Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory (Lemont, Ill.; www.anl.gov) have developed a thermal energy-storage system for industrial processes that can capture and store typically wasted heat for later use. Originally conceived as a way to store…
The new VPM3000 Series of universal input displays (photo) with transmitter and alarm capabilities combines the digital indicator function of a panel meter with optional signal conditioning for 4–20-mA transmitter output and alarm trip solid-state relays. The devices are able…
An experienced engineer who mentors young engineers and a student mentee share their perspectives Mentors provide critical support and guidance to students pursuing an engineering education, and complement coursework aimed at readying a new engineer for the workforce. Mentorships can…
The coronavirus pandemic has very quickly changed our lives in ways we could not have imagined even a few short months ago. Our vocabulary reflects some of these changes, with new terms that have become commonplace, like “social distancing” and…
Steam often provides the majority of heat, but its quality is not always carefully managed. Here are some tips on how to improve and maintain steam quality Plant operations focus on production activity, maintaining tight control on process algorithms, feedstocks…
The Flexflow A1F peristaltic metering pump (photo) is designed for metering off-gassing chemicals, such as sodium hypochlorite and peracetic acid. The pump offers a smooth chemical feed without risk that it will overheat or lose its prime. Furthermore, the pumps…
This company’s Tubular Chain Conveyor (photo) reliably contains dusty and hazardous materials, safeguarding workers at the same time as protecting the conveyed material from external influences. It is also resistant against internal pressure buildup and helps to contain propagating flame,…
The first Zone 2 Ethernet gateway for this company’s excom I/O system, the new GEN-3G excom gateway (photo), brings signals from Zone 0 at high data rates to the control system. For the first time, all process data can reach…
The new Sitrans LR100 series 80 GHz radar transmitters (photo) are compact instruments with a narrow beam for flexible installations in existing vessel openings or even non-intrusively through plastic vessels. The transmitters’ 80-GHz frequency delivers robust, reliable measurements even in…
Thanks to a patent-pending sealing concept, the new Compabloc+ heat exchanger (photo) ensures safe operation with no risk of media leaks at pressures up to 60 bars — representing a 20-bar increase over previous Compabloc models. The sealing concept is…