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Chementator: Self-powered Sensor    

Researchers from the University of Glasgow (U.K.; edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-539) have designed a device that can detect pollutants, then generate its own electricity to power an early warning system. The self-powered sensor consists of a biosensor with genetically engineered microbes. When the…

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Engineering Practice: CAPE-Open: An International Standard for Process Simulation

Although current process simulators contain an extensive library of thermodynamic models and unit operations, they do not contain many new, complicated, or lesser known models. For many companies, particularly those in the petrochemical refining industry, it is very important to…

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Liquid Density Of the Elements

Liquid density is important to engineers throughout the chemical process industries (CPI). Knowledge of liquid density is required in the design of storage vessels. In hazard analysis, knowledge of liquid density is required in the design of the relief valves…

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PLC Maintenance Management

Although some CPI management may not realize it, PLCs (programmable logic controllers) are the brains behind many operations in the chemical process industries (CPI). A malfunctioning PLC can cause lines, plants and even operations such as city bridges and water…

A fast way to measure phase fractions in multiphase flow

In the chemical process industries (CPI), multiphase flow regimes in reactors, bubble columns, pipework and elsewhere in plants determine process efficiencies and safety. As a result, a considerable number of intrusive and non-intrusive techniques have been developed to recognize phase…

Focus On: Pipes & Fittings  

Make a leak-free seal, even for irregular flanges The proprietary Multi-Swell gasket material (photo) is said to be the world’s first self-loading, general-service gasket. The material creates its own load when it comes into contact with oil or water, which…

Focus On: Temperature & Pressure Measurement  

    Loop-powered digital pressure gauge provides local readout The AccuGauge AG200 (photo), media-isolated, digital pressure gauge offers a 4–20-mA output signal complete with a large LCD display. The AG200 can display each of the following measuring units with the…

An innovative twist improves moisture-measurement technology

Bartec GmbH (Gotteszell, Germany; edlinks.chemengonline.com/6899-538) has commercialized Hygrophil DTP, an optical dew-point sensor that uses a patented technique for accurately measuring moisture content and relative humidity (RH) of compressed air and other gas supplies. Conventional sensors that are based on…

ISA Show Preview

    ISA Expo, the largest automation and control exhibition in North America, will return to Houston’s Reliant Center on October 2–4. The Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society (ISA, Research Triangle Park, N.C.) hosts this exhibition of automation and control…

Multivariable Control

    Multivariable (MV) control is a powerful technology. Applied in industry for several decades now, substantial benefits from its use have been reported in many publications. Yet, this technique is still by far not utilized to the extent it…