Optimizing the additive manufacturing of parts like actuators, regulators and valves will result in faster delivery, lower costs and improved performance for these crucial equipment components Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are benefiting the chemical process industries (CPI) in two main…
Understanding the water chemistry is a first step in preventing heat-exchanger fouling At the two power plants and chemical plant in which this author formerly worked, the fresh-water-makeup supplies (two lakes and an underground aquifer adjacent to a river) all…
A laboratory ventilation system that does not work effectively may not keep personnel safe and can produce significant adverse impacts on operations Laboratory personnel treat their ventilation systems as a given. They expect them to be designed right, to always…
Advanced technologies employing artificial intelligence (AI) and deep-learning models can reshape product inspection and quality control in bioprocesses, but users must understand both the capabilities and limitations of such digital platforms for optimal implementation Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the…
The products of the chlor-alkali process continue to be essential for many purposes across the global value chain. Modern chlor-alkali technologies can vastly improve upon the safety and environmental performance of legacy systems The chlor-alkali production process is one of…
An overview on the importance of standard operation procedures (SOPs) and how to write them Today, it is necessary to have standard operating procedures (SOPs) for steam and condensate systems, boilers, deaerators and even steam process units (Figure 1). An…
A recently developed optimization technique called the automated targeting model is demonstrated for its application on inventory management Supply chain management that involves raw material sourcing, product manufacturing and delivery has often been viewed as one of the critical factors…
Monitoring particle sizes in real time can improve product quality and reduce costs in chemical processes. Presented here is an overview of available technologies for particle-size analysis and an example involving suspension polymerization Effective measurement, in real time, of particle…
Discontinued series IDs associated with producer prices for storage tanks requires a modification to the CEPCI The Chemical Engineering Plant Cost Index (CEPCI) is a widely used tool for comparing plant construction costs in the chemical process industries (CPI) between…
Follow these key considerations when deciding which internals to use in fixed-bed, axial-flow vessels Fixed-bed, axial-flow vessel internals are installed in natural gas plants, petroleum refineries, petrochemical plants, chemical plants and industrial gas facilities. Thermal-swing gas and liquid dehydrators, treaters…