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Self-Neutralization of Nitric Acid Wastewater in a Wastewater Treatment Plant
Harnessing the alkalinity generation during denitrification in the treatment of acidic wastewater from a chemical-manufacturing facility in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) results in self-neutralization, offering cost savings and other benefits Facilities throughout the chemical process industries (CPI) produce large…
New electrochemical route to critical chemicals is scaling up with significant industrial support
A new electrochemical process developed by French-American startup firm Dioxycle (Paris, France; Menlo Park, Calif.; www.dioxycle.com) produces critical chemicals from industrial by-products and electricity, independent from fossil-fuel imports. Recently, the company announced the deployment of their platform for the conversion…
Overcoming Material-Transfer Challenges in Food Processing Applications
A customized material-transfer unit was designed for the in-house supply and transport of raw materials, seamlessly linking the process steps of dietary supplement manufacturing while minimizing contamination and dust The stringent demands of the food industry create significant challenges for…
Focus On: Laboratory Equipment
This X-ray fluorescence analyzer has sub-ppm sensitivity The ALTRACE is a benchtop energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer (photo) designed for rapid, non-destructive elemental analysis across a wide range of sample types. Featuring sub-ppm sensitivity, it provides screening for elements from…
Novel microwave method reshapes thermal regeneration for direct-air CO2 capture
Many direct-air capture (DAC) technologies employ sorbent materials to remove CO2 from ambient air. These sorbents require periodic thermal regeneration — typically using steam — to release bound CO2. This thermal regeneration step is often the largest cost and energy…
Alkaline thermal process generates hydrogen fuel from mixed plastic waste
A team of researchers from the Ewha Women’s University (Seoul, South Korea; www.ewha.ac.kr) and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA; www.ucla.edu) have taken a step toward addressing one of the main challenges in plastics recycling — economically processing…
Refinery-grade crude oils can be made from biogenic waste using this technology
A pre-commercial plant is now providing operational data for eventual scaleup and industrial integration of a technology that generates refinery-grade crude oils from biogenic waste, such as agricultural and forestry waste and sewage sludge. The 12-ton/d demonstration plant (photo), built…
Multivariable Sensors Offer Better Accuracy and Insight
Multivariable measurements can help optimize processes and drive sustainability With chemical manufacturers under pressure to gain a better understanding of their processes, improve operational efficiency and safety, control costs and provide accurate data to regulators, the use of multivariable process…
Bulk-Solids Storage and Flow: Silos and Stockpiles
This article provides guidance on the selection and sizing of silos and stockpiles in bulk-solids-handling operations, and clarifies misconceptions surrounding gravity-reclaim storage systems for bulk-solids materials Gravity-reclaim systems for bulk-solids handling rely solely on gravity to withdraw material from storage…
Facts At Your Fingertips: Net Positive Suction Head: NPSHa versus NPSHr
Net positive suction head (NPSH) is a crucial topic for the design, selection and operation of pump systems in chemical process industries (CPI) facilities. This one-page reference provides information about NPSH available (NPSHa) and NPSH required (NPSHr). Hydrostatic pressure Hydrostatic…