In Upland Hills Calif., Aqueonics pioneered what is now called wastewater mining when it worked in 1982 with the local utility to serve an 800-unit country club development. Aqueonics tapped into the utility sewer collection system and treated the wastewater for reuse in golf course irrigation. At the same time, its facility shaved the peak use for the utility, allowing it to serve the development without an expensive expansion of its facility.
Wastewater mining
August 3rd, 2009Super-computer captures supernova
August 3rd, 2009
Capturing complex visualizations, such as the above Dali-esque rendering of a supernova, don’t just produce pretty pictures ideal for desktop wallpapers. They also allow scientists to see simulations of complex physical, chemical and biological phenomena. Unfortunately generating the quadrillions of data points required for visualizations of everything from supernovas to protein structures is quickly overwhelming current computing capabilities. So scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory are exploring ways to speed up the process using a technique called software-based parallel volume rendering. ~gizmag
Photonic Spheres
July 22nd, 2009
Polymer photonic spheres can achieve an instantaneous and reversible color change under an applied magnetic field, offering potential for electronic paper, rewritable signs, and security materials. The magnetochromatic microspheres consist of resin droplets embedded with arrays of paramagnetic colloidal particles. UV curing forms a hard shell but the interior remains fluid so that the magnetic field can orient the particles in 1D chains that act as diffraction gratings to generate color. ~Journal of the American Chemical Society
Small Step for Man Still Visible on Moon
July 20th, 2009
Exactly forty years ago today, with fuel running short and alarms buzzing, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin set their lunar module Eagle down on the face of the moon, and mankind took its very first step on another celestial body. Last week, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) returned its first imagery of the Apollo moon landing sites. Even after all these years, there’s something truly heroic about seeing those lunar module descent stages sitting silently on the surface, testament to man’s imagination and determination. ~gizmag
Polymer Nerve Cells?
July 20th, 2009Scientists have now used an electrically conducting plastic to create a new type of “delivery electrode” that releases the neurotransmitters that brain cells use to communicate naturally. ~NanoWerk
Tougher Epoxy
July 15th, 2009
Epoxies have been the workhorse of the structural composites market for almost 50 years, replacing everything from small rivets to entire steel structures. But now, as the industry looks to energy-efficient and environmentally-sound materials, the pressure’s on to make epoxies the go-to glue. To toughen up the product and make it even more structurally strong, the industry is turning to modifiers that do everything from thickening the mix to improving adhesion, while also minimizing the affect on the environment. Are you modifying your materials to make the best epoxy? ~Adhesives Magazine
Positive Signs
July 15th, 2009Manufacturers and wholesalers are starting to see positive signs for economic recovery, according to the third annual RSM McGladrey Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution National Survey. Respondents to the survey say they expect their companies to rebound from the current recession beginning in late 2009 (46%) and early 2010 (44%). In general, companies predict an earlier rebound for their own businesses than for their industry or the U.S. economy, reported Modern Distribution Management.
Cap-and-Trade: Boon or Bane?
July 8th, 2009
New cap-and-trade laws before the U.S. Congress could create notable challenges for the chemicals industry. As one of the largest consumers of energy, this industry will need to find new ways to limit greenhouse gas emissions and improve efficiency in its operations. While these new laws will hit some chemical companies hard, research suggests that some companies will benefit from the new laws. Increased demand for insulation and solar components to meet greenhouse gas standards will boost production for some chemical companies. Will your organization be one of the companies that benefit from the new cap-and-trade laws? ~EarthStream.comPlastic That Grows On Trees
July 8th, 2009
Can researchers develop a way to “grow” the building blocks for plastics and even crude oil, HMF (5-hydroxymethylfurfural) from plants? They already have. Previous research at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory was able to produce HMF from simple sugars derived from plant cellulose, but the process has been much improved. Adding two catalysts and the right temperature combination, 57% of the sugar content was converted to HMF in one step, with 90% of the HMF recovered at 96% purity.
Fire Retardant Fiberglass
July 8th, 2009
Braided silicone-coated fiberflass tubes withstand withstand 1500 / 2500 / 4000V/mm dielectric breakdown voltage, are anti-aging with high temperature endurance, corrosion resistance, flame retardation and RoHS compliance. Uses are in electrical appliances, electronic devices, internal parts such as electric heaters, ovens, electric boilers and motors.