Latest News
New structured packing introduced at Achema
At Achema 2024 (Frankfurt, Germany; June 10–15), Sulzer Chemtech (Winterthur, Switzerland; www.sulzer.com) revealed MellapakEvo (photo), the latest addition to its structured-packing product family. The MellapakEvo structured packing has been developed to enhance the efficiency and capacity of distillation columns, maximizing…
A proof-of-concept “BionicHydrogenBattery”
At a press conference during Achema 2024, Festo SE & Co. KG (Esslingen, Germany; www.festo.com) presented the BionicHydrogenBattery — a new concept for the simple storage and safe transportation of hydrogen. Currently, H2 can only be stored and transported safely…
Biomimetic membrane may have promising applications
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…
This progressing-cavity pump has been upgraded
The NEMO MY magnetically coupled pump (photo) is the latest upgrade of the NEMO progressing-cavity pumps. It was developed for more efficient and safer handling of media with high viscosities (up to 20,000 cP), such as slurries. However, using the…
Focus on Mobile Devices
Updated digital technology to support field workers The updated Ability Connected Worker technology (photo) offers new functionalities that strengthen and accelerate the digitalization of the field-operator experience to mitigate the risk of human error and unscheduled downtime. The enhanced software…
Versatile production of biopolymers in new semi-crystalline format
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…
Chementator Briefs
Tanning Agent Södra Skogsägarna (Södra; Växjö, Sweden; www.sodra.com) is investing in a production line at Värö that will create a tanning agent from tree bark. This new tannin can be used to process leather in a more environmentally friendly way,…
Ethernet-APL: A game changer for the CPI
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…
Public-Private Partnerships Spur Decarbonization Efforts
Government programs, such as the Industrial Demonstrations Program (IDP) in the U.S., are helping to advance commercial-scale decarbonization strategies including thermal energy storage, CO2 utilization and electrification As the world continues to grapple with climate change, companies’ strategies for managing…
New bio-based concrete admixture is scaling up production
A new biomass-based liquid admixture for concrete uniquely combines the benefits of traditional performance-enhancing additives with decarbonization. Hydrous bio-graphene oxide (hBGO), developed by AlterBiota (Edwardsville, Nova Scotia, Canada; www.alterbiota.com), is a stable, high-solids dispersion that helps to improve strength and…