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Two studies point the way to cleaner syngas-to-hydrocarbons processes

The production of commercially important hydrocarbons from synthesis gas (syngas; mixtures of H2 and CO) using the Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) process is a key strategy for making fuels and chemicals from a range of non-petroleum feedstocks. But F-T processes are relatively…

Strategic Cost Engineering for Chemical Manufacturers

When paired with deep process expertise, cost estimation becomes a powerful tool for mitigating risk and guiding investment for large capital projects Chemical manufacturing is one of the most complex and capital-intensive industries in the world. From specialty chemicals to…

Measurement and modeling point the way toward optimization of mechanochemical recycling

The widely used plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be depolymerized by reacting it with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) under strong mechanical impact from metal spheres in a ball mill. This type of mechanochemical route to recycling could alleviate some of the…

Enabling Clean Ammonia: Practical Lessons from a Full Plant Conversion

Low-carbon ammonia is an attractive driver for decarbonization of many product chains. Here are some practical insights from a legacy plant that was updated for cleaner ammonia production Ammonia production is under growing scrutiny as decarbonization becomes a global imperative.…

Taking stock; looking ahead

Year’s end is, of course, the default juncture at which current situations are assessed and forecasts for the future are posited. As this year nears its end, indications are that 2026 will likely be a tough year for much of…

Method for breakdown and removal of siloxanes from fluids garners patent

Siloxanes — synthetic chains of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms — are widely used in personal care products, soaps, pharmaceutical formulations and other products, but are notoriously difficult to manage in production- and waste-fluid streams. Current approaches, including flaring and…

Niobium-based anodes create high-speed lithium ‘highways’

By replacing traditional silicon or graphite anode materials with specially crystallized niobium, manufacturers can overcome some of the safety and power limitations of traditional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Echion Technologies Ltd. (Cambridge, U.K.; www.echiontech.com) has developed a proprietary mixed niobium-oxide active…

Focus on Sensors

All-in-one monitor, data-logger and converter for flow sensors The IFQ Monitor 2 (photo) is a user-friendly monitor, advanced data-logger and converter for this company’s flow sensors. The IFQ Monitor 2 ensures accurate liquid-flow measurement in open-water and full-pipe applications, providing…

Electrostatic PFAS capture produces nearly zero waste

Increased concern around per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water is necessitating more robust mitigation techniques. There are many technologies that can effectively capture or destroy PFAS, but challenges remain surrounding large volumes of PFAS-laden solid waste and fluorinated byproducts.…

Powerful palladium “plugs” make this hydrogen-separating membrane more durable

Palladium is widely used in membrane applications because of its extreme selectivity for hydrogen. However, conventional palladium membranes can be damaged at the high temperatures required for many processes that generate hydrogen for various subsequent uses, including the manufacture of…