Chemical Engineering
Ultrathin films achieve record hydrogen separation
Scientists at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL; Switzerland; www.epfl.ch) have synthesized the first ever metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) membrane with the thickness of just one unit cell. The ultrathin film yields record-high performance for the separation of hydrogen from nitrogen.…
A single flow reactor produces a toxic precursor, an unstable reagent and product
The Vilsmeier reagent (VR), [(CH3)2 NCHCl]Cl, is necessary for producing a large range of pharmaceuticals, but it is unstable in air and is made from the toxic precursor phosgene (COCl2). A new flow-reactor system has been developed by Akihiko Tsuda,…
First-phase pilot tests completed to demonstrate RotoDynamic technology
Coolbrook Oy (Helsinki, Finland; www.coolbrook.com) has successfully completed the first phase of large-scale pilot testing (photo) for its RotoDynamic Technology at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen, the Netherlands. During 2023, Coolbrook has been running a test program to demonstrate…
Chementator Briefs
Bio-acrylonitrile Site selection is underway for a glycerol-to-acrylonitrile demonstration-scale plant that will enable the production of plant-based acrylonitrile (ACN). Trillium (Knoxville, Tenn.; www.trilliumchemicals.com) is partnering with Zeton (Oakville, Ont.; www.zeton.com) to design and build the plant, known as Project Falcon.…
Clariant to acquire cosmetics business from IFF
Clariant AG (Muttenz, Switzerland) announced that it has agreed to acquire Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, a leading provider of high value ingredients for the cosmetics and personal care industry, from International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) for a total cash consideration of…
Nouryon begins production at microspheres plant in Wisconsin
Nouryon (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) has started full-scale production at its new Expancel expandable microspheres plant in Green Bay, Wisconsin, US. The launch of the new plant is an important milestone to better serve specialty additives customers in North America in…
Busch Vacuum Solutions acquires centrotherm clean solutions
Busch Vacuum Solutions has acquired centrotherm clean solutions, one of the technology leaders in industrial-gas abatement systems. The strategic acquisition underlines the commitment of Busch Vacuum Solutions and Pfeiffer Vacuum to sustainability and will help to further strengthen the position…
Toray begins production at filter manufacturing plant in India
Toray Industries, Inc. (Tokyo) announced that a new facility at subsidiary Toray Industries (India) Private Limited began producing air filters earlier this month. These offerings for air purifiers and automotive and building air conditioners and air conditioners minimize pressure losses…
Asahi Kasei to expand global capacity for LIB separator coating
Asahi Kasei Corp. (Tokyo) will invest in additional equipment for coating Hipore lithium-ion battery (LIB) separators. New coating lines will be installed at existing Asahi Kasei LIB separator facilities in the United States, Japan, and South Korea, with start-up scheduled…
Sandvik acquires tungsten manufacturer in New York
Sandvik AB (Stockholm, Sweden) has signed an agreement to acquire Buffalo Tungsten, Inc. (BTI), a leading U.S. based manufacturer of tungsten metal powder and tungsten carbide powder, primarily operating in North America. The company will be reported within the business…