Multiple CSTRs (continuous stirred-tank reactors) are advantageous in situations where the reaction is slow; two immiscible liquids are present and require higher agitation rates; or viscous liquids are present that require high agitation rates. Unlike in plugflow reactors, agitation is…
Efforts toward large-scale production of lithium-ion (Li-ion)-based car batteries got a big boost in early August, when the Obama Administration announced $2.4 billion in U.S. government investment aimed, in part, at dramatically ramping up the supply chain for advanced batteries…
The Instrument Society of America (ISA) 2009 exhibitor show Expo 2009 will be held October 6–8 at the Reliant Center in Houston. Over 300 exhibitors are expected to display automation-and-control technology products and services. The show is organized into six…
By definition, integrated safety instrumented systems (SIS) have the potential to reduce risks. But recent advancement is also enabling the use of more sophisticated instruments and tools that can benefit the process. For these reasons, integrated control and safety systems…
Coriolis meters for low-flow applications The Micro Motion Elite Coriolis meter range (photo) has been expanded for low-flow applications. Available in two sizes (2 and 4 mm nominal dia.), the new meters deliver flowrates of 2 to 330 kg/h with…
Cooling water systems that rely on cooling towers are a critical component at chemical process industries (CPI) facilities. However, during operation, these open recirculating systems concentrate the contaminants in the makeup water, and as a result, scale formation and biological…
Failure to register under REACH closes EU markets for thousands of chemical substances manufactured or marketed in the European Union, whether on their own, in preparations (formulations) or released from articles (finished products). A key policy objective of registration under…
Most engineers know what viscosity is, but may have trouble explaining it. To be brief, viscosity is resistance to flow. For handlers of all materials that flow, either while being processed or in an end-use, it is important to think…
Substantial technological advances to meet the growing regulatory scrutiny of a wide variety of pollutants have taken place over the past 50 years. In the last few years, the increased complexity in regulations in developed countries has been even more…
Many branches of the chemical process industries (CPI) make use of impact comminution to process solid matter, such as minerals, foodstuffs, pharmaceutical products, and above all, products for the chemicals industry. Impact comminution is also used for coarse crushing, but…