A good seal ensures safe, efficient pumping of fluids. Monitoring and maintaining your seal system is crucial to eliminating leaks and optimizing the performance of the whole system. Learn (or re-learn!) about the optimal use of your seal system, including how to do the proper pressure calculations and compare your results to the characteristic curves of a well-designed system.

A company known for its flexible synthetic, rubber-based piping systems has launched a new line of pipes intended to transport organic materials such as hydrocarbons. The new pipe system is built with a special polymer lining that is both fire and oil resistant, minimizing the damage done by hydrocarbons. The flexible polymer pipe is much lighter than traditional steel piping and requires no welding or metal cutting to install.

Vacuum heat treating is a versatile and safe mode of thermal processing, resulting in quality components for aerospace, automotive, and all kinds of industrial applications. This article from Industrial Heating is the first of a three-part series presenting the basics of vacuum heat treating, including some theory behind the most popular techniques and how pressure is measured.

Heat treating can require lots of energy. Ceramics manufacturers are working to optimize the energy efficiency of their kilns to match their reduced outputs in this tough economy. The key to finding the most efficient firing schedule is in equating the required heat input of the kiln's functional zones with the kiln's heat absorption capability.

To remove fermented waste from dry anaerobic composting biogas production, one company has developed an extraction screw conveyor system that fits on the bottom of the biogas digester. The stainless steel tubular conveyor is designed with heavy-duty gaskets and flanges capable of withstanding the high pressure of the waste in the bottom of the tank.

A new reduction device breaks up bulk solids using two heavy-duty gear-driven, counter-rotating shafts, with evenly spaced fingers interacting with replaceable combs located on the device's sidewalls. With a compact, low-profile design, the device can be integrated into existing production equipment, such as a hopper.

Polycrystalline zeolite films are gaining popularity as membranes used for molecular separations. However, defects caused by the heat treatment process compromise the selectivity of these membranes. A new heat treatment process developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota promises to reduce the defects by producing an annealing effect, refining the granular structure of the film.

Manufacturers that use welding and cutting operations are responding to regulations to clean up their air, both inside and outside the plant. The point-of-source capture and filtration of smoke or fumes can be configured in a variety of ways, from simple stand alone units to wholly integrated systems. Plant managers have discovered that clean indoor air contributes to the well-being of employees, minimizing both on the job mistakes and potential health problems.

A Canadian conference of manufacturing professionals is inspiring leaders to challenge the old way of doing business. In this uncertain economy, the cliche of "if you're not a customer, you're a competitor" is hurting rather than helping many businesses. The conference organizers hope that participants will learn to collaborate with each other, troubleshoot problems, and brainstorm new solutions.

The band "They Might Be Giants" is a perennial geek favorite for their gleeful celebration of scientific ideas (my favorite song is "Particle Man"). Now, the band has produced a song and accompanying video about the elements of the periodic table, aiming to educate and inspire children to exercise their innate curiosity. Never has chemistry been so cool... or catchy!

Did Drilling Contaminate Wyoming's Drinking Water?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has discovered chemical contamination in three wells of drinking water in Wyoming, prompting an exploration of the effect of natural gas drilling in the area. How do we best balance the need for new energy resources with environmental concerns?