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Harper contracts with Orbite Aluminae for revolutionary high-purity alumina processing systems

Harper International, world leader in thermal processing solutions for advanced materials, announced a new project with Orbite Aluminae Inc. for two high temperature systems in series for conversion of aluminum chloride. Orbite conducted on-site testing at Harper’s Technology Research Center in exploration of the best furnace design to support the 99.99+ percent purity goal of their game-changing technology.  The resulting two systems include a rotary furnace for removing volatiles (calcination) and a higher temperature vertical furnace for phase transformation. Orbite’s material loses 80 percent mass as hydrochloric acid and water during the processing. In consideration of the corrosive by-products and high purity requirement, the first system is designed with a quartz tube and the second system has an alumina tube as the contact surface with the powder.

President Tetsuo Kuba fulfilling his mission at Kyocera

(Barrons) Three years ago, with Kyocera reeling, President Tetsuo Kuba vowed to make it stronger and bigger. He’s done just that, leading bulls to predict at least 30% more upside in its stock.When Tetsuo Kuba was promoted to president of Kyocera in April 2009, the Japanese company was marking its 50th anniversary year, but had little to celebrate. Battered by the global recession and the financial crisis, most of its main product lines-ceramic and semiconductor components, electronic devices, solar panels, copiers, and cellphones-were struggling. Profits were plummeting, and the outlook was grim. Recalls the now 59-year-old executive: “Those were rough times, but I felt like I was on some kind of divine mission to make sure that Kyocera not only survived, but moved up to a new level.” (sub. req’d)

3M anti-soiling technology helps increase power output in photovoltaic modules

3M will introduce an innovative new coating for photovoltaic modules and concentrated solar power mirrors at Solar Power International, September 10-13 in Orlando, Fla. 3MTM Anti-Soiling Liquid is an easy-to-apply coating designed for aftermarket use that helps solar modules stay cleaner, longer. The product significantly reduces dry dust accumulation that often occurs on sun-facing surfaces. This helps increase light transmission to the photovoltaic cells and improve overall power output. Data has shown that modules coated with the 3M Anti-Soiling Liquid generate five to ten percent more energy than uncoated modules.

Facades will be an important topic at glasstec 2012

Large-format glass facades are a striking element of modern architecture all over the world. They do not only create maximum transparency but also assume diverse functions to guarantee the building’s energy efficiency and utility convenience. At glasstec 2012, the leading international trade fair for the glass industry (to be held from October 23 – 26, 2012 in Düsseldorf, Germany), the glass facades topic will therefore play a key role and be an important element in several special presentations. The central contact point for all those interested in facades will be Hall 11 – the location of the “facades center” with the “competence center glass, window, facade” and the “glass technology live” special show.

Netzsch acquires Bruker’s Thermal Analysis Instruments business in Japan

The Netzsch Analyzing & Testing division and Bruker Corporation has acquired Bruker’s Thermal Analysis instruments business in Japan. Together with the international Netzsch group, Netzsch Japan will further develop, produce, distribute and service the existing and new thermal analysis product lines. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. In Japan, Netzsch was previously distributing its thermal analysis instruments via Bruker AXS K.K., headquartered in Yokohama. Japan is viewed as one of the most important markets for high-performance thermal analysis instrumentation because of their being one of the leading countries in top level materials research and development.

National Science Foundation Awards YSU $445,000

The National Science Foundation has awarded a grant in the amount of $444,555 to Youngstown State University for the acquisition of a variable scanning electron microscope, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Niles, announced Friday. The equipment will be integrated into undergraduate and graduate programs and be used by hundreds of students at YSU and partner institutions, the congressman said, and be used to train students in science, technology, engineering and math curricula. Partner institutions include Westminster College, Eastern Gateway Community College, Poland Seminary High School and LaBrae High School, Trumbull Career & Technical Center and Mahoning Valley Historical Society.

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