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Thursday, 4 May 2017

PPG extends colour solutions toolbox with RapidMatch

STRONGSVILLE, US: PPG Industries has expanded its innovative colour solutions XI product line with the introduction of the all-new RapidMatch XI spectrophotometer. Combining ground-breaking optical power, colour camera images and an intuitive touch-screen user interface, the RapidMatch XI spectrophotometer is designed to dramatically enhance collision repair.

The new spectrophotometer is the second of three sophisticated tools—including the state-of-the-art TouchMix XI computer and the PaintManager XI software program—making up the PPG colour solutions XI lineup, all of which will reduce mixing-room complexity and enable technicians to be more efficient and productive.

“The RapidMatch XI spectrophotometer represents the future of accurate, reliable color-matching technology. This is a third-generation device that’s based on PPG’s more than 25 years of experience developing sophisticated instruments that provide high-accuracy measurements along with match rating and texture information. This is a tool every productivity-conscious collision centre will appreciate,” said Alison Norris, PPG manager, global colour science.

According to Norris, the RapidMatch XI spectrophotometer combines 11 colour angles and five texture angles for a total of 16 geometries powered with six blue-enhanced LEDs (light-emitting diodes), to make it the most advanced technology in the industry. Technicians will benefit from the five texture digital colour images that provide real-time paint surface viewing.

The basis for the new spectrophotometer’s color-matching capability lies in an extensive colour formula database containing reflectance and image characteristics along with high-level mathematics that efficiently and accurately delivers “target to match” returns to the end user. With its cutting-edge optics and multi-angle colour measurement, the RapidMatch XI spectrophotometer reads the actual vehicle colour at critical angles, then teams with PPG’s extensive colour database of prime, variant and special field formulas to help find the best blendable match.

The new PaintManager XI software features a more intuitive workflow and numerous improvements that streamline the paint-tracking and cloud-based reporting processes, making it even easier for customers to manage and evaluate the performance of their shops. In addition, the software program elevates the user experience with a more contemporary and visually appealing interface, improved navigation and greater opportunities for collaboration and integration across locations and within organisations.

“The purpose of our three colour solutions XI brand products is to create an easy-to-use line of colour tools that will make a paint technician’s jobless complex and simplify shop operations. With the RapidMatch XI spectrophotometer, TouchMix XI computer and the PaintManager XI program software, collision centres have everything they need to retrieve formula match information with speed and efficiency,” added Tracey Johnson, PPG senior manager, global information technology.

Quaker Chemical presents fluid solutions for steel process

CONSHOHOCKEN, US: Quaker Chemical Corporation (Quaker) said that it is presenting integrated steel process fluid solutions ranging from cleaners, rolling oils, corrosion preventives, temper fluids, and surface treatment.

Furthermore, for many steel mills, the threat of fire is very real. Hydraulic systems operating under high pressure can ignite through sudden line ruptures or by coming into contact with a high-temperature ignition source. These occurrences can dramatically impact production. At the same time, in some processes, the less obvious factors can affect productivity. Corrosion and washout caused by water contamination and ingress lead to frequent maintenance needs and possibly, equipment failure.

Quaker addresses these challenges with QUINTOLUBRIC 702-46 RD, a water-glycol based fire-resistant hydraulic fluid, and QUAKERTEK BGG, a water-resistant lithium complex grease.

Designed to provide optimum performance in hydraulic systems where fire-resistant fluids are required, QUINTOLUBRIC 702-46 RD features:

Factory Mutual (FM) approval

Superior liquid and vapour phase corrosion protection when compared to competitive products

Excellent stability with a high viscosity index

Formulated for use in areas where water-resistance is a primary concern, QUAKERTEK BGG grease:

Seals out water and contaminants

Provides long-term lubrication and corrosion protection where constant water exposure is common

Performs well in high-temperature applications due to its dropping point of > 500°F (260°C)

With a complete range of integrated process fluids and a commitment to customer service to troubleshoot issues, Quaker strives to meet the steel industry's demand for greater efficiency, improved working conditions, and reduced total cost.

Wednesday, 3 May 2017

Total starts production at Badamyar gas field

PARIS, FRANCE: Total SA has started up production from the Badamyar project, south of Yangon, Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The project will enable an extension of the Yadana gas field’s 8 billion cubic meters per year production plateau beyond 2020.

The Badamyar project involves the installation of a new wellhead platform connected to the Yadana production facilities, and the drilling of 4 horizontal wells to develop Badamyar gas field as a satellite of Yadana. The project also includes a new compression platform. Launched in mid-2014, the project was completed with no lost time injury occurrences during the 5 million man-hours worked.

Total is the operator of the project with a 31.2 percent interest. Its partners are Chevron-Unocal (28.3 percent), PTTEP (25.5 percent) and the national company MOGE (15 percent).

“Completed on schedule and with costs, 20 percent below budget, this second start-up by Total in 2017 demonstrates our capacity to effectively implement cost reduction programs. This project underscores Total’s commitment to develop gas projects to provide Myanmar and Thailand with affordable, reliable and clean energy to support the countries’ economic growth over the coming years,” said Arnaud Breuillac, president, exploration & production at Total.

New process to make sustainable rubber, plastics

NEWARK, US: A team of scientists from the University of Delaware, the University of Minnesota and the University of Massachusetts – has invented a process to make butadiene from renewable sources like trees, grasses and corn.

Butadiene is a molecule traditionally made from petroleum or natural gas, used to produce synthetic rubber and plastics.

The findings in published online in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering.

The study’s authors are all affiliated with the catalysis centre for energy innovation (CCEI) based at the University of Delaware. CCEI is an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the US Department of Energy.

“Our team combined a catalyst we recently discovered with new and exciting chemistry to find the first high-yield, low-cost method of manufacturing butadiene. This research could transform the multi-billion-dollar plastics and rubber industries,” said Dionisios Vlachos, CCEI director.

Butadiene is the chief chemical component in a broad range of materials found throughout society. When this four-carbon molecule undergoes a chemical reaction to form long chains called polymers, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is formed, which is used to make abrasive-resistant automobile tires. When blended to make nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), it becomes the key component in hoses, seals and the rubber gloves ubiquitous to medical settings.

In the world of plastics, butadiene is the chief chemical component in acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), a hard plastic that can be moulded into rigid shapes.

“Our team’s success came from our philosophy that connects research in novel catalytic materials with a new approach to the chemistry. This is a great example where the research team was greater than the sum of its parts,” said Vlachos.

Novel chemistry in 3 steps

The novel chemistry included a three-step process starting from biomass-derived sugars. Using technology developed within CCEI, the team converted sugars to a ring compound called furfural. In the second step, the team further processed furfural to another ring compound called tetrahydrofuran (THF).

It was in the third step that the team found the breakthrough chemical manufacturing technology. Using a new catalyst called “phosphorous all-silica zeolite,” developed within the centre, the team was able to convert THF to butadiene with high yield (greater than 95 percent).

The team called this new, selective reaction “dehydra-decyclization” to represent its capability for simultaneously removing water and opening ring compounds at once.

“We discovered that phosphorus-based catalysts supported by silica and zeolites exhibit high selectivity for manufacturing chemicals like butadiene. When comparing their capability for controlling certain industrial chemistry uses with that of other catalysts, the phosphorous materials appear truly unique and nicely complement the set of catalysts we have been developing at CCEI,” said prof Wei Fan of the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

“This newer technology significantly expands the slate of molecules we can make from lignocellulose,” added prof Paul Dauenhauer, University of Minnesota, who is co-director of CCEI and a co-author of the study.

Additional co-authors include prof Michael Tsapatsis, postdoctoral researchers Dae Sung Park, Charles Spanjers, Limin Ren and Omar Abdelrahman, and graduate student Katherine Vinter, all from the University of Minnesota, and graduate student Hong Je Cho from the University of Massachusetts.

Researchers develop glow sticks that detects cancer

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL: Chemiluminescence, or chemical light, is the principle behind the glow sticks (also known as light sticks) used at rock concerts and as quick tools to grab when the electricity goes out. But they can also be used to diagnose diseases by identifying concentrations of biological samples. A new mechanism developed by Tel Aviv University (TAU) researchers produces a 3,000-times-brighter, water-resistant chemiluminescent probe with particular application to medical and cancer diagnosis.

The research found that tweaking the electronic structure of current probes improves their inherent fluorescence. This could lead to the invention of a new single-component system with multiple applications — including the detection and measurement of cellular activity that points to certain pathologies, such as cancer.

The study was recently published in the journal ACS Central Science.

"Chemiluminescence is considered one of the most sensitive methods used in diagnostic testing. We have developed a method to prepare highly efficient compounds that emit light upon contact with a specific protein or chemical. These compounds can be used as molecular probes to detect cancerous cells, among other applications," said prof Doron Shabat of TAU's school of chemistry, who led the research.

Fixing a glitch (problem)

The research, conducted in collaboration with Dr Christoph Bauer of Geneva University, repairs an energy-loss "glitch" in current chemiluminescent probes. Most systems use a mixture of one emitter molecule that detects the species of interest, and another two additional ingredients — a fluorophore and a soap-like substance called a surfactant — that amplify the signal to detectable levels. But energy is lost in the transfer process from the emitter molecule to the fluorophore, and surfactants are not biocompatible.

"As synthetic chemists, we knew how to link structure and function. By adding two key atoms, we created a much brighter probe than those currently on the market. In addition, this particular molecule is suitable for direct use in cells," said Shabat.

Based on this molecule, the researchers developed sensors to detect several biologically relevant chemicals. They also used the chemiluminescent molecule to measure the activity of several enzymes and to image cells by microscopy.

"This gives us a new powerful methodology with which we can prepare highly efficient chemiluminescence sensors for the detection, imaging and analysis of various cell activities," said Shabat.

The researchers are currently exploring ways of amplifying the chemiluminescence of the new probes for in vivo imaging.

The research was funded in part by the Israel Science Foundation, the Binational Science Foundation, the German-Israeli Foundation, and the Israeli National Nanotechnology Initiative.

Calumet launches new synthetic base oil

INDIANAPOLIS, US: Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP (CLMT) has launched its first American Petroleum Institute (API) group III synthetic base oil, CALPAR 4GIII.

CALPAR 4GIII is a high-quality paraffinic base oil that has been engineered by the company's in-house R&D and technical refining staff to meet the American Petroleum Institute requirements for group III base oils.

The group III classification characterises the most highly refined base oil derived from crude oil, providing viscosity index levels above 120 and very high saturate content.

CALPAR 4GIII is designed for extensive use in engine oil formulations to improve gas mileage, reduce emissions and extend oil change intervals. CALPAR 4GIII offers:

Low volatility

High viscosity index

Excellent low-temperature properties

Outstanding oxidation/thermal stability

According to the API, oils group III base oils refer to the best grade of petroleum base oil, since they are fully produced by Hydrocracking, which makes these oils purer.

"We are very proud to be the first U.S. based virgin producer of group III base oil. The addition of group III production to our Shreveport product slate demonstrates Calumet's commitment to keeping up with today's evolving marketplace. This launch broadens and enhances our portfolio, which now includes products across group I, group II, group III and group V,” said Bill Anderson, executive VP of sales at Calumet.

Enterprise completes acquisition of Azure’s midstream assets

HOUSTON, US: Enterprise Products Partners LP (EPD) said that one of its affiliates has completed the acquisition of the midstream business and assets of Azure Midstream Partners LP and its operating subsidiaries in East Texas and North Louisiana.