Mobile Navigation

A new generation of valve positioners

At Valve World Expo (Düsseldorf, Germany; November 27–29), this company introduced two new positioners from the Series 3730: Trovis 3730-1 and Trovis 3730-3. The new positioners (photo) for 4–20-mA applications combine the latest technological developments with the proven device base…

Fast, simple and accurate on-the-go steam-trap testing

The SAGE UMT (photo) is a wireless, hand-held steam-trap-testing solution that enables accurate, on-the-go testing of steam-trap performance. SAGE UMT leverages radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to quickly locate and identify steam traps. Its piezoelectric acoustic and non-contact infrared (IR) temperature…

Member Exclusive

Commercializing Process Technologies

New technologies can provide competitive advantages compared to established processes, but significant effort is required to transition a promising concept into a commercial reality Many students study chemical engineering with the aspiration of someday inventing an innovative process that could…

An Investigation of Premature Flooding in a Distillation Column

Surprising observations regarding flooding in the upper fractionation trays of an atmospheric crude-petroleum distillation column are investigated In industial distillation processes, flooding is an abnormal, but relatively common, process condition in which liquid accumulates in the column. The accumulation may…

Slash the total cost of ownership with this new aseptic valve

Reducing the total cost of ownership is paramount for manufacturers of dairy, food and beverage products. Using the new Aseptic Mixproof Valve (photo) instead of alternatives can deliver a total cost saving of up to 45% for manufacturers using aseptic…

Focus on Handling Powders and Bulk Solids

Vibrator-mounting system requires no welding or bolting This versatile mounting solution (photo) allows operators to quickly and easily attach the company’s compact, pneumatic, piston-type Bantam Series vibrators directly to process vessels, such as bins, hoppers and chutes, with no need…

The Balanced Burner

Modern combustion technologies help processors safely meet emissions standards, while optimizing the process Combustion is integral to many chemical processes; however, it is not without challenges. Safety is, of course, always paramount when it comes to fired equipment and constantly…

Member Exclusive

Accelerating Six Sigma Research with the Definitive Screening Design (DSD) Technique

DSD is a new design-of-experiments (DOE) technique that is expected to bring huge benefits when using a Six Sigma optimization strategy Statistical tools are deeply ingrained in the Six Sigma methodology to optimize processes and products during chemical process industries…

A new control system for smart control of separators

The new Metris addIQ (photo) is a state-of-the-art digital control system for separation applications. Metris addIQ provides added value by enhancing availability and minimizing production costs through increased equipment efficiency and fewer operating errors. Metris addIQ control systems enable users…

Member Exclusive

Cost Engineering: Equipment Purchase Costs

A methodology and examples for estimating equipment costs are presented Engineers have the responsibility to create projects having attractive returns on investment and to create economically sound designs — designs that produce high-quality, competitively priced products. This requires the technical…