Processing & Handling
This positioner replaces solenoid valves and limit switches
The Type 3738 electronic valve position monitor is a contactless, magneto-resistive sensor system that works with a Namur signal in compliance with IEC 60947-5-6 and is powered by a two-wire supply. As a result, the positioner can replace existing solenoid…
Reduce chemical costs with this emulsion breaker
The new generation of this company’s Embreak emulsion breakers employs new chemistry designed for light- and medium-density crude petroleum. The products deliver optimal desalter performance, the company says, while reducing the generation of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE), a byproduct of emulsion…
These roots pumps cover a wide range of pumping speeds
Pfeiffer Vacuum Large pressure ranges and maximum compression ratios are the ideal site of operation for the gas-cooled roots pump OktaLine G. The pumping speed ranges from 250 to 12,000 m3/h, and is suited for low and medium vacuum, such…
A pump that can provide electrical heating
This company has upgraded the 4-in. model of its NP Series sliding vane pump with optional electric heating. The completion of the 4-in size follows other sizes in the series with this option. Electric heating can be used in place…
Getting a Reaction
As chemical processors continue their quest to process more with less equipment, they are seeking reactors capable of helping with this endeavor. For this reason, many are turning to continuous flow reactors because they provide scaleability and flexibility. However, vendors…
CNT-enhanced membranes show promise for desalination method
By immobilizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within polymer membrane pores, scientists at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT; Newark, N.J.; www.njit.edu) were able to significantly improve the efficiency of desalination via a membrane distillation process. Somenath Mitra and colleagues at…
A step closer to commercial production of spider silk
Spider silk has many unique properties that make it suitable for applications such as coatings and medical products. As a protein, the silk is remarkably stable and is only destroyed physically or digested and recycled by the spider. However, an…
‘One-pot’ ammonia-borane recharging could boost fuel-cell vehicles
Ammonia borane’s (AB) capacity to contain and easily release large amounts of hydrogen has made it an attractive candidate to store the gas for onboard fuel-cell powered vehicles. A major technological hurdle that remains is how to reintroduce hydrogen to…
A new high-temperature alloy
Last month, Carpenter Technology Corp. (Wyomissing, Pa.; www.cartech.com) licensed an alumina-forming austenitic stainless-steel alloy developed at the U.S. Dept. of Energys Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL; Tenn.; www.ornl.gov). The new alloy is said to be unique in that the composition…
Coal slurry as a substitute for diesel fuel
An Australian team including CSIRO (Melbourne; www.csiro.au) and the Uni- versity of Newcastle (www.newcastle.edu.au) has developed an alternative pathway for producing ultra-low-ash coal that, the team believes, can be used to fuel diesel engines, thus providing the opportunity for diesel…