The new Delta Hybrid series of rotary lobe compressors from Aerzener Maschinenfabrik is a world first in creating a symbiosis between rotary lobe blowers (for a lower pressure range) and screw compressors (for a higher pressure range), for the first time ever permitting maximum pressure levels of up to 1.5 bar in pneumatic conveyance. In field trials at a milling operation it was rated “very good”.

Data makes the lab go round: Laboratory automation enables the handling and evaluation of thousands of samples. The result: data galore. The question is how to make good use of this information.

Following the announcement made in July about entering into contracts with Evonik and Thyssenkrupp to produce propylene oxide, Mol Group has now reached an additional agreement with Thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions (Thailand) that will cover technological steps to convert propylene-oxide into polyether polyols and propylene glycols.

Sumitomo Chemical is going to set up animal feed analysis capabilities at the Latin America Research Center in Sao Paulo, operated by its Brazilian subsidiary. The centre will provide technical support services for feed millers who purchased the company’s methionine products.

The new Lanxess butyl rubber plant, which recently commenced operations on Jurong Island in Singapore, represents the largest investment in the history of this relatively young company. Lanxess has invested around € 400 million in the plant which will have an annual production capacity of 100,000 tonnes.

Counterfeiters are increasingly targeting the pharmaceutical supply chain – a dangerous trend that can have fatal consequences. All supply chain players can contribute to increased safety, from producers of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) to packagers and equipment manufacturers, supported by numerous initiatives and legislative efforts.

Roquette, announces the launch of a new industrial unit for the production of isosorbide at its site in Lestrem, Pas-de-Calais, France. A global player in the processing of plant-based raw materials, Roquette confirms its ambition to become a preferred supplier in the performance plastics and specialty chemistry markets.

Time runs out for mercury cell technology in chlorine production, and alternatives are in high demand—Although the December 2017 deadline for the prohibition of mercury cell technology in the EU still seems to be quite far away, time is running out for chlorine producers who have yet to start the conversion or closure process. Even though the regulatory pressures hit a struggling industry hard, it is important to start investigating cost-effective solutions.

Lanxess and Genomatica announce that Lanxess has run a production campaign of bio-based PBT in the world-scale production plant using 20 metric tons of bio-based BDO made with Genomatica’s commercially-proven process.

The Process Technologies business unit which is part of Thyssen Krupp Industrial Solutions continues to have high expectations as the shale gas bonanza continues in the US—Following success in the fertilizer segment, managers are hoping for additional contracts in downstreaming as cracker capacity is expanded in North America.