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BASF building production plant for specialty zeolites in Ludwigshafen, Germany

(MaterialsViews) BASF is investing in the construction of a production plant for specialty zeolites at its Ludwigshafen headquarters in Germany. The plant is expected to start up operations in the first quarter of 2014, significantly increasing BASF’s production capacity for specialty zeolites. Among other applications, the specialty zeolites produced by BASF’s Chemical Catalysts business are used as key raw materials in the diesel automotive emissions catalysts produced by the company’s Mobile Emissions Catalysts business. Increasingly stringent automotive emissions regulations such as the US 2010 standard and the upcoming EURO 6 standard are leading to rising demand for advanced exhaust-gas treatment catalysts, such as those produced at BASF’s emissions catalysts production sites in Huntsville, Alabama, USA; Nienburg, Germany; and Shanghai, China. ”This investment allows us to backward integrate our production processes for leading-edge exhaust-gas treatment systems,” says Hans-Peter Neumann, BASF Senior Vice President, Process Catalysts and Technologies. In addition to automotive emissions solutions, the new specialty zeolite plant will support applications in the chemical, petrochemical and refining sectors. BASF currently produces specialty zeolites at its operating site in Seneca, South Carolina, USA, where production capacity is also being expanded.

Modernization of Europe’s biggest glass wool furnace in Orange

A large-scale modernization program at Isover’s glass wool plant in Orange (France) was completed this year. Over €20 million was invested in rebuilding the furnace from scratch and modernizing the related machinery and equipment. The new furnace’s power supply was completely overhauled, allowing its power to be increased and its energy consumption to be cut. Its capacity was not extended. Significant work was also carried out on production lines.

New ‘Agile’ cell improves zeta potential measurements, saves money

Reduce your consumable cost by nearly 70 percent with the new Horiba “Agile” zeta potential cells. Electrode fouling and surface degradation are well-known issues that limit the lifetime of zeta potential electrodes, thereby increasing measurement costs. By using an advanced graphite material with a high surface area and uniform composition, Horiba has developed an electrode assembly that is resistant to fouling, easy to clean, and does not suffer from surface degradation. This cell has been dubbed the Agile cell, Advanced Graphite Improved Lifetime Electrode. A typical lab performing zeta potential measurements with the Agile cell can expect a two-thirds reduction in consumables spending compared to traditional precious metal electrodes. The cell is available exclusively for use with the Horiba SZ-100 nanoparticle analyzer. The SZ-100 can be used for studies investigating optimum pH, salt, and surfactant concentration for formulation or processing of nanoparticles, emulsions, colloids or polymers. In addition, the SZ-100 determines particle size by dynamic light scattering. Thus, the instrument is useful for new product formulation and as an easy-to-use QC tool where the surface characteristics of particles such as titanium dioxide, alumina and zinc oxide are critical.

Owens Corning expands glass reinforcement production capability

Owens Corning announced that its new furnace in its Tlaxcala, Mexico, glass reinforcements facility is operational. This is the latest step the company has taken to increase its global capacity to produce composite material.The Tlaxcala plant expansion will support increased manufacturing of Owens Corning’s corrosion-resistant Advantex glass and will initially produce assembled roving and dry-use chopped strands. The new furnace more than doubles production capacity at the facility.

US contractors see 1 percent rise in materials costs

(International Construction) The input prices for materials used by contractors in the US rose +1 percent year-on-year to August, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. The steepest price rises compared to a year ago were for gypsum products and architectural coatings. There have been rises of the order of +2.0 percent for concrete products, while lumber and insulating materials were up +6.9 percent and +7.1 percent respectively. Meanwhile, contractors have seen prices fall for several groups of materials, including asphalt roofing materials and various metallic construction products.

Saint-Gobain Ceramic Materials launches Combat AX15 hot-pressed solid hBN for manufacturing

A leading manufacturer of hexagonal boron nitride, Saint-Gobain Ceramic Materials has added a new product AX15 to its Combat family of high-purity hot-pressed boron nitride products. Combat AX products, hot-pressed 99.7+ percent purity hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), exhibit exceptionally high thermal shock resistance, electrical insulation over 1,800°C, and high thermal conductivity. The most popular product in the family, AX05, with its highest density and strength has been the material of choice for years in kiln furniture and furnace construction. The newest addition, AX15, with its uniquely open porosity, permits flow of process gases where outgassing is required, making it particularly suitable for direct contact, high-temperature environments such as crucibles, plates, setters, supports and muffles for aluminum nitride, silicon nitride and SiAlON ceramic sintering. Like all other Combat hot-pressed products, AX family of boron nitride products can be easily machined into intricate shapes with tight tolerances using standard machining tools.

Sigma-Aldrich elects Michael Marberry as director

The board of directors of Sigma-Aldrich Corp. has elected Michael Marberry as a director of the company. Marberry is president and CEO of J.M. Huber Corp., a diversified, multinational supplier of engineered materials, natural resources and technology-based services to customers spanning many industries from paper and energy to plastics and construction. In announcing Marberry’s election to the board, Rakesh Sachdev, president and CEO of Sigma-Aldrich, said, “His broad background and international experience in leading a successful global company and in expanding into applied chemical and industrial markets will help Sigma-Aldrich in strategic efforts to enhance its leadership position in life science and high technology.”

Union Process introduces S-400 attritor

Union Process Inc., known globally as a manufacturer of particle size reduction and dispersing equipment as well as related services for a broad range of research and industrial applications, has built an S-400 batch, wet-grinding attritor for a customer in the roofing industry. The S-400 represents the largest batch attritor ever built by the 66-year-old company. Batch Attritors have the advantage of grinding material up to ten times faster than traditional ball mills. They are simple to operate, energy efficient and do not require premixing. The largest ever batch Attritor has a new frame design utilizing a pivoting drive cantilever which allows for easy removal of the agitator shaft for maintenance and cleaning. The Attritor features a 400 HP TEFC inverter duty motor with a heavy-duty variable frequency drive controller. The large tank accommodates 12,000 lbs. of through-hardened carbon steel grinding media.

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Morgan Technical Ceramics’ bioceramic hip joints improve quality of life for patients

Vitox AMC, an alumina matrix composite bioceramic material for hip joints from Morgan Technical Ceramics, is proven to have exceptionally low wear rates compared with alternative materials. This provides a reliable solution without the potential health risks associated with metal hip joints, whilst being longer lasting, and enabling patients to continue to lead active lifestyles. Developed in conjunction with the National Institute for Applied Sciences at the University of Lyon (France), and Durham University (UK), Morgan Technical Ceramics has produced two new studies in hip joint wear: “Comparative ageing behavior of commercial, unworn and worn Y-TZP and zirconia-toughened alumina hip joint heads” and “Wear performance of advanced new generation ceramics: zirconia, alumina and zirconia toughened alumina applied in hard-on-soft and hard-on-hard hip prostheses.” In the study with Durham University, a polyethylene UHMWPE cup loaded against the zirconia-based heads produced the wear rate of 0.9307 mm³/106 cycles. However, comparatively there was considerable wear reduction for full ceramic couples. The steady-state wear rate was 0.0053 ± 0.0032 mm³/106 cycles (mean ± SD) for Vitox AMC cups.

“Solar Meets Glass” conference at Glasstec/Solarpeq 2012

On Oct. 22 and 23, 2012, the conference “Solar Meets Glass: 3rd Industry Summit for Markets, Costs and Technology” will be held at the Congress Center East at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany. The event, which starts one day before Glasstec 2012, will include experts from the glass and solar systems industry. The goal is to promote an exchange between both industries to show the glass industry new sales opportunities while providing the solar industry with new opportunities to achieve higher efficiency rates and lower costs. The speakers will provide comprehensive coverage of current topics that will cater to both the glass and PV industries as well as to suppliers and customers. In addition to a market and technology overview for photovoltaics, the first day of the conference will deal with manufacturing technology, efficiency as well as materials and costs associated with PV glass. Themes include ultrathin glass, the differences between float and rolled glass for PV purposes and the progress made in anti-reflection coatings for solar cover glass. The second day will cover two central themes: trends, new markets and technologies revolving around building-integrated photovoltaics and recycling of PV modules.

Texas Technical Ceramics Inc. awarded 3-year contract with Backer EHP

Texas Technical Ceramics Inc. announced that it has been awarded a three-year contract with Backer EHP for mass production of approximately 45 million ceramic parts per the contract terms. The specialized ceramic parts consist of various electrical insulators made of steatite, a crystalline form of magnesium silicate, which offers superior strength and safety for temperatures up to 2,000°F. TTC has proudly served the electrical market for more than 25 years and continues to be a trusted partner offering high quality products and superior customer service, at competitive prices. Backer EHP has been a leader in electric heat applications for almost 100 years. Formerly known as Chromalox, Backer EHP is globally recognized for providing high quality products for the cooking, water heater, dish washing, lighting and HVAC markets. offers advanced ceramic products to an array of markets to include: electrical, oil and gas, power, agriculture, aerospace and defense. TTC has extensive experience with custom and mass production of parts using the most innovative materials such as alumina, cordierite, spinel, wollastonite, YTZ and zirconia.

Pfeiffer Vacuum introduces new gas analysis systems for pressure ranges up to 50 mbar

Pfeiffer Vacuum, one of the world’s leading producers of vacuum products and services, has introduced the Sputter Process Monitor SPM 220 and High Pressure Analyzer HPA 220 gas analysis systems. Both system solutions are based on the proven mass spectrometer PrismaPlus in combination with a dry compressing HiPace turbo pumping station and are used to monitor and document vacuum processes, such as coating architectural glass or thin-film solar cells. The SPM 220 and the HPA 220 are available in mass ranges of 1-100 and 1-200 amu; the HPA 200 is also available from 1-300 amu. The SPM 220 is characterized by a specially developed ion source, which enables a direct connection between the analyzer and the process chamber. This enables the vacuum conditions of sputter processes and similar applications to be monitored without the time delays of an inlet system, at a pressure up to 10-2 mbar. An additional orifice system allows the pressure range to be expanded up to 10 mbar.

FEI announces new Verios extreme high resolution SEM

FEI, a leading instrumentation company providing imaging and analysis systems for research and industry, extends its leadership in the high-resolution scanning electron microscopy market with the launch of the new Verios XHR SEM. The Verios provides the subnanometer resolution and enhanced contrast needed for precise measurements on beam-sensitive materials in advanced semiconductor manufacturing and materials science applications. Trisha Rice, FEI’s vice president and general manager of the Materials Science Business Unit says, “For materials scientists, the Verios will also enable important new insights by extending sub-nanometer imaging and characterization to novel materials being developed today. This will allow researchers to capture the high resolution, high contrast images required, without the need to transition to TEM or other imaging techniques.” The Verios system allows any user to switch quickly between various operating conditions, maintain sample cleanliness, and obtain sub-nanometer resolution at any accelerating voltage from 1 kV to 30 kV. The optimized signal collection and advanced filtering abilities not only provide higher and more flexible contrast generation, but also allow for a greater range of samples to be investigated. Many beam-sensitive or nonconductive materials can now be accurately observed at the nanoscale, without any preparation.

Special offer: Discounted flights for Tecnargilla 2012

Rimini Fiera SpA has chosen Lufthansa LUFTHANSA as its official carrier for Tecnargilla, offering special conditions and prices for all those participating on the Expo. The offer is valid for all flights to Bologna, Milan, Rimini or Venice from Sept. 17 to Oct. 5, 2012. Also, there will be a free shuttle bus running every day between the Rimini and Bologna expo centers Sept. 25-28. Bookings for the shuttle service can be made by calling +39 0541/744626 For the timetable click here.

Report: Aerogel market by form and application-global trends and forecasts up till 2017

This report analyses aerogel market by geography, applications and forms. By geography, the report is segmented into Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America. The products included in this report are mainly based on aerogel application types. The applications covered in this report are building insulation, oil and natural gas, aerospace, automotive, industry, cryogenics, etc. In various applications the purpose of using aerogel product is different and ranges from thermal insulation to catalyst agent hence depending on the application aerogel market is segmented by form. The aerogel market is estimated from production side of the market. This report estimates the market size of the global aerogel market both in terms of volume and value. It discusses market drivers, restraints and opportunities, raw materials, and product price trends. It also includes value chain analysis, Porter’s analysis, product life cycle analysis, and patent analysis. The report also deals with market share by participant for the overall market. It also tracks the recent activities of market players in terms of product launches, expansion plans, supply contracts, and partnerships and collaborations. In addition, the top 11 players of the aerogel market have been profiled in this report. The aerogel market report covers its production across regions. The aerogel market is analyzed in terms of volume (metric tons) produced in each region. The increasing awareness about energy efficiency, increasing environmental concerns and emission reduction targets are driving the growth in aerogel production. In addition, aerogel performance and multiple possible applications for achieving energy efficiency are acting as key driver for a high growth rate in aerogel production. Aerogel is manufactured by a critical manufacturing process called supercritical drying. Costs associated with its manufacturing are high which results in high pricing of material. High prices are acting as restraints for aerogel market growth.

Munson offers new high-torques screen classifying cutter

Munson Machinery Co.’s new high-torque, low-speed model SCC-15-SS screen classifying cutter reduces hard materials and friable products into controlled particle sizes. A proprietary rotor design is comprised of cutter bits attached to a helical array of staggered holders called “interconnected parallelograms,” that continuously cut and crush oversize materials against twin, stationary bed knives. Unlike high-shear cutters that rotate at high speeds, the high-torque cutter is equipped with a direct-coupled, gear-reduced drive that rotates the shaft at speeds down to 10 RPM to cut or crush tough materials using low shear, and/or to minimize fines when cutting friable materials. The cutter bits, which are available in stainless steel, tool steel and tungsten carbide, can be slid onto holders and secured with one retaining socket-head screw, allowing rapid replacement. The SCC-15-SS positions the bits along the entire shaft, with no frontal gaps, reducing material into uniform pieces with minimum imperfections or fines, and little to no generation of heat.

Pair of Union Process tandem grinding attritors used to mill nanoparticles

Union Process Inc., known globally as a manufacturer of size reduction and dispersing equipment for a broad range of industrial applications, has produced a pair of dry grinding attritors for a high-tech advanced materials company. The 30SD and 50SD attritors will work in tandem for a customer, with one unit milling a dry powder for nanoparticle reduction and then transferring the material to the other unit for complete and thorough dispersion and blending in a second stage wet process. The dry powder material created in the 30SD is transferred via dry powder pump into the 50SD for this two-stage process. Both attritors include a one-piece stainless steel tank cover with Meco shaft and a variable frequency drive that is housed in a NEMA 4X/12 wash down duty enclosure. An LCD operator interface module displays agitator RPM, motor AMPS and motor HP being used. The 50SD is powered by a 75 HP, TEFC inverter duty motor while the 30SD has a 40 HP motor. The mills are also equipped with a specially designed process control timer package per the customer’s request, which includes a process run timer, temperature warning and cut-off switch, as well as cooling water flow sensors.

HIG acquires the specialty aluminas activity of Rio Tinto to create Alteo

After many years as part of Pechiney, then Alcan and most recently Rio Tinto, the Specialty Aluminas business is from today an independent company following the sale to HIG Capital Europe. The new name for the business will be Alteo. The business will maintain the existing production setup based upon the four facilities in Europe, headquartered in Gardanne, France, producing a unique range of products from specialty calcined aluminas to tabular and fused aluminas. The key markets for these products are ceramics, refractories, abrasives and glass, supported by an expanding global commercial network in Europe, Asia and the United States.Substantial investments in application based R&D and environmental sustainability will confirm the position of Alteo as the leading, fully-integrated, global supplier of specialty aluminas.

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A sample of Bridgelux LED products. The company along with Toshiba achieved world-class performance for 8″ GaN-on-silicon LEDs. Credit: Bridgelux.

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Global high temperature insulation market worth $3.5 billion by 2016

According to a new market research report, “High Temperature Insulation Market—HTI Application (petrochemicals, glass, ceramics, and others) and Temperature Range-Global Trends & Forecasts (2011-2016)”, published by MarketsandMarkets, global HTI products market will grow from estimated $2.7 billion in 2011 to $3.5 billion in 2016 with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4% during the same period. The global HTI market was valued at $2.47 billion in 2007. Next year the market grew by 10.6% and reached to $2.73 billion in 2008. In 2009, the global economic crisis affected the number of projects across various industries which led to a fall in market by 16 percent to $2.29 billion. In 2010, the market recovered and companies in high temperature insulation business recorded significant jump in their revenues. For instance, The Morgan Crucible Company Plc reported a 12 percent rise in their thermal ceramic division’s revenue which includes high temperature insulation products. In 2010 the overall high temperature insulation market surged by 9.6 percent and reached to $2.51 billion. In 2011, the market jumped again by 7.8 percent to $2.9 billion and the similar growth is expected in next year. The high temperature insulation market is forecasted to reach $3.5 billion by 2016 at a compounded annual growth rate of 5.4% in next five years. Europe is the largest consumer of HTI products with 40 percent market share in 2011 followed by North America with 35% share. UK based Morgan Thermal Ceramics and U.S. based Unifrax are the largest manufacturers of HTI products and together constitute one third of the market.

JEOL introduces new versatile FE-SEM series for sub-nanometer imaging and analysis of nanostructures and magnetic samples

JEOL has launched a new series of Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopes that offer expanded imaging and analysis capabilities customizable to performance requirements. The JEOL JSM-7100F series offers sub-1 nanometer imaging capabilities and analytical characterization at the sub-100 nanometer scale, accomplished through the combination of large beam currents with a small probe size at any accelerating voltage. Designed for the budget-conscious lab, the JSM-7100F model is a highly versatile, easy-to-use analytical field emission SEM that offers a new level of expanded performance. Through the unique “in-lens field emission gun,” the SEM delivers ≥ 200 nA of beam current to the sample. An aperture angle control lens automatically optimizes both small probe current spot size for high resolution imaging and spot shape for high beam current, high resolution microanalysis, while a beam deceleration mode curtails charging on nonconductive specimens such as ceramics, semiconductors and polymers.

Solexel raises $25M for silicon gas-based solar panels

(Bloomberg) Solexel Inc., a closely held U.S. solar-panel maker that uses silicon gas to manufacture its wafers, received $25 million to build a pilot plant in California, according to an executive. The pilot is intended to test Solexel’s manufacturing process with larger equipment that would be used in a factory planned in Malaysia, according to Kerstens. Solexel, based in Milpitas, California, makes its solar cells using silicon gas instead of growing silicon ingots in furnaces and slicing them into wafers like other companies, according to Kerstens. Those processes are more expensive because more silicon is required and about half of it is wasted, he said. ”We do away with the traditional process of a polysilicon plant,” Kerstens said. “We deposit a gas and we grow every wafer individually, and we can therefore control the thickness,” he said.

Bridgelux and Toshiba achieve world-class performance for 8″ GaN-on-silicon LEDs

Bridgelux Inc., a leading developer and promoter of LED lighting technologies and solutions, and Toshiba Corp., a world-leading semiconductor manufacturer, today announced that Bridgelux and Toshiba have achieved the industry’s top class 8″ GaN-on-silicon LED chip emitting 614mW, <3.1V@350mA with 1.1mm square chip, just months after they have engaged in a joint collaborative agreement. Bridgelux and Toshiba will further accelerate their development efforts for LED chips, which have seen increasing demand for LCD panels and lightening systems world wide. Toshiba has also made an equity investment in Bridgelux with the intent to jointly pursue an innovative technology in the Solid State Lighting (space. This investment will further advance both companies’ efforts in the SSL industry, with the view to boost Bridgelux’s GaN-on-Silicon LED chip technology development efforts based on Toshiba’s advanced silicon process and manufacturing technology development efforts.

XAAR 1001 GS12 printhead to drive ceramic tile industry faster

Xaar, a provider of digital ceramic printing technology, has launched a new model of the Xaar 1001 inkjet printhead family. The Xaar 1001 GS12 printhead will enable ceramic tile manufacturers to achieve deep and rich colours. It can also be used at double the speed of the Xaar 1001 GS6. This new printhead features Xaar’s patented TF Technology to give unrivalled reliability with low maintenance, ensuring maximum manufacturing productivity in the harshest industrial environments.

Rio Tinto receives binding offer for its speciality aluminas business

Rio Tinto has received a firm offer from HIG European Capital Partners for the purchase of its specialty aluminas activity. The specialty aluminas management team is fully engaged in this project. Both HIG and our management team share a clear vision and understanding of the specialty aluminas business. The project contemplated through this acquisition is focused on strengthening our competitive advantages, continuing our R&D efforts, enhancing our environmental investments to ensure the sustainability of the business and accelerating its development. A period of exclusivity has been agreed upon with HIG. Rio Tinto will respond to the offer following consultation with the relevant European work councils. All commitments to our customers and suppliers will remain in place and will continue to be met. As always, the specialty aluminas business will rely on skills and expertise of its employees as well as on its client relationships.

Union Process builds dry grinding lab mill with feeder system

Union Process Inc., known globally as a leading manufacturer of size reduction and dispersing equipment for a broad range of industrial applications, has redesigned its 1-SD laboratory grinding mill to now include a completely integrated system comprised of a feeder, hopper and attritor mill mounted together on a single portable stand for continuous dry grinding. Union Process President Arno Szegvari commented, “This completely integrated system provides a one-stop solution for the customer and assures that all components (mill, feeder, hopper) will work together to provide the most efficient and effective size reduction.” The mill uses an electronic variable frequency drive. This 1-SD is configured for metal-free grinding with a ceramic-lined tank and tungsten carbide-sleeved arms and a tungsten carbide-faced grid. The cover utilizes a brush seal for dry grinding dust control. Union Process is the inventor and developer of attritor technology and manufactures wet and dry grinding mills as well as bead bills.

W.S. Tyler to laser etch test sieves

W.S. Tyler is pleased to announce they will begin production of test sieves with laser etched identification on June 1, 2012. The information required to meet industry standards will be permanently etched into the metal frames. The sieve designation field will be larger than traditional name plates, allowing greater visibility by the product user. In addition, the permanent markings provide protection against loss of a metal nameplate due to the failure of mechanical fasteners. In no way will the function and the measuring ability of the instrument be affected. Production will begin on or around June 1, and all sieve products will be etched by year end.

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Unifrax celebrates 70 years of success with Fiberfrax product line

Unifrax, a leading global producer of high temperature fiber products is celebrating a milestone year in 2012 as it observes the 70th anniversary of its well-known Fiberfrax product line. In 1942, J. Charles McMullen was a research scientist for The Carborundum Co. Fibers Division, later known as Unifrax, when he invented a revolutionary ceramic fiber that was trademarked under the Fiberfrax name. Today, the spirit of innovation continues at Unifrax where over 50 Fiberfrax product forms, as well as Insulfrax and Isofrax soluble fiber products are backed by experienced Unifrax application engineers, customer service team and extensive distributor. “The success of the Fiberfrax product line during the past 70 years is due to the shared expertise, dedication and support of our customers, distributors and employees,” says Unifrax president, David E. Brooks. “We are committed to continuingthe tradition of high quality, innovative products and service that are an integral part of the Fiberfrax brand.”

CoorsTek acquires ANCeram GmbH & Co. KG Technical Ceramics

CoorsTek (Golden, Colo.) has purchased ANCeram GmbH & Co. KG of Bindlach, Germany. Known primarily for its extended range of specialty aluminum nitrides, ANCeram manufactures ceramic substrates, insulators, and structural components for the aerospace, laser, railway, marine, and automotive industries. Established in 1988, the early focus for ANCeram was on creating a superior alternative for environmentally challenging beryllium oxide. Working with several European universities and independent research centers, ANCeram developed their own environmentally friendly aluminum nitride ceramic. In addition to their broad AlN experience, the company offers silicon nitrides, aluminas, copper-to-ceramic brazing capabilities, ceramic-to-metal bonding, and ceramic metallization. Products include components for insulators, coolers, diodes, heat exchangers, power electronics, high-temperature crucibles and boats, and other multimaterial components.

Carbo Ceramics to construct manufacturing plant and create 70 new jobs

Carbo Ceramics Inc. will begin construction on a state-of-the-art ceramic manufacturing plant in Millen, Ga., announced Gary Kolstad, president and CEO. Having received its air quality permit from the State of Georgia, Carbo should commence construction on the first production line by the end of 2012 and operations could begin near the end of 2013. Initial staffing for the plant should create 70 new jobs in Jenkins County. The project will bring up to 300 construction jobs to the area during assembly of the plant. The manufacturing plant will be situated on 450 acres and conveniently located for product distribution by truck or rail. In addition to the distribution flexibility, the site has the ability to expand to four production lines. Ceramic proppant is used in hydraulic fracturing to make oil and gas wells produce better and recover more oil and gas.

Morgan Thermal Ceramics offers refractory monolithic material for high temperature applications

Morgan Thermal Ceramics announces the availability of its high-strength, low-cement range of refractory monolithic lining materials ideal for demanding, high temperature applications in the metals, incineration, power generation and minerals processing markets. The full range of products includes Tri-Mor Morflo low cement castable and Tri-Mor Higun low cement gunning materials. They offer excellent resistance to chemical attack and abrasion, combining the traditional high performance qualities of high fired brick with the ease of installation of a refractory castable. These advanced materials are ideal for use in forge furnaces, rotary kilns, rotary hearths, pusher furnaces, skid kid pipe protections and troughs for molten copper. The availability of the full range of products offers significant benefits, as walls and floors can be lined with the Morflo castable material, while roofs can be gunned with the complementary Higun material.

Sasol expands ultrahigh purity aluminas capacity

Sasol Ltd.’s Olefins & Surfactants Division (headquarters in Hamburg, Germany) announced it will expand in a first step its capacity to produce ultrahigh purity aluminas by at least 3,000 metric tons per year. Construction will begin immediately at Brunsbuettel, the company’s Germany manufacturing site on a process to supply Sasol North America’s Ceralox alumina production facility in Tucson, Arizona with ultrahigh purity alumina precursor. Sasol Olefins & Surfactants, a provider of ultrahigh purity alumina materials for sapphire and other applications for more than 20 years, will then convert the Brunsbuettel alumina precursor into tailored products for customer specific applications. Of particular focus to Sasol are the increasing raw material requirements of single crystal sapphire producers due to rapidly growing LED applications.

Heraeus continues on record course in 2011

The Hanau-based Heraeus precious metals and technology Group in 2011 once again surpassed the previous year’s record results, tallying the most successful year in the company’s history. This was announced by the Heraeus Holding GmbH Board of Management at a press conference on annual results held in Frankfurt on May 10. With product revenues of EUR4.8 billion, Heraeus surpassed the previous year’s level by 19 percent. Operating results (EBIT) also increased by 23 percent to reach a total of €489 million. Precious metals trading revenue reached €21.3 billion, topping the €20 billion threshold for the first time. This represents an increase of 19 percent over the previous year’s level. The outlook for 2012 is good, too.

Babcock and Wilcox executives see bright prospects in coal power plants despite natural gas competition

Via the Akron Beacon Journal —Prolonged low natural gas prices in the United States likely will hurt some of Babcock & Wilcox’s coal power plant-related business, the company’s top executives said Thursday. But any impact that reduces coal power plant usage in the U.S. can be minimized in part because B&W expects to gain business through its technology and services that make coal-fired plants environmentally cleaner, they said in an earnings conference call with industry analysts. In addition, B&W sees strong demand for coal-fired plants elsewhere in the world, particularly Asia, where natural gas prices are not as low as in the United States, they said.

New Harper webinar series: Designing for energy efficiency in thermal processing

Harper International is proud to present new webinars from our seasoned experts focused on maximizing the production economics of your thermal processing system. In our multi-part series, you will get access to the know-how of Harper’s industry-leading experts, with decades of experience in thermal processing for a variety of advanced materials and expertise in helping customers grow their thermal processing lines successfully. The first webinar will be June 5, 2012, at 11 a.m. (Eastern Time). The webinar will be led by Robert Blackmon, vice president of integrated systems, and Doug Armstrong, process technology engineer. This webinar will explore how to optimize high temperature processes; considering efficiency early during development of advanced material processes; reuse of furnace outputs to drive down utilities costs; batch vs. continuous processing; pragmatic retrofits to apply to existing systems; and carbon fiber as a case study example.

Harrop increases toll firing capacity at Columbus facility

Harrop Industries has recently commissioned two new electrically-heated elevator kilns in its toll firing facility in Columbus, Oh, to fulfill the ongoing demand from our clients. Harrop now operates 17 electric and gas-fired periodic kilns and ovens with temperature capabilities up to 1,700°C and atmosphere control. With the wide variety of equipment available, Harrop can tailor a solution to meet our clients’ needs in both product development and supplemental production. Founded in 1919, Harrop has been and continues to be a leader in custom designed industrial kilns for the ceramics industry. Our breadth of knowledge in thermal processing equipment has also allowed us to supply custom heat treating systems in other industries as well. Our focus is to build relationships with our clients and provide a system that is custom designed for their process.

Union Process introduces DMQX bead mill

Union Process, Inc., known globally as a leading manufacturer of size reduction and dispersing equipment for a broad range of industrial applications, has launched the DMQX horizontal bead milling system. The DMQX mill features an enhanced disc/rod design that significantly improves grinding efficiency. The new design dramatically increases milling effectiveness resulting in shorter milling time and lower shaft speeds. The result is less wear on seal faces and other wear parts, which in turn results in significant cost savings. The unique design of the mill allows for a fast and efficient solution for producing materials in the single micron and even nanometer range, all with the cost-effective advantages of circulation grinding. Union Process is the inventor and developer of attritor technology, and manufactures wet and dry grinding mills as well as horizontal bead mills.

Remtec expands DBC substrate capabilities, provides fast prototyping and delivery of low/medium volume DBC substrates

Remtec, a leading manufacturer of substrates and packages with Plated Copper On Thick Film, has significantly expanded its activity in the design and fabrication of DBC ceramic products for military and commercial applications in small to medium production volumes with fast prototyping and economic pricing. This capability is supported by close cooperation with Rogers Corp. to provide Remtec with its standard Curamik brand mastercards. Remtec facilitates fast turnaround by keeping an extensive stock of the most commonly used 5.5″ x 7.5″ alumina and aluminum nitride DBC configurations ready for production. Remtec utilizes the well-known quality of Curamik DBC substrates coupled with high quality Remtec plating typical of its PCTF products. Remtec offers its customers versatile surface finish options such as selective gold, gold tin plating, and ENEPIG. These processes along with various solder mask options allow for high reliability, low cost solutions suitable for any assembly technique.

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Structure of “ENE-FARM home energy SOFC cogeneration unit jointly developed by Kyocera and consortium of other Japanese companies. Credit: Kyocera.

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Kyocera presents comprehensive home energy management system

(FuelCellToday) Technology group and solar energy pioneer Kyocera has developed a new energy solution for the generation and storage of solar energy and heat. The concept combines photovoltaics with a Li-ion battery, as well as a solid oxide fuel cell and an intelligent energy management system. In a home, solar power produced by PV panels on the roof can be stored by means of a Li-ion battery. A cogeneration fuel cell is also installed in the home to produce electricity and heat from natural gas. The electricity can be stored in the battery whereas the heat is used directly for hot water and to support space heating. The EMS individually regulates the energy flows between the energy producers, energy users and the national power grid. At peak consumption periods, the EMS ensures stored power is used before grid power.

GreenCell Inc. new joint venture solidifies their spot in the automotive advanced ceramics sensor market

GreenCell Inc., which has recently signed a joint venture with General Automotive Co., a North American provider of parts, accessories and advanced technology for the automotive industry, is rolling out their new ceramic seal system for automotive oxygen sensors. The automotive parts industry, which reaches into the billions of dollars, has one of the most critical needs for advanced ceramics. The high heat stresses on brakes, sensors and engine parts can be greatly improved by composite ceramics, some of which are already used in the industry today. Companies like GreenCell, Ceradyne, 3M and CTS Corp all have technologies aimed at improving the life of these critical parts and lower overall costs associated with manufacturing. GreenCell is engaged in a joint venture with SenCer Inc. to develop, commercialize and market SenCer’s UltraTemp™ ceramic composite materials for home and transportation applications.

Alternative energy companies find success using Union Process attritors

Union Process Inc., known globally as a manufacturer of size reduction and dispersing equipment for a broad range of industrial applications, has produced a dry grinding batch-type attritor that will be used to mill nanosize particles of various materials for renewable/alternative energy or green energy sources. The energy-efficient 30SD attritor is explosion-proof, and has a gross tank volume of 53 gallons. The attritor options include a process control timer system, as well as an integrated process temperature control warning and shutoff system. The mill is powered by a 40 HP, TEFC, inverter duty motor and uses a 460V/3HP/60Hz, variable frequency drive. Arno Szegvari, president of Union Process, noted, “We have seen a significant increase in the use of our Attritors in emerging green technologies including lithium ion batteries and other forms of alternative energy. We are excited to have our equipment and processes continue to play a role in developing better and better technologies for the world.”

H.C. Starck continues on profitable growth track; introducing new products in Asia, and securing raw material supply

H.C. Starck, a manufacturers of refractory metals and technical ceramics, had its sales grow by 28% to €883.2 million Euros from €689.3 million in 2010. Also operating profit grew significantly compared to the year before. “We want to further develop our fast-growing, unique recycling activities. We are the global technology leader when it comes to recycling refractory metals. With a current rate of around 50%, recycling is a vital pillar in our materials sourcings,” says Andreas Meier, chair of the H.C. Starck executive board. The company will invest in the development of high-quality tungsten products in China and a joint venture in Minamata, Japan, for the development and manufacture of cathode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries. In addition, the company has resolved one of its most important core strategic issues by securing the long-term supply of conflict-free raw materials.

Take your lab to the next level with hands-on training from Brookfield

Brookfield, an expert in viscosity measurement and control, offers two hands-on courses that equip users of Brookfield instruments with the knowledge to get the most out of their viscosity test methods. These one-day training sessions are presented in easy- to-understand terms that give attendees the working know-how to verify and improve upon the data required for meaningful R&D and successful QC testing. The courses are offered at Brookfield’s headquarters in Middleboro, Mass., and at major metropolitan areas across the United States.

Elcan Industries moves to a new facility

Virto/Elcan Industries, has greatly increased capabilities by moving to a new facility in Tuckahoe, N.Y. The new location has three-times more capacity than the previous location and meets the higher demand for toll processing and testing customer’s products. With a larger facility Virto/Elcan can provide expanded services to big and small clients. The new facility also enables Virto/Elcan Industries to provide higher quality customer support for both Virto and Minox screening machine technologies. The new facility holds more parts inventory allowing for faster shipping.

Harper awarded multiple contracts for ultra-high-temperature furnaces

Harper International has been awarded several projects for ultra-high-temperature continuous furnace systems. One system, rated at 2,800°C, is to be installed at FISIPE in Portugal funded through EUCARBON, a project of European Union 7th Framework Program granted to INEGI the Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management in Porto. The system will be used for the development of high modulus carbon fiber, primarily used in applications requiring high rigidity. Harper was selected for the contract due to its track record of delivering the most advanced carbon fiber thermal processing systems available, especially in the UHT market.

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