MIDDLEBORO, Mass. – Brookfield Engineering Laboratories has appointed Eric Chiang product manager--texture analyzers. In addition, the company has launched its new texture analysis website. The site features in-depth interviews with experts, a Q&A section for customer questions, a library of educational articles, and more than 24 application notes explaning established industry test procedures, methods, and more. Visit the new site at www.testureanalysis.com. The company manufactures viscometers and rheometers for lab and online process control applications.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) has accepted the Department of Homeland Security's Voluntary Chemical Assessment Tool (VCAT) for meeting Security Vulnerability Analysis (SVA) requirements for ChemStewards, the association's performance-improvement program. VCAT is a secure, web-based application designed for use by chemical facilities that don't fall under the purview of the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). The user-friendly tool allows chemical facility owners and operators to identify their facilities' current risk level using an all-hazards approach, and facilitates cost-benefit analysis by allowing them to select the best combination of countermeasures and mitigation strategies to reduce overall risk. SOCMA represents companies in the batch, custom, and specialty chemical industry.

ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published the 2012 edition of its “Electrical Standards and Products Guide, a comprehensive listing of NEMA electrical standards and an extensive directory of manufacturers and products. The guide is used by military, government, and private buyers who work in industrial controls, transmission and distribution, transportation, and other industries that specify and use electrical equipment. A free copy of the guide is available at www.nema.org/espq). NEMA represents manufactures of power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems.

ARLINGTON, Va. – The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and “Feedstuffs” newspaper have announced that Cargill Animal Nutrition, Wooster, Ohio, is the 2011 Feed Mill of the Year. The annual award recognizes overall excellence in feed manufacturing operations, including criteria for increased safety, quality, regulatory compliance, operating efficiencies, and overall industry awareness of food safety. The winning Wooster plant, which is certified by AFIA's Safe Feed/Safe Food Certification Program, was built in 1993 and manufactures 42,000 tons of feed annually. The 2011 runner-up is Southern States Cooperative's Winchester Mill in Winchester, Ky. More than 75 feed facilities competed for this year's award. AFIA represents the business, legislative, and regulatory interests of the US animal feed industry and its suppliers.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The University of Southern Mississippi's School of Polymers and High Performance Materials has gained approval from the State Institutions of Higher Learning to offer an undergraduate degree in polymer science engineering, the first of its kind in Mississippi. The focus of the program is education and research in the areas of structure and processing of polymeric materials, and how these relate to properties and performance. For more info, visit www.usm.edu/polymer).

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. – A new ASTM International standard provides a test method for measuring volatiles from acrylate resins, which will allow suppliers to list emissions info on material safety data sheets. “ASTM D7767: Test Method to Measure Volatiles from Radiation Curable Acrylate Monomers, Oligomer, and Blends and Thin Coatings Made from Them was developed by Subcommittee D01.21 on Chemical Analysis of Paints and Paint Materials. Companies that purchase acrylate raw materials to make UV-curable blends for hardcoat, overprint varnishes, digital inks, and other commercial applications will now be able to look at the data sheets and see what the volatiles levels are from the various monomers and oligomers used in the formation. The standard has been approved, but is still being developed. ASTM encourages participation in standard-developing activities; for information visit www.astm.org. ASTM International is an international standards development and delivery systems organization.

ATLANTA – Huber Engineered Materials has increased prices for its line of alumina trihydrate (ATH), magnesium hydroxide (MDH) and cast polymer products. Prices of these non-halogen fire-retardant additives will increase between 3 and 8 percent. Huber, a division of J.M. Huber Corp., develops engineered specialty ingredients for products unsed in industrial, paper, and consumer-based applications.

GERMANY – POWTECH and TechnoPharm 2011, held this past October in Germany, brought in 1,005 exhibitors and 15,498 attendees from 70 countries. With lots of new and innovative equipment on display, 98 percent of attendees reported satisfaction with the exhibitions. Overall satisfaction by exhibitors was at 90 percent, while 94 percent of exhibitors made new business connections at the show. The next POWTECH and TechnoPharm along with the PARTEC Congress will take place April 23-25, 2013. For more information, visit www.powtech.de.

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. – ASTM International Committee B10 on Reactive and Refractory Metals and Alloys is seeking papers to be presented at the 17th International Symposium on Zirconium in the Nuclear Industry, to be held February 3-7, 2013, at the Taj Krishna in Hyderabad, India. The symposium will provide a forum for exchanging new information on the fabrication, testing, development, and characterization of traditional and new zirconium-based materials, including materials performance during normal, transient, and accident conditions and materials behavior during intermediate and long-term storage. To participate, submit a 250- to 300-word preliminary abstract by February 22, 2012, that includes a clear definition of the objective and approach of the work discussed. For more info, visit www.astm.org.

BERLIN – Organizers of BulkSolids Europe 2012 are seeking papers to be presented at the show, which will be held October 11-12, 2012, at the Hotel Pullman Schweizerhof in Berlin. Abstracts are requested on the topics of project and application reports, operational excellence, engineering knowledge, and science and research developments for bulk solids handling, transporting, and storing. Abstracts must be submitted by March 15. For more information, contact Imke Ostermeier-Kittel, +49-(0)-931-418-2313 (imke.ostermeier@vogel.de, www.bulksolidseurope.com).

ARLINGTON, Va. – The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has named Dave Downey the 2011 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. Downey, executive director for the Center for Agricultural Business at Purdue University, received the award for his outstanding, long-term support to the feed industry. AFIA represents the business, legislative, and regulatory interests of the US animal feed industry and its suppliers.

CLEVELAND – US demand for metal powder is expected to increase 6.2 percent annually to reach 1.4 billion pounds, valued at $4.8 billion, in 2015. This is according to “Metal Powders,” a study from The Freedonia Group Inc., an industrial market research firm. Increased output in several key industries, including machinery manufacturing, will drive growth. Improved cost-to-performance ratios for parts, lower waste, and closer-tolerance components will continue enticing manufacturers to switch to press-and-sinter production techniques.

Ferrous powders accounted for 62 percent of the metal market total by volume in 2010, and demand is projected to rise 6.6 percent per year to 914 million pounds in 2015. Ferrous metals, such as iron and steel and stainless steel powders, are used in various applications, including chemical additives, automotive parts, and machinery components. Nonferrous powder sales are expected to rise 5.6 percent per year to 531 million pounds in 2015. Nonferrous powders encompass a wider variety of metals, including base metals, silver, gold, and platinum. While nonferrous held only 38 percent of the 2010 market by volume, they accounted for 80 percent of total market value.

The study is available for $4,900 from The Freedonia Group, 767 Beta Drive, Cleveland, OH 44143-2326; 440-684-9600, fax 440-646-0484 (pr@freedoniagroup.com, www.freedoniagroup.com).

JONESBORO, Ark. – Camfil Farr Air Pollution Control (APC) has produced a new video on the topic of “Pharmaceutical Dust Collection for Containment.” The video can be viewed online at www.farrapc.com/videos/29. The video discusses how to approach dust collection in the pharmaceutical industry to achieve three goals: fire and explosivity protection, hazardous or potent material containment, and reduction of energy costs. Camfil Farr APC is a global manufacturer of dust collection and other air filtration equipment.

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Dwyer Instruments Inc. has launched a product tutorial video series on its website www.dwyer-inst.com. The informative and instructional videos focus on how to calibrate, install, analyze, and otherwise operate the company's equipment, including a transmitter, panel meter, pressure gauge, and diaphragm valves. The company manufactures and supplies instrumentation and controls for chemical, food, air pollution control, and other industrial applications.

CHICAGO – Plibrico Co. LLC has welcomed Robert (Bob) Zajac as a new area general manager for its refractory materials division in the western US and western Canada. Plibrico manufactures refractors for demanding thermal applications.

AURORA, Ind. – Stedman Machine has appointed Dan Egbert parts sales associate. The company designs and manufactures size reduction equipment, including mills, impactors, and crushers.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Ludman Industries has moved its entire operation to a new 100,000-square-foot plant located at 4810 North 124th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53225. In addition to office and manufacturing space, the new plant has a manufacturing, machining, and assembly facility and testing lab. The company is a global manufacturer of agglomeration and size reduction equipment, including compactors, granulators, and mills, for the mining, food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and wastewater industries.

WHITEWATER, Wis. – Schenck AccuRate has opened the doors at its renovated test center at its headquarters in Whitewater, Wis. The newly remodeled facility is equipped with the necessary features for testing dry bulk solids in volumetric, gravimetric, vibratory, and sanitary feed configurations as well as in bulk bag discharging and pneumatic conveying systems. New additions include an isolated testing cell for dusty and poor-flowing powders, customer offices, and a viewing room for witnessing live tests. The company globally supplies bulk solids metering equipment and systems.

CHELTENHAM, U.K. – Members of the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) have elected Mario Sergio Cutait chairman. Cutait, president of the Latin American Feed Industry Association, will serve a 2-year term. IFIF's members are committed to producing sustainable, safe, and nutritious feed and promoting high global standards.

KANSAS CITY, Kans. – Magnum Systems has appointed Mountain Pacific Machinery (Mountpac) and Pace Co. as technical industrial representatives. Mountpac, Portland, Ore., will cover Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Pace, Richmond, Va., will cover Virginia. Magnum Systems designs and manufactures pneumatic conveying and packaging systems for powder and bulk solids.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Organizers of Nanotech Conference & Expo 2012 are seeking abstracts for oral and poster presentations at the show, which will be held June 18-21 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, Calif. Abstracts must be submitted by January 27. For more specific info, contact Sarah Wenning, 925-353-5004, fax 925-886-8461 (swenning@nsti.org, www.techconnectworld.com/Nanotech2012).

JONESBORO, Ark. – Camfil Farr Air Pollution Control (APC) is hosting a free educational webinar entitled “The New EPA National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), Rule 6X: Are You Compliant?” The webinar will take place on Thursday, February 16, 2012, at 10 a.m. CST. It's designed to help metalworking professionals understand and comply with the new regulation, which imposes stringent requirements for exhausting welding fumes and other processes containing hazardous air pollutants. For more info and to register, visit www.farrapc.com/rule6x. Camfil Farr APC is a global manufacturer of dust collection and other air filtration equipment.

SUMMIT, N.J. – Hosokawa Micron Powder Systems recently hosted an in-house lab equipment demonstration at its production and testing facility in Summit, N.J. The event, which was attended by nearly 70 guests (including two of PBE's staff members), featured classroom instructions and discussions, a milling demonstration, and a complete sample particle size analysis and material flow characterization. Due to its success and high attendance, the company plans to host similar demonstrations in 2012. Hosokawa, Summit, N.J., offers powder processing equipment and services, including system engineering, application technology, equipment manufacturing and assembly, commissioning, on-site training, and process optimization.

Coatings and Paint Technology. March 13-15 at the Eastern Michigan University Student Center in Ypsilanti, Mich. Conducted by the Coatings Research Institute. Course covers the fundamentals of paint composition, application, and processing. Topics include the basic ingredients, properties, selection, and performance criteria of coatings and paints. Contact Bob Lahidji, 734-487-2040, fax 734-487-7087 (blahidji@emich.edu, www.emich.edu/cri).

Flow of Solids in Bins, Hoppers, and Feeders. March 20-21 at Harrahs Las Vegas in Las Vegas. Conducted by Jenike & Johanson, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). Course covers various equipment types and how to solve common flow problems in each. Course provides an understanding of how friction, cohesion, compressibility, and other properties affect solids flow through feeders, chutes, reactors, bins, and hoppers. Contact ASME, 800-843-2763, fax 973-882-1717 (infocentral@asme.org, www.asme.org/education).

Pneumatic Conveying of Bulk Solids. March 22 at Harrahs Las Vegas in Las Vegas. Conducted by Jenike & Johanson, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). Course examines common problems that occur during pneumatic conveying, advantages and limitations of pneumatic conveying, modes of conveying, minimum conveying velocities, system components and their functions, and more. Contact ASME, 800-843-2763, fax 973-882-1717 (infocentral@asme.org, www.asme.org/education).

Corrosion Engineering -- An Introduction. March 22-24 at Robroy Industries in Gilmer, Tex. Conducted by Corrosion College. Short course covers corrosion fundamentals and provides solutions for preventing industrial corrosion. Contact Starla Bickerstaff, 903-843-3461, fax 903-843-2655 (sbickerstaff@corrosioncollege.com, www.corrosioncollege.com).

Basic Composition of Coatings Short Course. March 26-30 at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (S&T) campus in Rolla, Mo. Conducted by the S&T Coatings Institute. Course covers coatings fundamentals, including composition, formulation, and testing. Course topics include the history of paint, materials used in coatings manufacture, and modern chemical instrumentation as applied to coatings. Contact Catherine Hancock, 573-341-4419, fax 573-341-4881 (cemv26@mst.edu, coatings.mst.edu).

Pneumatic Conveying for Bulk Solids. March 29-30 at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick Hotel in New Brunswick, N.J. Conducted by the Center for Professional Advancement (CFPA). Course provides a thorough review of pneumatic conveying systems; practical exercises in system design and equipment applications; analysis of the working principles, operation, and maintenance of pneumatic conveying hardware; and a description and explanation of methods used to minimize particle degradation and erosion from abrasive materials. Contact CFPA, 732-238-1600, fax 732-238-9113 (info@cfpa.com, www.cfpa.com).

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. – A new ASTM International standard covers a special grade of industrial woven wire cloth, called filter cloth, for general filtration, including the separation of solids from fluids. “ASTM E2814: Guide for Industrial Woven Wire Filter Cloth” was developed by Subcommittee E29.01 on Sieves, Sieving Methods, and Screening Media. The standard introduces terms and definitions, lists common technical considerations, and presents a mathematical model that can be used to predict the micron retention or separation particle size of any filter cloth specification. To purchase the standard, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard's designation number. ASTM International is an international standards development and delivery systems organization.

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Fike Corp. will be featured on "Manufacturing Marvels," a film series on the Fox Business Network, this Friday, January 6, at 8:35 p.m. EST. The program's 2-minute profiles spotlight American manufacturers, their products, and their manufacturing and testing processes. Fike designs and manufactures pressure-relief and explosion-protection equipment, as well as fire-suppression, detection, and alarm systems.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Citation Technologies Inc. has integrated detailed regulation-requirements screening and task developing enhancements to its ART tool, an innovative solution designed to minimize the guesswork and risk associated with Environmental, Health, and Safety (EH&S) compliance. ART enables companies to better determine and manage compliance to applicable regulations and laws in the manufacturing, energy, and recycling industries. For more information, visit www.citationtechnologies.com. The company is a global leader in EH&S compliance management solutions.

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. – A new ASTM International standard covers a special grade of industrial woven wire cloth, called filter cloth, for general filtration, including the separation of solids from fluids. “ASTM E2814: Guide for Industrial Woven Wire Filter Cloth” was developed by Subcommittee E29.01 on Sieves, Sieving Methods, and Screening Media. The standard introduces terms and definitions, lists common technical considerations, and presents a mathematical model that can be used to predict the micron retention or separation particle size of any filter cloth specification. To purchase the standard, visit www.ast.org and search by the standard's designation number. ASTM International is an international standards development and delivery systems organization.

TAMPA, Fla. – The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) recently released two parts of a new series of Good Practice Guides on Product Quality Lifecycle Implementation (PQLI). These two new guides address product and process development through a quality-by-design approach that covers the entire product lifecycle. Part 1 focuses on criticality, design space, and control strategy and addresses science- and risk-based approaches to product and process development. Part 2 presents a small-molecule case study and focuses on quality risk management. For more information, visit www.ispe.org. ISPE is a nonprofit association representing pharmaceutical science and manufacturing professionals.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Citation Technologies Inc. has integrated detailed regulation-requirements screening and task developing enhancements to its ART tool, an innovative solution designed to minimize the guesswork and risk associated with Environmental, Health, and Safety (EH&S) compliance. ART enables companies to better determine and manage compliance to applicable regulations and laws in the manufacturing, energy, and recycling industries. For more information, visit www.citationtechnologies.com. The company is a global leader in EH&S compliance management solutions.

HOLLAND, Ohio – Plastic Technologies Inc. (PTI) has launched a new free app that calculates the intrinsic viscosity (IV) of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin blends using a two-step process. First, users must plug in the volume percentage and IV for each of the resins. Second, users input moisture information. The app then calculates the blended material's final IV. Called the PET Blend Calculator, the app is available in iPhone, iPad, and Android platforms. PTI offers preform and package design, package development, rapid prototyping, and other services for the plastic packaging industry.

IRVINE, Calif. – The University of California, Irvine Extension (UC Irvine) has launched its new Systems Engineering Certificate Program that provides professionals with the skills needed to excel at product development, service delivery fundamentals, and project management techniques. The program prepares professionals for the associate and certified levels of the Systems Engineering Professional exams given by the International Council on Systems Engineering. Certificate requirements include four required courses and two elective courses for a minimum of 15 credit units or 150 hours of instruction. The program can also be customized to fit a company's needs for corporate training. For more information, visit www.extension.uci.edu/systemseng.

LONDON — Merchant Research & Consulting, an industrial market research firm, has released three new studies on global materials markets. “Mica Market Review” predicts that total global mica production will continue increasing at an annual rate of 3 to 3.5 percent in the next 5 years. Ground mica will retain the leading position as the largest product segment, forecast to reach about 0.4 million tonnes by 2013. The US should remain the largest mica producer and consumer, followed by Canada and Europe.
“Sulfur Market Review” reports that global sulfur production increased slightly in 2010 and is expected to steadily increase in the foreseeable future. During the economic downfall, demand steeped significantly across all key end-use markets. However, the Asia-Pacific region kept its steady growth and has shown the highest compound annual growth rate for the past 5 years. The global market is now being driven by expanding Asian production and is expected to reach nearly 70 million tonnes in the next 5 years.
“Graphite Market Review” notes that global graphite demand is increasing, driving market expansion in India and other areas. The combination of conductivity and high thermal stability allow graphite to be used in many applications, including batteries, fuel cells, and refractories. The automotive and iron and steel industries retain top position as the key end-use application areas for global graphite use. Advances in technologies and the capability of producing good-quality and cost-effective graphite will help increase production and demand in the industry.

For more information on these and other market reports, visit mcgroup.co.uk.

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Global Industry Analysts Inc. (GIA), an industrial market research company, has new market outlook studies on several industrial markets.
“Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): A Global Strategic Business Report” projects that the global market for PVC will exceed 42 million tons by 2015. Growth will be primarily driven by a resurgence in the construction markets in developed economies and growing infrastructure and housing projects in Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. PVC constitutes the second-largest thermoplastic manufactured worldwide.
“Conductive Polymers: A US Market Report” forecasts the US market for conductive polymers to reach 240.5 thousand tons by 2015. Factors driving market growth will include increasing acceptance of conductive polymers in automobile and diesel sectors and growing demand for high-performance, lightweight, and low-cost materials for electrical and electronics product components and devices. The conductive polymers market will grow at a healthy rate due to various advantages offered by these electricity-conducting plastics.
“Plastic Film and Sheets: A Global Strategic Business Report” projects the global market for plastic film and sheets to reach 50.7 million tons by 2015, driven by globalization, changing food consumption trends, and increasing demand from developing markets in the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. High-performance plastic films have emerged as a niche segment in the plastic films industry. These films are used for specific applications where other film types fail to provide desired results.
“Polycrystalline Silicon: A Global Strategic Business Report” projects that consumption in the global market for polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) will reach 444,532 metric tons by 2017. Demand, supply, and prices of polysilicon have always been volatile, and the industry is currently oversupplied due to the disproportionate global demand-supply trend. However, future growth will be spurred by increased demand from the burgeoning photovoltaic industry, the largest end-user market.
“Glass Fibers: A Global Strategic Business Report” forecasts the global market for glass fibers to exceed 8.5 million tons by 2017, driven by recovery in the global economy and improving prospects in various end-use markets such as construction and automotive. Technological advancements and material improvements as well as enormous potential in Asian countries, especially China and India, are likely to foster growth.
“Aluminum: A Global Strategic Business Report” projects the global market for aluminum to exceed 52 million tons by 2015, driven by enhanced consumption in nontraditional markets like China and India and increasing use in the automotive and packaging industries. The Asia-Pacific region represents the largest and fastest-growing market, while the pace of recovery in the US market is expected to be gradual. Current demand is picking up, especially in the rolled extruded products category.

These and many other market reports are available from GIA, 5645 Silver Creek Valley Road, San Jose, CA 95138; 408-528-9966, fax 408-528-9977 (press@strategyr.com, www.strategyr.com).

The global market for flame-retardant chemicals will approach 1.9 million metric tons by 2012, amounting to an estimated value of $5.1 billion. This is according to Flame Retardant Chemicals -- A Global Market Overview, a report by Market Publishers Ltd., an industrial market research company. Increased security measures and new regulatory guidelines for toxic chemicals are driving flame retardant demand. Nanotechnology is expected to be the next driving force in the context of improving performance. For more information and to purchase a copy of the report for $3,960, visit www.marketpublishers.com.

JONESBORO, Ark. – Camfil Farr Air Pollution Control (APC) is hosting a free educational webinar entitled “The New EPA National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), Rule 6X: Are You Compliant?” The webinar will take place on Thursday, February 16, 2012, at 10 a.m. CST. It's designed to help metalworking professionals understand and comply with the new regulation, which imposes stringent requirements for exhausting welding fumes and other processes containing hazardous air pollutants. For more info and to register, visit www.farrapc.com/rule6x. Camfil Farr APC is a global manufacturer of dust collection and other air filtration equipment.

NAPLES, Fla. – The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) reports that overall conveying equipment orders for the first 6 months of 2011 increased 38.3 percent over the same period in 2010, with total orders of $4.6 billion. In addition, CEMA estimates industry billed sales for the first 6 months of 2011 increased 39.5 percent compared to the same period in 2010, with total shipments of $4.1 billion. For more information, visit www.cemanet.org. CEMA tracks new orders and shipped sales volume in seven classes of unit handling equipment and five classes of bulk handling equipment.

CLEVELAND – Global demand for green packaging, which encompasses recycled content and reusable and degradable packaging, is expected to rise 5.7 percent annually to $212 billion in 2015. This is according to World Green Packaging, a study from The Freedonia Group Inc., an industrial market research firm. While recycled content packaging will remain the largest product type, it will see the slowest growth due to market maturity. In contrast, reusable and degradable packaging will experience above-average demand.
The Asia-Pacific region will see above-average gains and remain the largest regional market in the world, due to its large food and beverage industries that represent the main green packaging applications. Central and South America, Eastern Europe, and Africa and the Mideast region will also all experience above-average growth. The US is the largest national green packaging market in the world, accounting for nearly one-fourth of global sales. The study is available for $6,100 from The Freedonia Group, 767 Beta Drive, Cleveland, OH 44143-2326; 440-684-9600, fax 440-646-0484 (pr@freedoniagroup.com, www.freedoniagroup.com).

CANBERRA, Australia—Dr. Jane Sargison has won the Australian Professional Engineer of the Year Award. Sargison, BMT WGM, is a specialist in turbines and energy systems. The announcement was made at the Engineering Excellence Awards, held in Canberra, Austrailia, this November.

WELLESLEY, Mass. – US consumption of advanced ceramics and nanoceramic powders is estimated at 1.5 billion pounds with a market value of nearly $3.4 billion in 2011. Those amounts are expected to increase to nearly 2 billion pounds with a value of $5.4 billion in 2016, a 5-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9 percent. This is according to Advanced Ceramics and Nanoceramic Powders, a study from BCC Research, an industrial market research group. Advanced ceramics consumption is expected to increase from 1.5 billion pounds and $2.8 billion in 2011 to 2 billion pounds and $4.1 billion in 2016, a 5-year CAGR of 8.3 percent. Nanoceramic powder values should rise from $600 million in 2011 to nearly $1.3 billion in 2016, a 5-year CAGR of 16.4 percent.
Advanced ceramics are an important type of advanced materials, an enabling technology critical to structural, electronic, chemical processing, environmental, and thermal spray coating applications. Advanced ceramic powders include oxides, carbides, nitrides, and borides. Nanoceramic powders are used in chemical, environmental, and other nanostructured materials applications. The study is available for $4,850 from BCC Research LLC, 49 Walnut Park, Building 2, Wellesley, MA 02481; 866-285-7215, fax 781-489-7308 (custsvc@bccresearch.com, www.bccresearch.com).

RESTON, Va. – According to the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) there were more than 26,000 attendees and 1,559 exhibitors at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2011 this past September. The record-breaking attendance figure was about 15 percent higher than the last Las Vegas show, which was held in 2009. In addition, net square footage was up more than 20 percent to almost 630,000 net square feet. The show focused on integrated processing and packaging innovations in more than 40 packaging markets, including foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates Inc. (SOCMA) is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. To view highlights of the organization's history, plans for the coming decade, and a gallery of historic photos, visit www.socma.com/anniversary. SOCMA represents the batch, custom, and specialty chemical industry.

ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published several new safety standards -- ANSI Z535.1: Safety Colors; ANSI Z535.2: Environmental and Facility Safety Signs; ANSI Z535.3: Criteria for Safety Symbols; ANSI Z535.4: Product Safety Signs and Labels; ANSI Z535.5: Safety Tags and Barricade Tapes (for Temporary Hazards); ANSI Z535.6: Product Safety Information in Product Manuals, Instructions, and Other Collateral Materials; and ANSI Z535: Color Chart. The Z535 series is useful for those needing a comprehensive source of standards relating to the design, application, and use of safety signs, colors, and symbols. For more information, visit www.nema.org/stds/z535. NEMA represents electrical equipment manufacturers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – W.R. Grace & Co. (Grace), a building chemicals company, has received a $3 million grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a new energy-efficient carbon capture technology for American power plants. The goal is for Grace to develop technology to capture at least 90 percent of power plant carbon dioxide emissions while minimizing electricity costs. Grace will work with Battelle, Catacel, and the University of South Carolina on this project.

FRISCO, Tex. – Cornerstone Automation Systems LLC (CASI) has relocated to an 86,000-square-foot facility located at 10351 Home Road, Frisco, TX 75034. The new facility houses the company's administration, engineering, sales, and manufacturing departments under one roof. CASI designs and manufactures fulfillment, sortation, conveyor, and other automation systems and solutions.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Summit Training Source is offering GHS: Chemical Labeling & Classification, an interactive online course to help companies understand and stay in compliance with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) standard regarding the universal handling instructions for hazardous materials. In addition, Summit now offers more than 50 foreign language safety and compliance training courses on electrical safety, fall protection, and many other topics. For more information, visit www.safetyontheweb.com. Summit Training Source provides global safety and compliance training.

TOLEDO, Ohio – For the second consecutive year, Owens Corning has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index in recognition of the company's sustainability initiatives. The index lists the top 10 percent of the world's largest companies based on long-term economic, environmental, and social criteria. For more information, visit www.sustainability.owenscorning.com. Owens Corning offers building materials systems and composite solutions.

SALINA, Kans. – Vortex Valves North America will exhibit at POWER-GEN 2011, the largest US power industry trade show, to be held December 13-15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. Two of the products on display include the Titan Series diverter valve for coal-fired powered plants and the Titan Series abrasion-resistant slide gate for coat handling applications. For more information, visit www.vortexvalves.com). Vortex designs and manufactures full-scale valves for the power, cement, chemical, mineral, and aggregate industries.

WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn. – Tecnetics Industries Inc. has broken ground at the site of its new facility, which will be located in nearby White Bear Township, Minn. The new facility is expected to be complete in Spring 2012 and will double the company's manufacturing space. The company manufactures the Tecweigh line of in-motion weighing equipment.