Shell and HR Biopetroleum to Grow Algae for Biofuels
A pilot facility for growing algae to be used as a biofuels source will be built by Royal Dutch Shell plc, The Hague, The Netherlands, and HR Biopetroleum , which is incorporated in Delaware and headquartered in Hawaii. The facility will cultivate algae in seawater ponds, then harvest the algae and extract oil from them for conversion into fuels such as biodiesel. Construction of the facility will begin immediately on a parcel of land leased from the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) , which is located on the shore of the Hawaiian island of Kona. The site is suitable for the project because it pipes in a constant supply of clean, fresh ocean water.

Algae grow rapidly and can have a high percentage of lipids, or oils. They can double their mass several times a day and produce at least 15 times more oil per acre than alternatives such as rapeseed, palms, soybeans or jatropha. Also, algae-growing facilities can be built on coastal land unsuitable for conventional agriculture.

This facility will grow only non-genetically modified, marine microalgae species in open-air ponds using proprietary technology. It will also use bottled carbon dioxide to test the algae's ability to capture carbon. To support the facility, academic research programs at the University of Hawaii, the University of Southern Mississippi and Canada's Dalhousie University will screen natural microalgae species to find the strains that produce the highest yields and the most oil.

To develop the biofuels project, Shell and HR Biopetroleum have formed a joint venture company called Cellana.

Temperature Measurement CD Released
Descriptions of different types of temperature-measurement devices, process applications for temperature sensors, and an Interactive Resource Center that includes a scientific calculator and technical papers are contained on a CD from Nanmac Corp., Framingham, Mass. A free copy of the Thermocouple Handbook 5.2 CD can be requested online or by calling (800) 786-4669.

Thermal Oxidizer Media Mastery
Careful attention should be given to selecting the shape and material of the heat exchange media to mitigate potential problems with particulate matter and to ensure reliable, economical and safe operation of thermal oxidation systems.

Temperature Control of a Semiconductor Process Tool
Both a heat exchanger and two configurations of chillers were evaluated for support of a 300 mm physical vapor deposition (PVD) tool. Which came out on top?

Convection Dryers: The Path to Energy Savings
To identify ways to reduce the amount of energy used by your drying system, you must first understand how that energy is spent -- heating and evaporating water, heating fresh airstreams, and making up losses, among others. Evaluating these points in your operation can point to areas where savings may be possible.

Cartridge Heater Considerations
Carefully matching a heater to the application will help extend the life of the unit.

Using CFD Analysis to Reduce Energy Consumption
Computational fluid dynamic analysis can be used to identify choke points and other inefficiencies in your process equipment design. When applied intelligently, the changes suggested by CFD analysis can help equipment owners lower capital costs, lower operating costs and improve the process.

Miniature Infrared Thermometer
Model IRtec includes options such as a choice of optics, temperature ranges and wavelengths. The miniature infrared temperature sensor has dimensions of 0.7 x 5" and accuracy of up to +/-0.05 percent of reading or 2°F (1.1°C). The unit includes a 4 to 20 mA signal output and measures temperatures up to 2,900°F (1,593°C). Other features include NIST-traceable calibration and working ambient temperatures up to 140°F (60°C) without requiring cooling.
E Instruments Group LLC, (215) 750-1212

Toxic Gas Detector
Model TS4000 has been third-party certified for SIL 2 applications and is approved by CSA, ATEX, CE and GOST. Features of the toxic gas detector include long-distance remote mounting (up to 2,000'); dual, redundant Modbus communications; 8 A relays; three-digit display; 4 to 20 mA output; and an indication of remaining sensor life. All electronics are contained within an explosionproof housing so sensor information can be processed at the sensor site. It monitors a range of toxic gases in the parts per million range, including carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, oxygen, ammonia, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen sulfide, ozone and sulfur dioxide.
General Monitors Inc., (800) 330-9161

Top-Loading Oven
No. 955 is a 500°F (260°C) electrically heated, top-loading oven used for testing electronic components. Workspace of the unit measures 312 x 24 x 24". Nichrome wire elements heat the oven while four 2-hp recirculating blowers provide 8,000 cfm horizontal airflow to the workload. The top-loading oven has 4" insulated walls throughout, aluminized steel exterior and interior, and a motor-operated, rear-hinged door.
Grieve Corp., (847) 546-8225

Fiber-Optic Temperature Measurement
For temperature monitoring in harsh EMI/RFI, microwave and high-voltage environments, Luxtron 800 Series provides accuracy, stability and repeatability with the option of a faster sampling speed. The series includes fiber-optic temperature-monitoring systems configurable with either one or two measurement channels at 4 or 10 Hz measurement speeds. The tabletop version includes a two-line LED display and is encased in a tamperproof metal enclosure. The systems are compatible with the company's Fluoroptic probes, which are immune to electromagnetic interference and entirely nonmetallic.
LumaSense Technologies, (408) 235-3813

Monitoring Instruments
Heavy Duty Series comprises four separate devices: Model HD200, a differential thermometer datalogger; Model HD300, a thermo-anemometer; Model HD500, a psychrometer with infrared thermometer; and Model HD700/HD750, a differential pressure manometer. The HD200 allows users to take differential temperature readings with dual Type K thermocouple probes as well as noncontact surface temperature measurements using an infrared thermometer probe. The HD300 provides simultaneous display of airflow in cfm/cmm or air velocity as well as ambient temperature. The HD500 combines the functions of a humidity meter, Type K thermometer and infrared thermometer. Finally, the HD700 can serve as a low range/high resolution gauge or measure differential pressure.
Extech Instruments, (781) 890-7440

RO Platform
Features of the RO platform include a stronger support structure, high quality stainless steel and instrumentation, and reduced permeate flux rates with better balance for reduced membrane fouling. The platform is designed with additional biocide feed and control options, greater hydraulic flexibility, and with features to minimize water usage while maximizing membrane performance. Its VFD efficiently controls the pressure and flow from the pump without using a throttle valve. It can be interlocked with water usage to minimize RO downtime that often contributes to bacterial fouling.
U.S. Water Services, (763) 553-0379