Feature Report
Extending the Life of Legacy Rotary Dryers
Rotary dryers are often in operation for many decades after their initial commissioning. This article provides a decision framework to consider whether to upgrade, repair or replace an aging rotary dryer Rotary dryers are fundamental to ensuring product quality and…
VOC Control: Solvent Recovery Versus Oxidation
Regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) are commonly used for abatement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but in some cases, solvent-recovery systems can realize significant economic and environmental benefits In the field of industrial air-pollution control, the regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) is…
Chemical-Resistant Polymers in Corrosive Applications
Fluorinated plastics can be used as internal linings in process-equipment components for highly corrosive applications in chemical processing, and material development has allowed conductivity and compliance with food-contact applications The industrial production of chemicals forms the foundation for a wide…
Volatility, Value and Visibility: Rethinking Raw-Material Strategies
Due to current global conditions, raw-material considerations — volatility in particular — are now being taken into account earlier, and integrated more intimately, into project planning and management strategies Over the past few years, raw materials have moved from the…
Recent Updates to Non-Metallic Piping Standards
As applications, risks and materials continue to evolve, it is vital that engineers stay abreast of revisions to the standards that govern non-metallic piping systems Recent advancements in standards developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME; New York,…
Drive to Zero Process Safety: Mapping Cultural Risk Factors
Proactive culture evaluation closes the gap between root causes and cultural factors to promote sustainable safety leadership while also preventing recurring accidents and chronic incidents Incident investigations commonly show that human factors have led to process safety issues. Yet, despite…
Troubleshooting an Ethanol Distillation Facility
This article made available to you by: The troubleshooting methods described here can help engineers to understand operational realities when “running blind” in complex distillation processes One of the most critical aspects in ethanol production is the distillation unit. Distillation…
Can You Trust Your Process Simulation Results?
Understanding both the limitations of process simulations and the assessments that can be performed to verify modeling results are important in the design and development of technical processes in many industries Chemical engineers routinely use process simulation software for design,…
The Critical Role of Cost Estimation in Successful Project Execution
The ability to forecast costs, align budgets and maintain control throughout the lifecycle of a project can mean the difference between delivering value and facing costly overruns In asset-intensive industries, such as energy, chemicals, power and infrastructure, the balance between…
Strategic Cost Engineering for Chemical Manufacturers
When paired with deep process expertise, cost estimation becomes a powerful tool for mitigating risk and guiding investment for large capital projects Chemical manufacturing is one of the most complex and capital-intensive industries in the world. From specialty chemicals to…