Chemical Engineering
Technology Profile: Production of Linear Alpha Olefins
Linear alpha olefins (LAOs) are hydrocarbons with the chemical formula CnH2n, characterized by linear chains and one double bond at the alpha position (Figure 1). Such hydrocarbons are important chemical intermediates, widely used in several industrial and consumer products according…
Bolt-Load Considerations Associated with ‘Hot Bolting’
In some situations, it might be necessary to remove or replace a bolt during operation. This article shows how to determine the proper bolt load to prevent leaks Bolted flange joints (Figure 1) are part of pressure vessel and piping…
A System Approach with Flow Analysis
Taking a system approach to find the root cause of a problem can be more beneficial than simply replacing a problematic pump. This article explains why We want the best reliability with anything that we work with. In a plant…
Implementing digital transformation
The recently concluded 5th annual Connected Plant Conference (CPC; www.connectedplantconference.com), held in Austin, Tex., illustrated both the real promise of Industry 4.0 digital tools to improve operational efficiency and safety at chemical process industries (CPI) facilities, as well as the…
Field Calibration of DP Flowmeters: Best Practices
Improved understanding of differential pressure (DP) flowmeter operation, along with best calibration practices, reduces maintenance errors Utilizing an orifice plate installed in a pipe and accurately measuring the differential pressure (DP) to calculate flow is one of most common methods…
A flexible, origami-based fuel cell
Until now, manufacturing polymer-electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) that are small, light and capable of mechanical movement has been challenging using conventional methods. PEMFCs are composed of end plates, bipolar plates, gaskets, membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) and other assembly parts, of…
Proof-Testing Level-Measurement Devices in Storage-Tank Safety Systems
Storage tanks containing hazardous materials require safety instrumented systems (SIS) to prevent overfills. Digital technology in the latest level-measurement devices used in SIS enables remote proof-testing, which provides significant advantages At industrial facilities with tanks containing hazardous, flammable or explosive…
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical to expand meta-xylenediamine capacity in Europe
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. (MGC; Tokyo) has announced the expansion of Meta-xylenediamine (MXDA) production in Europe. MGC is expanding its production capacity of MXDA to meet the market growth in the epoxy, polyamide and isocyanate sector. MGC will be…
Albemarle to acquire lithium-conversion company in China
Albemarle Corporation (Charlotte, N.C.) announced that its subsidiary, Albemarle Lithium UK Limited, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding equity of Guangxi Tianyuan New Energy Materials Co., Ltd. (Tianyuan), a lithium converter located in Guangxi, China.…
ArcelorMittal to construct DRI plant, electric furnaces in Gent
ArcelorMittal Belgium will reduce CO2 emissions by 3.9 million tons per year by 2030, by building a 2.5 million-ton direct reduced iron (DRI) plant and two electric furnaces at its Gent site, to operate alongside its state-of-the-art blast furnace that…