Rare-earth elements (REEs) are difficult to separate because of their similar properties, so conventional methods are often costly and generate significant amounts of waste. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL; Oak Ridge, Tenn.; www.ornl.gov) have developed a new technique…
The V Cone Tumble Blender (photo) utilizes diffusion mixing to deliver low impact, highly accurate and repeatable mixing of powders, high-density powdered metals, granules, pellets and other free-flowing solids. The Model VCB-50 V Cone Tumble Blender (photo) is designed for…
The newest addition to this company’s Fastfeed product lineup is the Fastfeed PLC model FF-425-PLC (photo), which features full automation controls and a touchscreen operation designed to increase efficiency and productivity even further. The Fastfeed PLC offers unique mechanical advantages,…
Last month, the world’s largest double re-slurry para-xylene crystallization unit was started as part of Shenghong Refining and Chemicals Co. Ltd.’s integrated refining/chemicals project in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, China. Double re-slurry crystallization takes advantage of freezing-point differences among the three…
Batch-weigh systems from this company can be configured to automatically transfer, weigh and dispense multiple materials fed from multiple locations to a common discharge location (photo). Integrating proprietary weighing technology, a programmable logic controller (PLC) and load cells with the…
The Open Process Automation Standard (O-PAS) Business Guide makes the business case for the O-PAS. An example from the biopharmaceutical industry illustrates the benefits of interoperability and open process automation architecture Normally, technical standards focus purely on technology. However, while…
The GRX graphite rupture disc (photo) has been developed for processes with corrosive media, low and medium pressure and temperatures between –180 and 500°C (1,500°C in the absence of O2). Thanks to the specially developed Pyro-Carbon (PyC) coating, the GRX…
Many vacuum applications operate only within a specific pressure range. In order to operate such vacuum systems efficiently, the total pressure must be measured reliably. The analog vacuum gages in the ActiveLine have been upgraded to the latest state-of-the-art with…
Polymer components in column trays can avoid issues associated with corrosion of metal equipment Gujarat Alkalies & Chemicals Ltd. (GACL) — a major chemical producer in Gujarat state in western India — was facing corrosion challenges with its distillation columns.…
The new IFC 400 electromagnetic flow converter (photo) combines with this company’s Optiflux 4000 to create the Optiflux 4400 electromagnetic flowmeter. The IFC 400 helps detect external influences, such as excessive vibration, temperature extremes and magnetic field effects, and also…