For the first time, it has become possible to spin carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into a fiber that looks and acts like textile threads, yet has the electrical conductivity and strength of a metal. The breakthrough, which came after more than…
NORTH AMERICA DCAT Week 2013. Drug, Chemical and Associated Technologies Assn. (Robbinsville, N.J.). Phone: 609-448-1000; Web: dcat.org New York, N.Y. March 11–14 Corrosion 2013. National Assn. of Corrosion Engineers (Houston). Phone: 800-797-6223; Web: events.nace.org Orlando, Fla. March 17–21 …
Pressure-relief valves are widely and effectively used in situations where the pressure in a process vessel rises to above the vessel’s design-pressure rating. Proper relief-valve sizing is critical to plant and process safety to permit fluids sufficient flow area to…
There was genuine excitement at the November 14 and 15 ChemInnovations event held in New Orleans. This was especially true at the Plant Managers Roundtable that was moderated by Rebekkah Marshall. On stage with Rebekkah were Jim Armstrong of Rhodia,…
Because natural gas supplies are significantly increasing due to the rising exploitation of shale gas, mainly in the U.S., propane prices are decreasing. Coupled with low propane prices, ethylene producers are shifting to lighter feedstocks (more ethane, less naphtha), which…
Supplying steam that meets process needs while protecting steam-system components, such as boilers and steam turbines (Figure 1), against scale, fouling and corrosion, requires purified feedwater (condensate plus makeup water). Depending on the steam pressure required, the specific approach of…
These simple strategies can be used to speed up and increase the success rates of R&D projects Research and development (R&D) projects usually require significant time, effort and manpower to become successful. Despite the significant resources spent on R&D projects,…
Plant Watch Lonza to expand ADC manufacturing capacity January 8,2013 —Lonza (Basel, Switzerland; www.lonza.com) plans to invest 14 million Swiss francs (CHF; about $15 million) to expand antibody drug conjugate (ADC) manufacturing capacity in Visp, Switzerland. Oncology therapeutics including ADCs…
Determining the proper preliminary size for centrifugal pumps during the initial stages of any pump-specification exercise requires numerous calculations and assumptions. This article reviews the steps needed to size centrifugal pumps during the early stages of a project, to support…
Figure 1. A handful of ceramic proppants is shown here Carbo Ceramics This article covers permitting and directly related design issues associated with thermal processes using drying and calcining for the production of both proppant sand and ceramic proppants (Figure…