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…
Fugitive emissions — defined as unintended releases of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from process equipment to the atmosphere — have been a long-standing issue in the chemical process industries (CPI). Valves and pumps are two of the leading sources. With…
Numerous factors are taken into account when designing a filtration system, including technical, logistical and safety considerations Filtration is an essential step in the production and processing of many materials in the chemical process industries (CPI). Beyond the efficacy of…
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…
Following these guidelines can help workers to take the proper precautions to minimize the risk of leakage from spill pallets Container liquid leaks can occur at any time, even when all precautions have been taken and containers are stored on…
Presented here is a description of the Open Process Automation Standard and a progress report on its implementation by industry Open Process Automation (OPA) is an end-user company-driven industry movement to transform the industrial control-system market from one that supplies…
Viscosity is an important property for understanding the flow behavior of liquids, mixtures, emulsions, slurries and other materials in industrial processes. This one-page reference provides a refresher on conceptualizing viscosity. Intermolecular forces Viscosity is a measure of a material’s resistance…
Emerging automation-system architectures will provide the foundation required for optimized operations across the enterprise For decades, when a person mentioned process control, most engineers’ minds went to proportional integral derivative (PID) loop control, interlocks, safety and advanced process control. Perhaps…
Making the decision to change career paths from a technical role to a more managerial one can be difficult. Here are some considerations to take into account As a technically trained chemical engineer, career opportunities are very broad with respect…