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A new volumetric feeder for additive dispensing systems

The new VMF-90D volumetric screw feeder (photo) is an automatic metering screw-feed system for mixing and dispensing dry materials into a secondary process. Among the standard features are a concentric material-conditioning overwind auger, an SCR controller that may be remotely…

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Standard ASME B16.5 Flanges: Bolt Tightening and Target Loads

Using the approach outlined here, piping engineers can select the most appropriate bolt-tightening technique based on pressure class and flange size, and calculate the required torque or tool pressure if hydraulic tensioning tools are used In the majority of industrial…

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Interpreting Normalized Profitability Metrics

Normalized profitability metrics provide a basis for comparing the efficiency of capital investments, but they are often misunderstood. New interpretations of these metrics can help engineers to make more informed decisions In a financial sense, a large capital project can…

Workforce 4.0: The Human Side of Digital Transformation

As chemical process industries (CPI) companies continue to experiment with, invest in, and implement a host of digitalization tools, workforce engagement and involvement is the key determinant of success Chemical process industries (CPI) companies are entering a critical stage in…

High-volume twin-screw feeder delivers precision

The Model TSF twin-screw feeder (photo) is designed for precise batching and weighing applications, including: batching to weigh hoppers; low loss-in-weight, scale-monitored flow; low loss-of-weight batch applications with scales; drum and pail packout lines; and recipe-type batching by multiple computer-controlled…

New monitoring edge device accelerates asset digitalization

The AMS Asset Monitor edge analytics device (photo) digitizes data and analytics, with focus on essential assets that were previously monitored only with infrequent assessments. The new device connects with the Plantweb Optics asset-performance platform to provide instant asset-health details.…

This monitoring platform has built-in cybersecurity

The Orbit 60 Series (photo) is a next-generation condition-monitoring and protection platform that collects and processes data to evaluate machine health. It is said to be the first intrinsically cyber-secure machinery-monitoring platform with a built-in data diode, which enables secure…

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ASTM Standards For Heat Transfer Fluids

This practical overview of ASTM standards can serve as a roadmap when selecting and evaluating heat transfer fluids Heat-transfer-fluid systems are often used for process heating to 500°F or higher. To accomplish heating above 500°F, steam pressure must be above…

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Portable CFD: Build Interpolation Models from CFD results

Portable laptop computers and smartphones can be used to emulate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling results using this interpolation procedure Most engineers are familiar with computational-fluid-dynamics (CFD) models and their power (for an overview of CFD, see Part 1). At…

Heat Exchangers: Designing for Super-critical Fluid Service

Working with supercritical fluids poses challenges when designing heat exchangers. Some practical tips and precautions are presented here Industrial applications involving fluids at high pressure — pressure above the critical pressure of a particular fluid — are increasing in number.…