Plant Watch Petrobras announces biorefining breakthrough at Riograndense refinery November 9, 2023 — Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; www.petrobras.com.br) has successfully processed 100% soybean oil in a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit at its Riograndense petroleum refinery…
The Model 42N-18SS ribbon blender (photo) is crafted from type 316 stainless steel with interior surfaces polished to a 150-grit finish for easy cleaning. With a maximum working capacity of 18 ft3, the blender is direct driven by a 10-h.p.…
Adhering to API 682 guidelines will create safe, efficient and effective mechanical-seal supports in pumping systems In the 1980s, mechanical seals became the most frequently used sealing technology in petroleum refineries and chemical plants. The American Petroleum Institute (API; Washington,…
The new VJ-4 dual-camera video borescope (photo) is available in four sizes: 2.5, 3.9, 6.0 and 8.0 mm. All VJ-4 models are equipped with a 5.5-in. QLED screen with 2.5x digital zoom, a touchscreen or stylus interface with on-screen annotation…
The Mobile Minor MM 100 spray dryer (photo) is equipped with the Cyclone CEE mechanical powder separator. This cyclone helps operators overcome challenges in spray drying, such as smearing due to powder settling in the cyclone, as well as abrasion…
Canned motor pumps (CMPs) are designed to prevent emissions by eliminating the mechanical seal. Provided here is an overview of CMPs, along with information on common uses Emissions from process equipment not only pose safety and environmental risks, they also…
Metal components made with laser powder-bed fusion — an important additive manufacturing process — must be qualified for use in critical applications, but the qualification relies on expensive non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. In-process monitoring offers a less expensive alternative, but…
Tailored separation systems address energy consumption and fouling while supporting sustainability Recently there has been a demand for separation technologies that are better suited to specific applications and a more sustainable world, so providers of filters and membranes have begun…
A new plasma-based technology is being touted as a more sustainable method for textile finishing, including water-intensive dyeing and coating processes. The Ausora process, developed by Xefco Pty. Ltd. (Eveleigh, Australia; www.xefco.com), in partnership with the Recycling and Clean Energy…
In recent years, engineers at ETH Zurich have developed technology to produce liquid fuels from sunlight and air. At the heart of the production process is a solar reactor that is exposed to concentrated sunlight delivered by a parabolic mirror…