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The Importance of Steam Quality for Steam-System Process Operation

Often, operational problems in steam systems are misattributed because the system’s steam quality is not closely monitored. A clear understanding of steam quality can help to better address these issues Steam quality describes the proportion of saturated steam (vapor) in…

Extracting high-quality MgSO4 from seawater desalination brine

A team of researchers, led by professor Myoung-Jin Kim, from Korea Maritime and Ocean University (Busan, South Korea; www.kmou.ac.kr), has developed a process that recovers calcium-free magnesium sulfate from seawater desalination brine (SDB). The process, described in a recent issue…

Focus on Valves

A check valve for urea service A new in-line, axial check valve (photo) for urea and ammonia service was recently introduced. The new axial check valve complements this company’s extensive urea service product line, which includes Clampseal Y-, T- and…

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Bulk polymerization of elemental sulfur yields new flame-retardant plastics

A group of researchers from the University of Arizona (Tucson; www.arizona.edu), led by chemistry and biochemistry professor Jeff Pyun, are aiming to make use of sulfur waste streams from petroleum refineries. To meet environmental regulations, sulfur must be removed from…

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Process Commercialization: The 2021 Kirkpatrick Chemical Engineering Achievement Award

To honor the efforts of those chemical engineers and their companies that have successfully commercialized a new process for the first time, Chemical Engineering magazine has been be-stowing its Kirkpatrick Chemical Engineering Achievement Award since 1933. The aim of the…

CPI outlook is adjusting and strong

Following the major disruptions in 2020 due to the pandemic, U.S. chemical production has grown in 2021 and is poised for further gains in 2022, according to the American Chemistry Council’s Year-End 2021 Chemical Industry Situation and Outlook. U.S. chemistry…

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Facts At Your Fingertips: Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container (FIBC) Basics

Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), sometimes known as bulk bags, are widely used in the chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, agriculture and other chemical process industries (CPI) sectors, to transport and store dry, flowable bulk-solid materials, such as granules, powders, grains, clays,…

A reliable testing gage for pressure-safety valves

New XP2i digital pressure gages (photo) are designed specifically for testing and calibrating pressure-relief or pressure-safety valves. Once the valve opens, the XP2i detects the pressure drop and displays the maximum pressure that the gage ever reached before the drop.…

PLC-equipped pumping system enables enhanced control

DMK SmartPump systems consist of a pump with a programmable logic controller (PLC), which controls the system’s highly advanced servo motor. Motor speed, power consumption and force feedback can be recorded by the PLC, and process information is collected and…

‘Crystallized’ hypochlorous acid brings enhanced antimicrobial performance

A new solid form of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is showing promise as a highly effective antimicrobial agent. PCT Ltd. (Little River, S.C.; www.para-con.com) and Onza Corp. (Denver, Colo.; www.onzacorp.com) achieved what is said to be the industry’s first-ever successful “crystallization”…