Bio-based polymers, such as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), are seeing increasing application as a more sustainable alternative to fossil-based materials. A new, flexible production platform developed by CJ Biomaterials, Inc. (Woburn, Mass.; www.cjbiomaterials.com) is now enabling the production of PHA in both…
Nitrile compounds (R–N≡N) are important for the manufacturing of fragrances, pharmaceuticals, superglue and chemical-resistant gloves. Currently, such nitrile compounds require the use of highly toxic cyanide in their synthesis. Now, an alternative cyanide-free chemo-enzymatic cascade process is being developed by…
Researchers from the Adolphe Merkle Institute (AMI; Fribourg, Switzerland; www.ami.swiss), together with international collaborators, have pioneered a novel method for creating thin, energy-converting membranes that mimic the structure and function of biological cell membranes. This discovery, described in a recent…
Plant Watch Trelleborg Group to construct new production plant in North Carolina July 16, 2024 — Trelleborg Group AB (Trelleborg, Sweden; www.trelleborg.com) is investing in a new production facility to expand its business for engineered coated fabrics in Rutherfordton, N.C.…
At Achema in June, GIG Karasek GmbH (Gloggnitz, Austria; www.gigkarasek.com) introduced the ECO2Cell, an electrochemical CO2-recycling technology that utilizes proprietary catalysts to convert captured carbon dioxide into a range of chemicals. Using only water, CO2 and electricity as process inputs,…
Three of the critical aspects of dust collection systems are properly identifying necessary dust capture points, effectively capturing dust at each point and accounting for solids loading in the ductwork. Key considerations for these aspects are presented here Dust collection…
The Viper-28 flange-spreading wedge (photo) is said to be the most powerful flange spreader in the world, boasting a spreading force of 28 metric tons and a precision tip measuring just 5 mm. This tool handles a wide range of…
Process heating systems are critical parts of chemical process industries (CPI) facilities. Unfortunately, the reliable, efficient operation of utility systems is often taken for granted, and they receive little engineering attention. This is perhaps understandable, since these systems play a…
Ethernet-APL fulfills the promise to bring digitalization to every corner of a process plant. The fast and efficient communication of large amounts of data is barrier-free and reliable in potentially explosive areas. At 10 Mbit/s, the transmission of enormous amounts…
Understanding material characteristics is important in designing and defining process criteria for optimal performance of rotary and fluidized-bed dryers The ability to efficiently, reliably and consistently dry bulk solids in an industrial setting relies largely on tailoring the dryer’s design…