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Environment, Health, Safety & Security

CO2-capture technologies move ahead

Scaleup is set for two technologies that facilitate the capture of carbon dioxide from fluegas by substituting oxygen for combustion air. Oxycombustion, as it is called, results in a much smaller fluegas stream, containing up to 90% CO2; part of…

Improved solvent extraction for nuclear-waste-contaminated water

Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA; Ibaraki, www.jaea.go.jp) has enhanced the efficiency of a solvent-extraction process to separate organic solvents from water contaminated by radioactive waste. JAEA was able to reduce the toluene concentration from 5,000 parts per million (ppm) to…

Cybersecurity for Chemical Engineers

There was a time, not long ago, when most groups responsible for industrial control systems (ICS) in the chemical process industries (CPI) were not much worried about security. They had their firewalls in place and their remote access servers, and…

Supercritical water oxidation for organic waste treatment

A novel method for treating industrial liquid waste employs supercritical water infused with oxygen to destroy organic compounds. Developed by Innoveox (Paris; www.innoveox.com) and based on technology patented by the French government research organization CNRS (www.cnrs.fr), supercritical water oxidation (SCWO)…

Ask the Experts: Cybersecurity standards

Question:  What standard, guideline or regulation should I use to create a cybersecurity program, or should I wait until a standard is finalized? Answer:  Waiting until a cybersecurity standard is explicitly selected, accepted and enforced is a mistake for two…

Micro-scored rupture discs offer added benefits

This company has recently introduced its SCD (forward acting) and SCR (reverse buckling) rupture discs with micro-scored calibration sections. The patent-pending technology makes the discs very flexible so that scoring in six or more sections is possible instead of the…

A complete selection tool for intelligent process valves

Last month, this company released the latest version of its valve-sizing software, Nelprof6. The software features two calculation modules that enable the selection of intelligent, automated on/off valves and emergency valves. Special safety requirements, such as an actuator-sizing safety factor…

Redesigned check valves feature a guided cone

The check valves type 561 and 562 have been redesigned and complement this company’s line of plastic valves. The standard cone check valve (type 561) seals with medium pressure. Type 562 is equipped with a spring, closes autonomously and can…

CSB continues investigation of two accidents involving combustible dust

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB; www.csb.gov) has  released test results confirming preliminary conclusions that two flash fires, which occurred at the Hoeganaes Corp. plant in Gallatin, Tenn., involved the combustion of iron powder that had accumulated throughout the facility…

Does safety milestone at BP Texas City refinery signify a turnaround?

In 2005, an explosion at the BP Texas City refinery facility killed 15 and injured an additional 180. At the time, it was considered to be the worst industrial accident in 16 years, and continues to top the list. While…