A catalyst for making amides from alcohols and amines under aerobic conditions has been developed by Professor Shu Kobayashi and his research group at the University of Tokyo (Tokyo, www.chem.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/users/synorg/index_e.html). The catalyst — nano particles (2.4-nm dia.) of gold and…
Using an array of lamps inside a highly reflective chamber, the optical cavity furnace (OCF) takes advantage of photonics effects to help manufacture solar photovoltaic cells with higher efficiency than those made by conventional rapid-thermal-processing (RTP) methods. In addition, the…
Last month at the Namur Annual General Meeting in Bad Neuenbahr, Germany, the first working prototype of FDI (field device integration) was demonstrated. FDI device packages were used to integrate Foundation Fieldbus, HART and Profibus field devices of various manufacturers…
Using gene recombination technology, Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC; Toyota City, Japan: www2.toyota.co.jp/en) has developed a new strain of yeast that achieves one of the highest ethanol-fermentation density levels in the world — approximately 47 g/L with 87% yield (based on…
In combustion, the ratio of fuel to air is key to efficiency, emissions control and stable performance of the combustion system. Adjusting this ratio to accommodate variability in fuels — due to the use of different fuels, and the variability…
Plant Watch Oxea to build its first production plant in China October 29, 2011 — Oxea GmbH (Oberhausen, Germany; www.oxea-chemicals.com) will build a plant for the production of oxo derivatives in Nanjing, China. Oxo derivatives include alcohols, polyols, carboxylic acids,…
An improved sulfuric-acid alkylation process that reduces acid consumption by up to 50% from that of conventional processes will make its commercial debut in China. Developed by Lummus Technology, a CB&I company (The Woodlands, Tex.; www.cbi.com), the technology will be…
Georg Fischer AG (Shaffhausen, Switzerland; www.georgfischer.com) announced today that it has agreed to acquire Harvel Plastics Inc. (Easton, Pa.), the U.S. market leader for industrial plastic pipes. This is another step in the implementation of Georg Fischer’s strategy to further…
Steam traps are designed to allow condensate, but not steam, to escape from a steam line. When they malfunction, however, numerous costly consequences can result including energy losses, insufficient heating to processes, maintenance issues and more. At its Global Users…
Outotec Oyj (Espoo, Finland; www.outotec.com) strengthens its portfolio of energy and environmental technologies by acquiring all interests in Energy Products of Idaho Limited Partnership (EPI; Coeur d'Alene; www.energyproducts.com). EPI has pioneered in the area of biomass and difficult waste materials…