- Email: [email protected]
Microfilters help produce energy from waste
Smart membrane filters Researchers at the Sandia National Laboratory (SNL), in New Mexico, USA are using the technique of molecular selfassembly to develop novel membrane materials. Rather than manipulating atoms and molecules in to place as in normal chemical synthesis, in selfassembly they arrange themselves in to place. This technique is opening up the possibility of manufacturing highly selective membranes or even smart membranes that use nanomachines to open and close their pores according to the identity of molecules approaching them. Jeff Brinder from SNL, a pioneer of self-assembly research, has recently produced an ultra-thin coating with a huge surface area and a totally regular nanostructure; its pores are designed to admit molecules of a particular size. It can also be used as a chemical sensor to detect molecules 500 times more sensitively than conventional materials. Such materials are passive nanostructures at present, but Brinker plans to develop ones with active pores that open and close as conditions change. One possible use might be as a fabric for those working with dangerous chemicals which can become impermeable when hazardous molecules are detected.
Volcanic rock f i l t e r media Researchers at Canadian company, Albarrie have just released the
latest findings from laboratory and field studies on a breakthrough technology utilizing manmade fibres from volcanic basalt rock in the manufacture of filter bags for industrial air pollution control (APC) devices. The original process for extruding basalt rock fibers was developed in the former USSR for d e f e n c e purposes for applications requiring extreme chemical/heat resistivity. The basalt rock fibre possesses tensile and flex attributes, that Albarrie claim, are superior to those of glass fibres widely used today. By combining the robust physical properties of the basalt rock and advances in composite textile fabric manufacturing technologies, the researchers have developed composite filter bag fabrics that are extremely resis-
Process and Apparatus for Recovery of Acid Gases f r o m Flue Gas, Spray Drying Systems Inc., USA. WO00/04983. Date of Publication: 3rd February 2000.
rant to the harsh environments of industry baghouse units. Results from laboratory and extensive field testing have revealed that the fibrous rock based fibres provide durability characteristics that rival the more expensive PTFE treated fibre media. For more information cont a c t : Greg Rice, tel: +1 336 472
9617; fax: +1 336 472 8437; E-mail: [email protected]
MicrofUters help produce energy f r o m waste R e s e a r c h e r s at the Fraunhofer
Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB in Stuttgart and the Schwarting-Uhde company in
Flensburg have used filters to improve the technology involved in the generation of energy from rotting waste. They have succeeded in reducing the dry organic matter which makes up around 60 percent of such residual waste by almost 90 percent, simultaneously doubling the yield of bio-gas. Fraunhofer researchers refined the normal two-stage process, adding micro-filters to the second phase of processing under hermetically sealed conditions. Sludge liquor passes through these filters while the residual mass continues to rot, and shrink to less than half the volume in comparison with earlier processes. The scientists then apply air to the biomass, and treat what remains with special fungi in order to reduce the amount of lignin in the biomass, which is not easily broken down through fermentation. Finally, the mass is digested one more time, further reducing the residual volume. The odour-free residual solids can then be disposed of at landfill sites. The system, the researchers claim can be easily retrofitted to existing fermentation plant. Results achieved using the system already fulfil the latest technical requirements for disposal of domestic waste in Germany, due for enforcement as of the year 2005. The process is not only suitable for the treatment of household waste; tangible benefits are also gained through the reprocessing of other organic forms of waste such as biowaste, slurry, sewage sludge or natural materials used by industry.
Extruded Thermoplastic Foams Useful in Filtration Applications, The Dow Chemical Company., USA. WO00/06284. Date of Publication: 10th February 2000.
Retention of Filter Elements, ScapaGroupPIc., UK.
Bromate/Bromine Filter Cake Removal Fluid,
WO00/04975. Date of Publication: 3rd February 2000.
Tetra Technologies Inc., USA. WO00/08112. Date of Publication: 17th February 2000.
Moving Sorbent Filter Device, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, USA. WO00/06288. Date of Publication: 10th February 2000.
Filtration+Separation
Cellulose Acetate Semipermeable M e m b r a n e and M e t h o d for Producing the Same, Daicel Chemical Industries Ltd, Japan. WO00/09247. Date of Publication: 24th February 2000.
April 2000
23
Volcanic rock f i l t e r media Researchers at Canadian company, Albarrie have just released the
latest findings from laboratory and field studies on a breakthrough technology utilizing manmade fibres from volcanic basalt rock in the manufacture of filter bags for industrial air pollution control (APC) devices. The original process for extruding basalt rock fibers was developed in the former USSR for d e f e n c e purposes for applications requiring extreme chemical/heat resistivity. The basalt rock fibre possesses tensile and flex attributes, that Albarrie claim, are superior to those of glass fibres widely used today. By combining the robust physical properties of the basalt rock and advances in composite textile fabric manufacturing technologies, the researchers have developed composite filter bag fabrics that are extremely resis-
Process and Apparatus for Recovery of Acid Gases f r o m Flue Gas, Spray Drying Systems Inc., USA. WO00/04983. Date of Publication: 3rd February 2000.
rant to the harsh environments of industry baghouse units. Results from laboratory and extensive field testing have revealed that the fibrous rock based fibres provide durability characteristics that rival the more expensive PTFE treated fibre media. For more information cont a c t : Greg Rice, tel: +1 336 472
9617; fax: +1 336 472 8437; E-mail: [email protected]
MicrofUters help produce energy f r o m waste R e s e a r c h e r s at the Fraunhofer
Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB in Stuttgart and the Schwarting-Uhde company in
Flensburg have used filters to improve the technology involved in the generation of energy from rotting waste. They have succeeded in reducing the dry organic matter which makes up around 60 percent of such residual waste by almost 90 percent, simultaneously doubling the yield of bio-gas. Fraunhofer researchers refined the normal two-stage process, adding micro-filters to the second phase of processing under hermetically sealed conditions. Sludge liquor passes through these filters while the residual mass continues to rot, and shrink to less than half the volume in comparison with earlier processes. The scientists then apply air to the biomass, and treat what remains with special fungi in order to reduce the amount of lignin in the biomass, which is not easily broken down through fermentation. Finally, the mass is digested one more time, further reducing the residual volume. The odour-free residual solids can then be disposed of at landfill sites. The system, the researchers claim can be easily retrofitted to existing fermentation plant. Results achieved using the system already fulfil the latest technical requirements for disposal of domestic waste in Germany, due for enforcement as of the year 2005. The process is not only suitable for the treatment of household waste; tangible benefits are also gained through the reprocessing of other organic forms of waste such as biowaste, slurry, sewage sludge or natural materials used by industry.
Extruded Thermoplastic Foams Useful in Filtration Applications, The Dow Chemical Company., USA. WO00/06284. Date of Publication: 10th February 2000.
Retention of Filter Elements, ScapaGroupPIc., UK.
Bromate/Bromine Filter Cake Removal Fluid,
WO00/04975. Date of Publication: 3rd February 2000.
Tetra Technologies Inc., USA. WO00/08112. Date of Publication: 17th February 2000.
Moving Sorbent Filter Device, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, USA. WO00/06288. Date of Publication: 10th February 2000.
Filtration+Separation
Cellulose Acetate Semipermeable M e m b r a n e and M e t h o d for Producing the Same, Daicel Chemical Industries Ltd, Japan. WO00/09247. Date of Publication: 24th February 2000.
April 2000
23