This company has introduced three new amplifier modules for its SomatXR Data Acquisition System. The new amplifier modules are especially suitable for taking measurements under very harsh operating conditions, making SomatXR systems suitable for drive and durability testing of machinery…
The energy-efficient Pro-Flo Shift Air-Distribution System (ADS) is now available in 316 stainless steel and polypropylene plastic (photo) materials of construction, joining the original aluminum and nickel-plated aluminum offerings. The introduction of the stainless-steel and plastic options allows the company’s…
Despite their apparent simplicity, the complexity of these conveying systems demands proper design and an understanding of the underlying principles Screw conveyors play a major role in a wide variety of industrial operations that involve the handling of bulk solids.…
Consolidating multiple flares can help mitigate emissions and maintenance Chris Ng and Zubin Kumana Siemens, Process Safety Consulting Many petroleum-refining and petrochemical facilities have experienced tremendous growth in recent years in response to increasing demand for fuels and chemical precursors.…
Ensuring optimal performance of shell-and-tube heat exchangers requires knowledge of the controlling fluid, correct exchanger geometry and configuration, as well as proper fluid placement Satyendra Kumar Singh Simon India Ltd. Optimizing the thermal design of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger…
The research group of Keiichi Tomishige at Tohoku University (Sendai, www.che.tohoku.ac.jp/~erec), in collaboration with Daicel Corp. (Tokyo, both Japan; www.daicel.com/en), has developed a catalytic reaction system that is highly efficient for synthesizing tetrahydrofuran (THF) — a widely used solvent and…
In hydraulic fracturing, high-pressure pumps force water bearing sand or ceramic proppants into a manifold, known as a missile, and subsequently into an oil or gas well. Exposure to the highly abrasive, proppant-filled fluids means the pumps require frequent maintenance…
With a global nominal capacity of about 140 million ton/yr, ethylene is among the main petrochemicals produced worldwide, and is a key building block for the industry. Ethylene is produced mostly via steam-cracking of petroleum-based feedstocks, such as naphtha. Ethylene…
A new low-pressure xylenes-production process combines toluene with methanol to yield a xylenes product stream with the possibility of no benzene byproduct. Known as GT-TolAlk and developed by GTC Technology (Houston; www.gtctech.com), the new process requires no hydrogen addition and…
Dimensionless numbers refer to physical parameters that have no units of measurement. These numbers often appear in calculations used by process engineers. As long as consistent units are used, dimensionless numbers remain the same whether metric or other units are…