FEATURE REPORTS
Topic: Bulk Solids Storage & Flow
Summary: Size-reduction and screening of solid materials can have profound impacts on the flow behavior of solids. Crushing, milling and grinding can unintended consequences for downstream equipment and can create process safety issues. This article will describe how comminution can affect solids flow downstream, and how to evaluate solids flowability risks.
Related equipment and services: Screeners (vibratory screeners and gyratory screeners), all types of milling and grinding equipment, crushing units, bins, storage hoppers, solids conveying equipment and other solids handling apparatus
Relevant industries: Mining and minerals, chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals
Topic: Materials of Construction for CPI Piping and Equipment
Summary: This month’s Feature Report discusses the ASTM standards, focusing on Class A materials (ferrous iron and steel metals and products), and what these standards mean with regards to selecting material specifications for piping and equipment. Examples are given on the design basis of projects for designing and construction a processing facility. A brief discussion on material cost is also presented.
Related equipment and services: Engineering design, specification, construction; materials of construction, especially ferrous iron and steels; piping, process equipment fabrication
Relevant industries: All sectors of the CPI.
NEWSFRONT
Topic: “Green” and Low-Carbon Hydrogen
Summary: This article will cover several aspects of the burgeoning hydrogen economy, with focus on “green” and low-carbon projects, including the U.S. Hydrogen Hub program driven by the appropriation of $7 billion in funds for the U.S. Dept. of Energy. The article will also discuss development trends in electrolysis, promising end-uses for green hydrogen as a driver for decarbonization and scaleup considerations for electrolysis processes.
Related equipment and services: Electrolyzers and associated components, such as membranes and catalysts, project planning and simulation tools
Relevant industries: Petroleum refining, industrial gases, fertilizer manufacture, ammonia production, energy storage, renewable energy
FACTS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Topic: Heat Transfer
Summary: Regular monitoring of heat-transfer fluids can prevent problems that can affect equipment and lead to process downtime. This one-page reference will provide information on important fluid parameters to monitor, such as viscosity, acid neutralization number, moisture content, solids content, thermal degradation and flashpoint.
Related equipment and services: Heat-transfer fluids, heat exchangers, analytical devices for testing, heat-transfer-fluid piping and equipment systems
Relevant industries: All sectors of the CPI are concerned with heat transfer
FOCUS
Topic: Analyzers
Summary: Analyzers are widely used throughout the CPI, from laboratory research and development, through pilot and production operations. This month’s focus presents the latest laboratory and process analyzers entering the market.
Related equipment and services: All types of analyzers, including spectroscopy (IR, UV/VIS, NPR, X-Ray, Raman, GC-MS, and more), gas analyzers, liquid analyzers, pH probes, PAT devices and more
Relevant industries All sectors of the CPI
Editorial material for consideration should be sent to Gerald Ondrey, senior editor (gondrey@chemengonline.com) before July 5.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER
Topic: Minimizing the Effects of Chemicals on LED Lighting
Summary: It is no secret many chemical plants and industrial sites are prone to harsh environmental conditions that can wreak havoc on equipment and lighting. Because lighting directly supports plant safety and operations, it is among the most critical pieces of equipment in any facility. Vibration, high heat, humidity and power fluctuations are just a few examples of the culprits that can chip away at the lifespan and performance of safety-critical lighting. Among the most elusive causes of plant lighting performance failure (and among the most difficult to protect against) are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and reactive gases. With a few strategies and identification of the hazards present, plant managers can choose lighting that is designed to protect against these issues, prioritizing employee safety, and ensuring the longevity of their fixtures.
Related equipment and services: Industrial lighting and associated components
Relevant industries: Any process involving VOCs
ENGINEERING PRACTICE
Topic: Standard Operating Procedures for Boilers and Steam
Summary: A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a set of instructions or steps that someone follows to complete a job safely, prevent premature failures due to improper startup or shutdowns, and maximize operational and system performance. This month’s Engineering Practice article makes the case for the necessity of having SOPs for steam and condensate systems, boilers, deaerators and even steam process units. Ten reasons are given for writing an SOP, as well as tips on how to write an SOP.
Related equipment and services: Boilers, steam traps, steam handling systems, condensers, temperature and pressure sensors and transmitters, maintenance tools, and more.
Relevant industries: All sectors of the CPI use boilers and steam systems
SHOW PREVIEW
Topic: HydrogeNext
Summary: HydrogeNext, taking place August 14–17 in Savannah, Ga., covers the full hydrogen energy value chain from production to distribution and end-use, bringing together power generation and chemical process industry professionals to collaborate and learn about the fast-paced advances being made toward a hydrogen economy.
Related equipment and services: Electrolyzers and associated components, such as membranes and catalysts, project planning and simulation tools
Relevant industries: Petroleum refining, industrial gases, fertilizer manufacture, ammonia production, energy storage, renewable energy
TOWER DOCTOR
Topic: Distillation
Summary: The Tower Doctor presents lessons learned from actual troubleshooting experiences by a distillation expert. This installment discusses design for columns using structured packing.
Related equipment and services: Distillation columns and components, pressure measuring instruments
Relevant industries: All sectors of the CPI that use distillation