A plant turnaround is always challenging in the chemical process industries (CPI). But with proper planning and reliable procedures in place, last-minute time crunches and failures can be prevented. When haste combines with faulty methods, costly problems result. This article…
Testing in filtration processes is critical for determining the properties of solids being filtered and the ease or difficulty of the filtration. In addition, laboratory testing is important in specifying filter media, filter aids, filter area, cake space needed and…
A recent book by Lieberman [1] stresses that to combat the environmental crisis that our planet is facing, it is essential to make existing units work adequately and efficiently. Equipment that malfunctions or limps along limits production and does not…
Distillation and absorption are back. The AIChE Spring Meeting (San Antonio, April 28–May 2) proved it and the fall meeting to be held in November will muffle any doubting Thomases. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, I spent appreciable…
The Farr Gold Series dust collection system is now available in a simplified skid package. The high-efficiency cartridge dust collectors and all associated equipment are incorporated onto a single platform, for ease of transport and installation. In addition to dust…
Many chemical engineers study or employ distillation trays, gas-liquid separators and spray nozzles. Most of those engineers have studied or employed force balances around liquid droplets suspended in upward-flowing vapor streams. Considering a droplet of size “ d, ” for…
For separation columns, this multidisciplinary engineering company offers a high-performance random packing called Cascade Mini Ring, which is also available with a special surface treatment; and a high-performing structured packing MC Pack (photo), which has a specialized configuration. Liquid distributors…
At AchemAsia, this engineering company presented its range of filters and filtration plants for the chemical, food, biotechnology and environmental industries. For example, the Hi-Bar range of continuous pressure filters is said to offer new solutions for filtration, washing and…
The operating costs of direct, steam-heated evaporators can significantly be reduced by revamping with mechanical vapor recompressors (MVRs), according to this company. For example, a four-effect, directly steam-heated evaporation plant, designed for 30 ton/h of water evaporation initially had a…
Sulfur is a major contaminant in the oil and gas industry that exists in various forms and requires separation from both water and process streams. In recent years the removal of sulfur species has received increasing attention because of safety…