The high strength-to-weight ratio and robust mechanical properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) make them attractive for use in wind-power turbine blades, automobile components, and in airplanes and spacecraft. However, challenges — such as weak interfacial adhesion and poor recyclability —…
In January, specialty materials maker Celanese Corp. (Irving, Tex.; www.celanese.com) beta-launched a remote-operations control room (ROCR) that allows hands-free queries of plant data for faster data gathering and decision-making. The ROCR leverages recent advances in generative-artificial intelligence (gen-AI)-powered natural language…
Last month, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC; www.sec.gov) finalized rules [1] that require registrants to disclose information about climate-related risks in their annual reports and registration statements. Recognizing that climate-related risks can affect a company’s business and financial…
A novel technology for cooling and dehumidification is nearing commercialization through several strategic partnerships, including GE Vernova, BASF and Carrier Global. Montana Technologies’ (Ronan, Mont.; www.mt.energy) AirJoule technology employs a metal-organic-framework (MOF) desiccant material that exhibits higher water-uptake capacity and…
Plant Watch EuroChem launches phosphate-fertilizer manufacturing complex in Brazil March 14, 2024 — EuroChem Group (Zug, Switzerland; www.eurochemgroup.com) opened a new fertilizer-production facility in Serra do Salitre, Brazil. With a total project investment of nearly $1 billion, the new phosphate…
Engineering teams at operating companies can help maximize the value of industrial gas supplies by optimizing the requirements of the gas supplier with the chemical producer The industrial gas (IG) industry has been around for decades, with some IG suppliers…
Much of the planet’s lithium is contained in brine, but the concentration is often quite low, making it difficult to efficiently extract lithium — typical extraction technologies may only demonstrate 30–60% yield. Adionics (Les Ulis, France; www.adionics.com) has developed a…
This company’s SmartAXIS touch family has been expanded with the new FT2J Series combined PLC+HMI (photo). A compact all-in-one form factor combines built-in full function controller features and functions, both onboard and expandable I/O, and an advanced technology 7-in. touchscreen…
The reconditioned Model DPM-4 double-planetary mixer (photo) has been restored to as-new working condition and offers the same standard one-year warranty as a new mixer. Especially effective for thick and sticky semi-solids, the patented High Viscosity (HV) Blades rotate on…
The new iTEMP TMT86 two-channel temperature head transmitter (photo) has Profinet communication over Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (APL). The two-channel temperature head transmitter is suitable for use with resistance thermometers and thermocouples and provides fast and accurate measurement of temperature.…