with 2-L working volume for small-scale protein expressions or process-optimization studies involving mammalian, insect and plant-cell cultures. The reactor is irradiated prior to delivery and is designed to the same safety standards required…
Last month, Corning SAS (Avon, France), a subsidiary of Corning Inc. (Corning, N.Y.; www.corning.com), introduced the Advanced-Flow G4 Ceramic Reactor — the latest addition to the company’s line of glass flow reactors. The G4 is made of sintered-ceramic fluidic modules…