Chemical Engineering
New microreactors and flow loops improve asphaltene management
Asphaltenes are an ultra-complex fraction of crude petroleum that comprise a diverse population of molecules that vary in size, solubilities, aggregation states and hetero-atom contents. Asphaltene buildup and deposits create many operational and safety issues, and can occur anywhere in…
Transforming Chemical Supply Chains with Digital Product Passports
Accurately tracking and tracing data across the supply chain can help manufacturers and consumers alike understand the sustainability of products and processes The chemical process industries (CPI) face increasing pressure across the globe to operate sustainably at every level of…
On-demand electric heat can reach near-flame temperatures
Electrification provides an avenue for industrial decarbonization, but many electric-heating options cannot handle the high temperatures and scale required for industrial use. Electrified Thermal Solutions (ETS; Medford, Mass.; www.electrifiedthermal.com) has taken a new approach to industrial heating through its JouleHive…
Promoting Safety on the Job: An Approach for Today
By providing comprehensive ongoing training solutions, promoting emergency preparedness and implementing proactive safety guidelines on a day-to-day basis, employers can set their staff up for success In 2023, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA; Washington, D.C.; www.osha.gov) reported a…
Isotope-enrichment process starts commercial production
Traditional isotope enrichment to separate radioactive atoms is highly capital intensive, and the supply chains for the materials are constrained, with the majority of enriching capability located in Russia. In a bid to expand isotope availability and lower costs, ASP…
Next-generation encapsulation technology
Nucleic acid-based medications, such as mRNA vaccines, are opening up new therapeutic approaches. These active ingredients must be enclosed inside nanoparticles to ensure that they get to where they are needed inside the body’s cells. The Fraunhofer Institute for Production…
A versatile sorbent that can clean metals from wastewater at a lower cost
At the 2024 Spring Meeting of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE; www.aiche.org), a team from the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL; www.netl.doe.gov) presented on a recently patented technology for the removal of critical and heavy metals from wastewater…
Lummus commercially launches renewable dimethyl ether technology
Lummus Technology (Houston) announced the commercial availability of CDDME, a new renewable dimethyl ether (DME) technology that is enhanced through catalytic distillation (CD). "Lummus has a leading market position and extensive commercial experience in ethers production, from small specialty applications…
LyondellBasell acquires 35% stake in Saudi Arabia’s NATPET
LyondellBasell (LYB; Rotterdam, the Netherlands) and Alujain Corporation (Alujain) announced completion of the acquisition of a 35% interest in Saudi Arabia–based National Petrochemical Industrial Company (NATPET) by LYB from Alujain. The joint venture is enabled by LYB Spheripol polypropylene (PP)…
Wacker acquires Pennsylvania-based biotechnology firm
Wacker Chemie AG (Munich, Germany) has acquired the manufacturing assets and know-how of U.S.-based Bio Med Sciences Inc. to expand its expertise and business in silicone-coated healthcare products. A corresponding purchase agreement was signed between WACKER and the Pennsylvania-based company.…