In April, a demonstration plant started up that makes bioethanol from cassava residue — a byproduct of tapioca production. The demonstration plant, located at the cassava starch plant of EBP Ethanol Co. in Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand, is part of…
In the ten years since its first isolation by a pair of physicists, the single-atom-thick carbon allotrope known as graphene has been extolled as a “miracle material” for everything from television screens to tennis rackets to superabsorbent fabrics. What excites…
Adipic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that is widely applied to the production of nylon, polyurethanes, plasticizers and other polymers. Its main use is as one of the raw materials for the manufacture of the polyamide nylon 6,6. In 2012,…
Larger valves (200 mm and above, with flowrates in excess of 200 m3/h) tend to be fitted with pneumatic actuators. However, the air-output capacity required to achieve fast positioning in larger actuators is simply too high for normal positioners and…
This 110-gallon heavy-duty industrial vacuum (photo) is designed to move material with little wear to the equipment. Engineered to filter contaminants to high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) requirements, the vacuum is fitted with two filters: a pre-filter to stop larger particles…
This company has simplified transitions to its modular pipework system by introducing adapter flanges, which are available in square or round form. The new adapters are welded onto the machine outlet or inlet ports. Matching counter flanges from the company’s…
Compressors for specialized chemical process industries (CPI) applications — particularly high-pressure applications (involving large- and medium-sized machines) and those calling for small compressor units — present particular challenges to system designers and operators. This article discusses a variety of engineering…
Optimal functioning of centrifugal pumps over time depends on sound maintenance practices. The following material represents tips and guidelines for routine preventive and protective maintenance for centrifugal pumps. Monitoring A basic maintenance routine for centrifugal pumps should include monitoring of…
North American production of crude oil, driven by a rapid increase in output of “tight oil” from U.S. shale deposits like Bakken and Eagle Ford, is surging. In many, but not all areas, petroleum refiners are incorporating an increasing amount…
Process monitoring in biotechnology processes is critical to maximizing product yield and optimizing nutrient consumption. Startup company Stratophase Ltd. (Romsey, U.K.; www.stratophase.com) is now offering the first realtime, in-situ micro-optical sensor for monitoring and control of bioprocesses involving both microbes…