- Email: [email protected]
Non-wood paper production relies on VSEP technology
NEWS
Editorial Office: Elsevier Ltd The Boulevard, Langford Lane Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, UK Fax: +44 (0)1865 843973 Web: www.membrane-technology.com Publisher: Greg Valero E-mail: [email protected] Editor: Simon Atkinson Tel/Fax: +44 (0)1904 655944 Email: [email protected] Production Support Manager: Lin Lucas E-mail: [email protected] Editorial advisory board: Dr P Ball (Pall Europe), Dr D Bessarabov (HySA Infrastructure: NWU and CSIR), Prof. M Cheryan (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), Prof. A G Fane (University of New South Wales), Dr A C M Franken (Membrane Application Centre Twente), Prof. E Gobina (Robert Gordon University), Dr A Merry (Aquious–PCI Membranes), Prof. M Nyström (Lappeenranta University of Technology), Dr Anil Pabby, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, India Dr G K Pearce (Membrane Consultancy Associates), Prof. P H Pfromm (Kansas State University), Dr R W Philpott (Acumen Bioscience Ltd), Prof. R J Wakeman (Loughborough University of Technology), Prof. A Yaroshchuk (Ukrainian Membrane Society)
Subscription Information An annual subscription to Membrane Technology includes 12 issues and online access for up to 5 users. Prices: 1215 for all European countries & Iran US$1362 for all countries except Europe and Japan ¥161 385 for Japan (Prices valid until 31 December 2011) To subscribe send payment to the address above. Tel: +44 (0)1865 843687/Fax: +44 (0)1865 834971 Email: [email protected], or via www.membrane-technology.com. Subscriptions run for 12 months, from the date payment is received. Permissions may be sought directly from Elsevier Global Rights Department, PO Box 800, Oxford OX5 1DX, UK; phone: +44 1865 843830, fax: +44 1865 853333, email: [email protected]. You may also contact Global Rights directly through Elsevier’s home page (www.elsevier.com), selecting first ‘Support & contact’, then ‘Copyright & permission’. In the USA, users may clear permissions and make payments through the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, USA; phone: +1 978 750 8400, fax: +1 978 750 4744, and in the UK through the Copyright Licensing Agency Rapid Clearance Service (CLARCS), 90 Tottenham Court Road, London W1P 0LP, UK; phone: +44 (0)20 7631 5555; fax: +44 (0)20 7631 5500. Other countries may have a local reprographic rights agency for payments. Derivative Works Subscribers may reproduce tables of contents or prepare lists of articles including abstracts for internal circulation within their institutions. Permission of the Publisher is required for resale or distribution outside the institution. Permission of the Publisher is required for all other derivative works, including compilations and translations. Electronic Storage or Usage Permission of the Publisher is required to store or use electronically any material contained in this journal, including any article or part of an article. Except as outlined above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the Publisher. Address permissions requests to: Elsevier Science Global Rights Department, at the mail, fax and email addresses noted above. Notice No responsibility is assumed by the Publisher for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions or ideas contained in the material herein. Because of rapid advances in the medical sciences, in particular, independent verification of diagnoses and drug dosages should be made.Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical (medical) standards, inclusion in this publication does not constitute a guarantee or endorsement of the quality or value of such product or of the claims made of it by its manufacturer.
02095 Digitally Produced by Mayfield Press (Oxford) Limited
2
Membrane Technology
Non-wood paper production relies on VSEP technology
D
r William McKean, Professor of Paper Science and Engineering, College of Forest Resources, University of Washington, has developed a process to manufacture paper made from straw pulps of various derivations, using a membrane-based filtration system. Using New Logic Research Inc’s Vibratory Shear Enhanced Process (VSEP) technology, Dr McKean’s integrated system is currently operating in laboratory-scale mode at the university and has proven successful in making paper products that are both commercially viable and environmentally sound. Farmers and academics met recently at the College of Forest Resources to discuss innovations and technology in the non-wood paper industry. The meeting covered both the science and logistics of developing pulping plants. Building these in close proximity to eastern Washington’s wheat farms will enable farmers to process straw debris and extract its valuable lignins and glycols, along with essential minerals such as potassium, phosphorous and nitrogen, which can be returned to crop soils. At the meeting Greg Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, New Logic Research, which is based in Emeryville, California, explained how VSEP technology performs the integral task of filtering the pulp byproduct known as black liquor – separating the valuable lignin from the wood sugars and minerals. All of these filtered materials can be sold to their respective markets, affording farmers another revenue stream from the residual wheat straw. Historically, eliminating the waste straw meant burning the debris, and farmers often pay by the acre to do so. Johnson spoke about New Logic Research’s position in the endeavour, as well as the new business landscape afforded by McKean’s work. He said: ‘Dr McKean’s extensive research has shown definitively that VSEP is highly effective in recovering valuable by-products from the paper-making process.’ ‘The only thing more gratifying than seeing his pilot plant running smoothly is meeting the farmers who will directly benefit from the new process. These stewards of the land understand better than anyone what is at stake here, and we are proud to be an integral part of this cuttingedge approach.’
Contacts: New Logic Research Inc, 1295 67th Street, Emeryville, CA 94608-1120, USA. Tel: +1 510 655 7305, www.vsep.com Dr William McKean, College of Forest Resources, PO Box 352100, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. Tel: +1 206 543 1626, Email: [email protected]
Aspire hydrophilic membrane eliminates need for pre-wetting
G
eneral Electric (GE) says that its patent-pending Aspire hydrophilic, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane will enable filter manufacturers to eliminate the expensive, time-consuming process of pre-wetting cartridge filters before shipping them to customers. The elimination of pre-wetting with alcohol means manufacturers’ customers also can avoid concerns about the resulting risks of bacterial contamination. GE Energy says that its Aspire hydrophilic ePTFE membrane meets the same criteria for bacteria retention, flow rate and chemical resistance as hydrophobic ePTFE membranes, while supporting extremely low extractables and lasting hydrophilic characteristics. ‘This innovation can reduce up to 40% of a customer’s cost per cartridge,’ explained Chris Keller, Senior Product Manager, GE Energy Services. ‘There is no longer a need to pre-wet the membrane to flow water across it. End-users will receive a membrane that can hold up during liquid microfiltration even after exposure to steam autoclave cycles, certain corrosive chemicals and other severe conditions. The new membrane also helps reduce the environmental impact of the alcohol waste stream.’ During tests the new hydrophilic membranes were instantly wet with water after three autoclave cycles at 130°C. They also maintained water ‘wettability’ and water flow after 24-hour exposure to chemicals such as 0.1 N hydrochloric acid, 0.1 N sodium hydroxide, dimethylformamide, acetone, isopropanol and water at 40°C. Bill Laidlaw, Global Product Manager, Filtration, GE Power & Water, commented: ‘This is an exciting breakthrough. We have always had to pre-wet just to test the cartridge, but now if we can ship it dry, we will have a product that is better for our customers and for us.’
February 2011
Editorial Office: Elsevier Ltd The Boulevard, Langford Lane Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, UK Fax: +44 (0)1865 843973 Web: www.membrane-technology.com Publisher: Greg Valero E-mail: [email protected] Editor: Simon Atkinson Tel/Fax: +44 (0)1904 655944 Email: [email protected] Production Support Manager: Lin Lucas E-mail: [email protected] Editorial advisory board: Dr P Ball (Pall Europe), Dr D Bessarabov (HySA Infrastructure: NWU and CSIR), Prof. M Cheryan (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), Prof. A G Fane (University of New South Wales), Dr A C M Franken (Membrane Application Centre Twente), Prof. E Gobina (Robert Gordon University), Dr A Merry (Aquious–PCI Membranes), Prof. M Nyström (Lappeenranta University of Technology), Dr Anil Pabby, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, India Dr G K Pearce (Membrane Consultancy Associates), Prof. P H Pfromm (Kansas State University), Dr R W Philpott (Acumen Bioscience Ltd), Prof. R J Wakeman (Loughborough University of Technology), Prof. A Yaroshchuk (Ukrainian Membrane Society)
Subscription Information An annual subscription to Membrane Technology includes 12 issues and online access for up to 5 users. Prices: 1215 for all European countries & Iran US$1362 for all countries except Europe and Japan ¥161 385 for Japan (Prices valid until 31 December 2011) To subscribe send payment to the address above. Tel: +44 (0)1865 843687/Fax: +44 (0)1865 834971 Email: [email protected], or via www.membrane-technology.com. Subscriptions run for 12 months, from the date payment is received. Permissions may be sought directly from Elsevier Global Rights Department, PO Box 800, Oxford OX5 1DX, UK; phone: +44 1865 843830, fax: +44 1865 853333, email: [email protected]. You may also contact Global Rights directly through Elsevier’s home page (www.elsevier.com), selecting first ‘Support & contact’, then ‘Copyright & permission’. In the USA, users may clear permissions and make payments through the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, USA; phone: +1 978 750 8400, fax: +1 978 750 4744, and in the UK through the Copyright Licensing Agency Rapid Clearance Service (CLARCS), 90 Tottenham Court Road, London W1P 0LP, UK; phone: +44 (0)20 7631 5555; fax: +44 (0)20 7631 5500. Other countries may have a local reprographic rights agency for payments. Derivative Works Subscribers may reproduce tables of contents or prepare lists of articles including abstracts for internal circulation within their institutions. Permission of the Publisher is required for resale or distribution outside the institution. Permission of the Publisher is required for all other derivative works, including compilations and translations. Electronic Storage or Usage Permission of the Publisher is required to store or use electronically any material contained in this journal, including any article or part of an article. Except as outlined above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the Publisher. Address permissions requests to: Elsevier Science Global Rights Department, at the mail, fax and email addresses noted above. Notice No responsibility is assumed by the Publisher for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions or ideas contained in the material herein. Because of rapid advances in the medical sciences, in particular, independent verification of diagnoses and drug dosages should be made.Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical (medical) standards, inclusion in this publication does not constitute a guarantee or endorsement of the quality or value of such product or of the claims made of it by its manufacturer.
02095 Digitally Produced by Mayfield Press (Oxford) Limited
2
Membrane Technology
Non-wood paper production relies on VSEP technology
D
r William McKean, Professor of Paper Science and Engineering, College of Forest Resources, University of Washington, has developed a process to manufacture paper made from straw pulps of various derivations, using a membrane-based filtration system. Using New Logic Research Inc’s Vibratory Shear Enhanced Process (VSEP) technology, Dr McKean’s integrated system is currently operating in laboratory-scale mode at the university and has proven successful in making paper products that are both commercially viable and environmentally sound. Farmers and academics met recently at the College of Forest Resources to discuss innovations and technology in the non-wood paper industry. The meeting covered both the science and logistics of developing pulping plants. Building these in close proximity to eastern Washington’s wheat farms will enable farmers to process straw debris and extract its valuable lignins and glycols, along with essential minerals such as potassium, phosphorous and nitrogen, which can be returned to crop soils. At the meeting Greg Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, New Logic Research, which is based in Emeryville, California, explained how VSEP technology performs the integral task of filtering the pulp byproduct known as black liquor – separating the valuable lignin from the wood sugars and minerals. All of these filtered materials can be sold to their respective markets, affording farmers another revenue stream from the residual wheat straw. Historically, eliminating the waste straw meant burning the debris, and farmers often pay by the acre to do so. Johnson spoke about New Logic Research’s position in the endeavour, as well as the new business landscape afforded by McKean’s work. He said: ‘Dr McKean’s extensive research has shown definitively that VSEP is highly effective in recovering valuable by-products from the paper-making process.’ ‘The only thing more gratifying than seeing his pilot plant running smoothly is meeting the farmers who will directly benefit from the new process. These stewards of the land understand better than anyone what is at stake here, and we are proud to be an integral part of this cuttingedge approach.’
Contacts: New Logic Research Inc, 1295 67th Street, Emeryville, CA 94608-1120, USA. Tel: +1 510 655 7305, www.vsep.com Dr William McKean, College of Forest Resources, PO Box 352100, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. Tel: +1 206 543 1626, Email: [email protected]
Aspire hydrophilic membrane eliminates need for pre-wetting
G
eneral Electric (GE) says that its patent-pending Aspire hydrophilic, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane will enable filter manufacturers to eliminate the expensive, time-consuming process of pre-wetting cartridge filters before shipping them to customers. The elimination of pre-wetting with alcohol means manufacturers’ customers also can avoid concerns about the resulting risks of bacterial contamination. GE Energy says that its Aspire hydrophilic ePTFE membrane meets the same criteria for bacteria retention, flow rate and chemical resistance as hydrophobic ePTFE membranes, while supporting extremely low extractables and lasting hydrophilic characteristics. ‘This innovation can reduce up to 40% of a customer’s cost per cartridge,’ explained Chris Keller, Senior Product Manager, GE Energy Services. ‘There is no longer a need to pre-wet the membrane to flow water across it. End-users will receive a membrane that can hold up during liquid microfiltration even after exposure to steam autoclave cycles, certain corrosive chemicals and other severe conditions. The new membrane also helps reduce the environmental impact of the alcohol waste stream.’ During tests the new hydrophilic membranes were instantly wet with water after three autoclave cycles at 130°C. They also maintained water ‘wettability’ and water flow after 24-hour exposure to chemicals such as 0.1 N hydrochloric acid, 0.1 N sodium hydroxide, dimethylformamide, acetone, isopropanol and water at 40°C. Bill Laidlaw, Global Product Manager, Filtration, GE Power & Water, commented: ‘This is an exciting breakthrough. We have always had to pre-wet just to test the cartridge, but now if we can ship it dry, we will have a product that is better for our customers and for us.’
February 2011