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Biosynthesis of renewable, high-energy-density, cyclopropane-based fuels
Cyclopropane-functionalized hydrocarbons can be excellent fuels because of their high energy densities, but organic synthesis of such fuels is difficult. In work recently published in the journal Joule, a research team led by Jay Keasling at the Joint Bioenergy Institute…
Biodegradable corn-based adhesive is non-toxic, with tunable properties
A new class of adhesives being developed by the startup gluECO Adhesives LLC (Ashburnham, Mass.; www.glueco-adhesives.com) is based on corn proteins and has a host of environmentally friendly properties, such as biodegradability and the ability to be easily removed in…
Tower Doctor: X-Raying The Patient: Gamma Scanning Vapor Cross-Flow Channeling
Henry Kister shares lessons learned from troubleshooting distillation towers In 1988, the author led a team to troubleshoot a chemical tower that was revamped to achieve a small increase in capacity (up to 4%) by increasing the tray hole areas…
Steps to Improve Safety Challenges in Hazardous Environments
Compliance with industry- and machinery-specific safety standards and classifications is essential to make the safest possible environment for plant personnel, especially those working in potentially hazardous conditions Navigating the world of industrial safety standards can feel like being in uncharted…
Achema Show 2022 Show Preview
Achema (www.achema.de), the global forum for the chemical engineering and process industries presented by Dechema e.V. (www.dechema.de), is taking place August 22–26 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. This year’s event will feature over 2,000 exhibitors and a comprehensive technical program.…
Ethernet-APL: The Future of Field Connectivity
Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (APL) provides connectivity between field-generated data and enterprise systems. Presented here is information on the design and operation of this rapidly expanding technology Process plants today have vast amounts of data available at the field level…
Magnetic-Drive Positive-Displacement Pumps for Chemical Processing Applications
Advances in sliding-vane and internal-gear seal-less pump technologies can provide many benefits when compared to centrifugal pumps or more well-known positive-displacement pump options Facilities in the chemical process industries (CPI) use a wide array of flowing substances that must be…
Neste makes acquisition in Ireland to strengthen its renewable raw-material sourcing
Neste Corp. (Espoo, Finland) has agreed to acquire 100% of Walco Foods, an Irish trader of animal fats. The transaction is subject to the fulfillment of customary closing conditions and regulatory approval. “This is another important step for Neste in…
Chemours to expand production capacity for Opteon YF refrigerant
The Chemours Company (Wilmington, Del.) announced that it will be expanding its Chemours Opteon YF (HFO-1234yf) capacity to help meet customer needs as they continue transitioning to lower GWP refrigerants. The Opteon YF and YF blends refrigerants are now used…
CE Podcast: Deborah Gordon, environmental policy expert and principal at RMI
On this edition of the Chemical Engineering Podcast, senior editor Scott Jenkins speaks with environmental policy expert Deborah Gordon, senior principal in the Climate Intelligence Program at RMI. Gordon heads the Oil and Gas Solutions Initiative at RMI, and is…