Technical & Practical
Reliable and Cost-Effective Solids Feeding
A holistic approach to bulk-solids-feeding installations can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of operations involving solids handling Many chemical processes involve the extraction of bulk solid materials at a controlled rate from a storage vessel for delivery into the process.…
Facts At Your Fingertips: Cost Estimation and Risk
Understanding project risks is critical to arriving at useful cost estimates. Since each capital project in the chemical process industries (CPI) is somewhat unique, it can be difficult for engineers and project leaders to price risks in their estimates and…
Liquid Layers: Measuring Overall Level and Interface Points
Accurate interface level measurement is crucial to optimizing separation processes. Today’s guided wave radar technologies make it possible to measure thin liquid layers with greater accuracy than ever A bottle of salad dressing can illustrate a challenging level measurement application.…
Pressure Instruments: Avoiding the Harmful Effects of Hydrogen
Under the right conditions, the smallest atom can attack and disable sophisticated instrumentation. Understanding how this happens can help users avoid problems Engineers of a certain age may remember the childhood disappointment of a helium-filled balloon going flat overnight. This…
Mechanical Pressure Gages in the CPI
In today’s digital age, there is still a need for mechanical pressure measuring instruments for safety, efficiency and economical advantages. Selecting the right type is described here Whether at work or at home, more and more areas of life are,…
Technology Profile: Cumene Production from Benzene
This column is based on “Cumene from Benzene and RG Propylene (Zeolite Catalyst) – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/cumene-production-cost. Cumene (also known as isopropylbenzene) is an organic compound of the aromatic hydrocarbon…
Facts at your Fingertips: Heat-Transfer-System Maintenance During Slow Periods
Periods of reduced heat-transfer-fluid (HTF) system operation offer opportunities for mechanical integrity engineers to perform necessary maintenance. Here are suggestions for using the downtime for maintenance tasks. Safety These activities support ongoing safety of the HTF unit. Leak repairs. Repair…
Seal Considerations to Reduce Fugitive Emissions
By understanding the basics of industry standards, such as API 682, plants can make great strides in controlling fugitive emissions related to equipment seals Chemicals that unintentionally leak from equipment into the atmosphere are known as fugitive emissions. These gases…
Owning Your Career: Taking a Hard Look at ‘Soft’ Skills
A personal development strategy helps to set engineers up for success in their personal and professional lives As chemical engineers, we have been trained to be data-driven, fact-based problem-solvers. This focus serves us well when we are tackling difficult technical…
Technology Profile: Isopropyl Alcohol Production from Acetone
This column is based on “Isopropyl Alcohol Production from Acetone – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/isopropyl-alcohol-production-cost. Isopropyl alcohol (also known as isopropanol or 2-propanol) is a colorless and flammable liquid with a…