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Automation & Control

A helium leak detector without using a mass spectrometer

With the MiniTest 300, this company introduces the first vacuum leak detector that uses a quartz window sensor instead of the conventional mass-spectrometer detector. The MiniTest 300 operates at a working pressure of up to 200 mbar, without requiring additional…

Space-saving I/O modules with fast maintenance functions

The new four-channel universal I/O module LB104A for Zone 2 can be placed in a 16-mm wide enclosure due to a new energy-saving electrical design. This is a space saving of 50% compared to the predecessor model. Thus, costs-per-channel can…

A pressure calibrator you can hold in your hand

Extending its line of hand-held measurements, this company has added the model CPH6510 intrinsically safe pressure calibrator (photo). With an accuracy of 0.025% of span and various additional functions, the new device is suitable for a wide range of applications,…

Consultant Almasi reviews gas-turbine book

Gas Turbine Engineering Handbook. 4th ed. By Meherwan P. Boyce. Elsevier Inc., 30 Corporate Drive, 4th floor, Burlington, MA. Web: elsevierdirect.com. 2011. 1,000 pages. $150.00. Reviewed by Amin Almasi, Rotating machine consultant Brisbane, Australia Gas turbines are cornerstones of modern…

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Evaluating Green Projects: Modeling Improves Economic Benefits

The ability to model a process to see if it meets project requirements and is economically viable enhances the conceptual design. Modeling gives engineers a means to identify the most promising processes, in terms of capital investment and return, and…

Focus on Software

Plant-management software for increased integration, and more Siemens Industry Sector This company has expanded its Comos software solution for plant engineering and operation to include considerably enhanced functionality. Comos 10 now provides an enterprise platform for plant engineers and operators…

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Dynamic Modeling for Steam System Control

One of the most energy-intensive utilities for many facilities in the chemical process industries (CPI) is the steam system. Traditionally, steam-use optimization has centered on efficient heat transfer and eliminating waste [ 1]. Further optimization can involve a broader look…

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CFD Analysis of Heat Transfer From Flares

  A gas flare is an elevated vertical conveyance found accompanying oil wells, gas wells, drilling rigs, petroleum refineries, chemical plants, natural gas plants and so on. Although modern flare systems are specifically designed to reduce the thermal radiation, pollution…

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The Sensitive Side of Chemical Processing

As in almost all other aspects of producing chemicals, processors are looking for cost-effective sensing solutions. And they won’t be disappointed by the newest offering of sensors for the chemical process industries (CPI). Gas and pH sensors, as well as…

An oxygen sensor that can tell when calibration is required

The Model 6888 oxygen sensor monitors oxygen remaining in fluegas from combustion processes using boilers, incinerators, industrial furnaces, kilns and process heaters. Since the calibration frequency of an oxygen sensor is highly application-dependent, the electronics of the unit provide an…