Thermal oxidizers are pollution-control units designed to prevent process-generated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from entering the environment. Different technologies offer tradeoffs among initial cost, operating expense, complexity, emissions, fuel efficiency and destruction efficiency. This one-page reference provides information on selecting…
In a report 1 issued by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE; www.aceee.org), one of the key summary points is that industrial decarbonization is essential to fighting climate change. The report states that the industrial sector accounts for…
By exploring strategies for process integration, such as waste-heat recovery and combined heat and power generation, plants can significantly improve their energy efficiency and reduce utility costs In a chemical processing plant, utility costs typically account for about 10 to…
Researchers from the National University of Singapore (www.nus.edu.sg), led by associate professor He Jianzhong, have found a new strain of bacterium called Thauera sp. strain SND5, which is capable of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification and phosphate removal from wastewater. The…
Rupture disks are non-reclosing pressure-relief devices that protect vessels, such as reactors, from damaging over-pressurization (or vacuum) conditions. Temperature can affect rupture-disk burst pressures in ways that users should understand before ordering them (Figure 1). This one-page reference provides an…
The following is a list of recently published books of potential interest for CPI professionals Digital Transformation for the Process Industries: A Roadmap. By Osvaldo Bascur and PJ O’Rourke, CRC Press, 2021, 320 pages, $130.00. Data Science in Chemistry:…
New and improved catalysts and other process innovations are helping the chemical process industries (CPI) to control emissions As long as fossil fuels are used for combustion processes — not only in power plants, but also furnaces in the glass…
There are many occasions in chemical processing plants where electrostatic charge generation and accumulation can occur, potentially leading to fires and explosions. Engineers must understand these hazards and how to mitigate them We are all familiar with the electrostatic shocks…
There are many regulations surrounding the production of waste at manufacturing facilities. By approaching regulatory practices in a proactive manner, sites can ensure personnel and environmental safety, as well as continuous compliance When it comes to handling hazardous waste in…
Listen to the latest episode of the Chemical Engineering Podcast, where I interview Anne-Marie Walters, industry marketing director for the process industries at Bentley Systems, about the use and impact of digital twins at chemical process industries (CPI) facilities. Digital…