This column is based on “Dimethyl Ether Production from Natural Gas and CO2 (Direct Method) – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/dimethyl-ether-production-cost. Dimethyl ether (DME) is the simplest aliphatic ether, containing only two…
The DustAlarm ES and DustTrend ES series (photo) of broken-bag detectors and dust-emission trend-monitoring systems are now available with hazardous-location approvals. The devices feature intrinsically safe probes for ultimate hazardous-location protection. These monitors provide repeatability that is not affected by…
The new FLIR VS290-32 (photo) is said to be an industry-first videoscope that combines thermal imaging and a visible camera designed for safer and more efficient inspections of hard-to-reach areas. The VS290-32 is the company’s first industrial-grade, electrical safety-rated, flexible…
Superalloys, also known as high-performance alloys, are considered as materials of construction for process equipment in applications involving high temperatures, highly corrosive environments and those requiring high strength properties. Many commonly used superalloys in the chemical process industries (CPI) use…
PMT Model 40 pneumatic pressure controllers (photo) are available in standard control modes of 100% proportional, 200% proportional, 200% proportional plus reset, 75% proportional (positioner only), or 300% PID (proportional-integral-derivative). These options make the controllers versatile enough to fit into…
GS centrifugal sifters (photo) automatically capture and remove foreign objects from granular and powdered product streams to prevent contamination and safeguard downstream equipment. Installed at the silo, bulk-bag discharge station or other storage unit, GS sifters pass the product stream…
The Model MX-5-S316L sanitary rotary-batch mini-mixer (photo) can de-agglomerate and blend up to 5 ft3 of dry bulk ingredients with or without liquid additions at multiple plant locations. The mixer achieves total uniformity in 2 to 3 min, regardless of…
There are many occasions in chemical processing plants where electrostatic charge generation and accumulation can occur, potentially leading to fires and explosions. Engineers must understand these hazards and how to mitigate them We are all familiar with the electrostatic shocks…
The Bench Cat system (photo) is designed for automatically dispensing a variety of materials, including adhesives, pastes, epoxies, sealants and more. Furthermore, the Bench Cat can spray or fill fluids from most valves and pumps. The Bench Cat’s design features…
Determining moisture levels in solid materials is important for product quality, handling properties and other considerations. Provided here is an overview of direct and indirect methods for measuring moisture in solids Water is ubiquitous and is unusually reactive because of…