Nieuws
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Conserving resources during automotive production with integrated paint process
The BMW Group saves 12,000 tons of CO2 annually during automotive production at its Munich plant by eliminating one step from the paint process. This means that compared to a conventionally coated vehicle, a car coated with the shortened process can drive the first 420 kilometers with a net zero carbon footprint. In addition, the process saves as much energy as the amount needed by 250,000 Munich residents to wash one load of laundry every week.
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Less CO2 emission in a growing economy
The economy grows while the emission of CO2 decreases. This is partly because the relatively warm period especially in September, but that is not all.
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Is inorganic chemistry still relevant?
It sure is when you live in Groningen. Not only is there the chlorine production of AkzoNobel in Delfzijl, but PPG produces precipitated silica almost next door.
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Garbage going down the W2C
What to do with the constant stream of municipal waste? The short answer is: "Burn it, recover some energy and be done with it." A more responsible method is used by Enerkem of Canada, who took the path of gasification - syn-gas production - catalytic conversion to for instance methanol, known as waste to chemicals.
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HAZOP en SIL, hoe zat dat ook weer?
Iedereen die met brandbare of explosieve substanties te maken heeft, op locatie of tijdens ontwerp, krijgt hier vroeger of later mee te maken. Maar niet bij iedereen liggen deze onderwerpen even vers in het geheugen, dus een opfrissertje is weleens nodig.
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Catalyst to convert CO2 into ethanol
Scientists from Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a catalyst that is able to convert CO2 into ethanol. Using some electricity the CO2 is catalytically converted to ethanol. The catalyst is made of copper and carbon particles. Normally a chain of reactions would be needed, but this catalyst is rather selective and has a high conversion.
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Fragrant energy
Energy is a hot topic, especially the renewable variety; cleaning up after a cow is not, even as our farmers struggle with a large excess of cow manure (that is no BS). A new government initiative therefore comes under the heading: €150 million subsidy for renewable energy.
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Explosion at BASF
The joint venture with Avantium was not the only reason for BASF to be in the news. An explosion in a supply line between a harbor and a tank depot left 2 people dead and 20 injured of which 6 severely. The cause has not yet been established, but terrorism has been excluded. A view from the air can be found here.
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FDCA and PEF – the next step towards mass production
In March we reported the signing of a letter of intent for the formation of a joint venture between Avantium and BASF for the production and marketing of furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), as well as marketing of polyethylenefuranoate (PEF)
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Nothing new, but still a first!
What could be new about an underground pipeline? For water, or even for naphtha, not much. But for beer?