Many industrial processes involve phenol, but its toxic nature means that it must be effectively removed from waste streams prior to any subsequent biological treatment steps. Phenol can be removed via evaporation, but this method is quite energy-intensive. Alternatively, the…
Self-healing adhesives Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Oak Ridge, Tenn.; www.ornl.gov) developed a series of autonomous self-healable and highly adhesive elastomers that are fabricated via a simple, efficient and scalable process. The self-healing elastomers demonstrated unprecedented adhesion strength and…
The new Vibrostore 100 (photo) is a palm-sized device that provides vibration-level and bearing-wear monitoring for balance-of-plant machines at the push of a button. The lightweight device can be used single-handedly, and enables even untrained personnel to take vibration measurements…
Thermal oxidizers are pollution-control units designed to prevent process-generated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from entering the environment. Different technologies offer tradeoffs among initial cost, operating expense, complexity, emissions, fuel efficiency and destruction efficiency. This one-page reference provides information on selecting…
Waterhammer arises because of sudden changes in fluid flow, and can present significant problems in processes that involve flowing liquids. This article outlines these potential issues and offers guidance for handling the pressure changes arising from waterhammer Most large-scale processes…
New BC-2200 backward-inclined fans (photo) are designed for high-flow, high-pressure applications handling clean air and light particle-laden or moist-air gas streams in a variety of applications, including thermal oxidation, steelmaking, combustion air, ethanol production, petroleum refineries, dust or fume control,…
This company’s Cooper split spherical roller bearings (photo), available in open or sealed configurations, are designed for easy replacement with little disturbance to the shaft alignment or driveline and eliminate the need to remove attached equipment. This bearing solution increases…
In a variety of industrial applications, crystallization technologies contribute to the circularity of manufacturing processes and supply chains Crystallization is a major unit operation in the chemical process industries (CPI), typically used for separating and purifying materials in a wide…
This column is based on “Acrylonitrile Butadiene Latex Production – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/nitrile-rubber-production-cost. Nitrile rubber (also known as NBR, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene latex, Buna-N) is a synthetic polymer…
This overview compares various sealing technologies, and points out advantages and disadvantages of applying different mechanical-sealing designs for caustic fluids Caustic applications in chemical plants can play havoc on the mechanical seals of rotating equipment. These applications can be difficult…