Unit operations. Chemical reaction engineering

The latest publications in this offer are:

• April 10, 2026

  J6632

  Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) extraction methods for noble gases trapped in fluids inclusions

  All the techniques presented in this article were designed and developed in research laboratories to extract gases, particularly noble gases, trapped within fluid inclusions. The extraction methods discussed here are systematically performed under ultra-high vacuum conditions (P ~10⁻⁹ mbar) to avoid atmospheric contamination. These methods involve mechanical crushing or laser ablation of rocks or minerals and are applied according to the research objectives and the specific properties of the samples. This paper focuses on the technical description of the extraction systems, along with their respective applications and limitations.

• March 10, 2026

  J7010

  Biomass gasification in supercritical water

  Biomass valorisation is at the heart of the energetic resources’ issues in the twenty-first century. Mainly regarding wet biomass, supercritical water gasification is an interesting process to produce a valuable energetic gas, due to its non-fossil origin. The operating conditions of supercritical water processes, the influence of the main conditions on the nature and conversion yield of this process are detailed in this paper. The most important laboratory pilots are presented, together with the first industrial developments.

• February 20, 2026

  CHV4020 Reviewed

  Biosolvents - Design, properties and environmental aspects

  In a context of raw materials shortage, awareness of a need for environmental protection, and pressure from regulations, the chemical industry is showing a growing interest in biosolvents made from renewable raw materials. Bio-based solvents offer an alternative to fossil resources, preventing health, safety and environmental hazards. After a reminder of the background to the solvents market, this paper presents the main biosolvent categories known for their industrial applications, and the different strategies for the design and selection of biosolvents meeting given specifications.

• December 10, 2025

  J8500

  Artificial intelligence and data mining methods applied in process engineering

  Artificial intelligence - AI - methods and big data processing are essential in process and product engineering, a complex and interdisciplinary science. Multilinear regression and principal component analysis are already common, but supervised, unsupervised, and combinatorial learning methods are also used, with new approaches constantly emerging. These techniques simplify the development of models and solve complex problems in various sectors: chemistry, food, etc. This article examines AI methods, their relevance, and their applications, while also addressing the challenges of physical interpretability and extrapolation.

• December 10, 2025

  J8020

  CO2 Capture Utilization and Storage - From molecular chemistry to life cycle

  This article proposes to tackle the carbon capture, utilization and storage challenge through an integrated approach, to reach net zero emission objectives and mitigate global warming. In this perspective, a series of CCUS technologies currently operational at the industrial scale are analyzed from techno economic point of view, in order to identify key synergies or issues within the value chain. Eventually, this article explores the current frontiers of knowledge regarding the molecular chemistry of amine absorbents used in post-combustion capture, which paradoxically remains the most mature and deployed capture technology to date.

• October 30, 2025

  J3350 Reviewed

  Flotation - Mechanisms and reagents

  Industrial growth in the twentieth century required considerable quantities of metals and, as a result, the implementation of processes compatible with the treatment of huge rock masses. One such process, flotation, enables solids to be separated from each other, taking advantage of the differences between their surface properties in an aqueous solution and in the presence of air. Later, this process was applied to solid-liquid separation (precipitate flotation) and ion extraction in solution (ion flotation). The principle of mineral flotation is as follows: solid particles are suspended by agitation in water, after wet grinding to varying degrees has freed the mineral species to be beneficiated from the gangue.

• October 10, 2025

  J4810

  Proton Exchange Membrane water electrolysis

  Proton Exchange Membrane - PEM - water electrolysis is a promising technology for the production of high-purity hydrogen and oxygen, addressing current energy and environmental challenges. This article presents the underlying theoretical foundations, describes the operation of elementary cells and the role of key components such as electrocatalysts and polymer membranes, and lists the auxiliary equipment required for the proper operation of the machines. The main industrial applications are presented. Achievable performance levels and limitations and prospects for improvement are also analyzed and discussed.

• October 10, 2025

  IN144 Reviewed

  Carbon-free concrete through the use of hydroxide and/or alkaline silicate - Cement- free concrete

  Certain varieties of concrete are not produced with Portland cement (OPC) but by activating metallurgical slag, coal fly ash, coal bottom ash, beta kaolin, and other silico-aluminates with sodium, potassium hydroxide or silicate. More recently certain concretes have been obtained by activating limestone and silica minerals using sodium hydroxide. The concrete obtained in this fashion shows encouraging performance in terms of its fast setting quality, protection of steel reinforcing bars against extreme weather conditions, fire and acid resistance. The subject has resulted in the request for dozens of patents which can be consulted on the internet.

• October 10, 2025

  AG1100

  Global risk management

  Global Risk Management (GRM) enables organizations to anticipate uncertainties, while reconcilingbalancing economic performance and social responsibility.Based on a risk mapping, it identifies the vulnerabilities ofin governance and steering, operationaloperations and support processes, while helping managers to distinguish between risks actual risk exposure and they are exposed to and speculative risks.More than a compliance tool, GGMR is a strategic lever for strengthening organizational resilience and ensuring the company's long-term futuresustainability.

• September 10, 2025

  J4920

  Eco-design: an innovative tool for sustainable chemistry

  In order to answer to sustainable development challenges, chemical industry must embrace eco-design to reduce its environmental impact while preserving its innovation potential. This article first presents the changes and choices facing the chemical industry that are driving its transformation. It then introduces life cycle assessment - LCA - and its methodological principles. LCA is a tool that provides a holistic evaluation of the environmental impacts of a product or service, thereby guiding industry decisions. The article goes on to illustrate this approach through comparative examples, analyzing the limitations and biases of LCA, and concludes with perspectives on strengthening eco-design.

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