FEATURE REPORTS
Topic: Electrification of Process Plants
Summary: Petroleum refineries and petrochemical complexes can benefit from using more electricity instead of steam and fuel gas for their energy needs. Improved energy efficiency, lower emissions, higher reliability, debottlenecking of utility systems and avoided boiler–upgrade projects may be achieved. If the carbon footprint from the electricity production is lower than the carbon footprint from producing the energy that is replaced by electricity, then there will be a decarbonization benefit from the electrification. Ways to electrify such facilities, the advantages of electrification and challenges that a project may face, for both revamps and new designs, will be discussed in this month’s two-part Feature Report on electrification. Major systems impacted, and what to look out for, are also discussed, along with some examples and case studies.
Related equipment and services: Project planning and utilities management tools, simulation software, power-generation equipment
Relevant industries: Chemicals, petroleum refining, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and any plant interested in decarbonization
Topic: Solids Conveying
Summary: Pneumatic conveying is a widely used method of moving solid materials in chemical process industries (CPI) facilities. Pneumatic conveying processes can be categorized as either dilute-phase, in which solid particles are spaced out and suspended in an air current, or dense-phase, in which the particles are more tightly packed and pushed (or pulled) along with air pressure (or vacuum). The two regimes have different potential effects on the materials being conveyed. This article will explore the effects of conveying modes on particle degradation and properties.
Related equipment and services: Pneumatic conveying systems and equipment, blowers, compressors, piping, hoppers and bins, solids-handling equipment
Relevant industries: Chemicals, foods, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, biomass and anywhere solid materials are handled
NEWSFRONTS
Topic: Alternative Proteins
Summary: More sustainable food sources are being developed by a large number of traditional and startup companies. At the same time, equipment suppliers are working to adapt traditional equipment, as well as developing new machines and process technologies, to extract proteins from new sources, such as plants, insects and precision-fermentation processes. This month’s Newsfront will present some of these developments.
Related equipment and services: Centrifuges, decanters, extruders, filters, liquid–extraction systems, fermenters and bioreactors and more
Relevant industries: Foods and beverages
Editorial for consideration should be sent (before March 8) to senior editor Gerald Ondrey([email protected])
Topic: Process Sensors
Summary: Process sensors are vital components for monitoring and controlling processes in the chemical process industries (CPI). Advances in sensors are enabling better process and quality control. This Newsfront will present some of the recent developments.
Related equipment and services: All automation and control
Relevant industries: Process sensors are used throughout the chemical process industries
FACTS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Topic: Mixing
Summary: Predicting the mixing performance of a stirred tank is difficult, but a method of quantifying mixing according to a mixing index (MI) can evaluate and predict mixing intensity related to fluid velocities in stirred tanks. This one-page reference will describe the concept of mixing indices and outline the characteristics of index values.
Related equipment and services: All types of mixing equipment, including tanks, vessels, impellers, blades, sensors and analytical equipment
Relevant industries: Mixing and blending processes are common throughout the CPI
FOCUS
Topic: Pipes, Tubes and Fittings
Summary: Pass by any CPI plant and you will see pipes, flanges and tubes everywhere. This month’s Focus presents some of the newest products to enter the market.
Related equipment and services: Pipes and piping systems, flanges and connectors, tubing, welding machines and so on
Relevant industries: All sectors of the CPI
Editorial material for consideration should be sent to Gerald Ondrey, senior editor ([email protected]) before March 5.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER
Topic: What Manufacturers can Learn from Municipalities About Water Loss
Summary: Although municipal water providers certainly serve many different end users than the industrial sector, the key lessons related to conserving water and minimizing system bursts and leaks are crucial for all water suppliers and users. This article presents use cases and takeaways for minimizing leaks and bursts and improving water conservation efforts, demonstrating how principles applied in municipal water treatment can also apply to industrial sites.
Related equipment and services: Pressure sensors and acoustic sensors, devices and software used for monitoring water pipelines and water-treatment processes
Relevant industries: All sectors of the CPI are concerned with water treatment and conservation
SHOW PREVIEWS
Topic: International Powder and Bulk Solids Conference and Exhibition
Summary: This event, which includes a conference program of topics related to solids handling, and a tradeshow offering all types of solids-handling process equipment, will be held April 25–27, 2023 at the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.
Related equipment and services: All equipment related to handling, moving and processing bulk solids materials
Relevant industries: Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, foods, agriculture, biomass, mining and others
Editorial material from exhibitors for consideration should be sent to Scott Jenkins, senior editor (sjenkins@chemengonline.com) by March 6.
Topic: Interphex
Summary: Interphex 2023, a leading global event in the pharmaceutical industry that fuses industry innovation with a technical conference, takes place April 25–27 at the Javits Center in New York City. This month’s Show Preview presents some of the products that will be exhibited at the show.
Related equipment and services: All types of process equipment, especially equipment designed for hygienic service
Relevant industries: Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food and beverage, healthcare
Editorial material from exhibitors for consideration should be sent to Gerald Ondrey, senior editor ([email protected]) by March 6.