Learning what can degrade heat-transfer-fluid quality can help minimize potentially negative effects Organic heat transfer fluids (HTFs) are robust workhorses that are quite stable both thermally and chemically. However, they can yield to attacks from powerful or sometimes even subtle…
A general overview of industrial photochemistry and the design of large-scale stirred-tank photochemical reactors Photochemical processes complement or may even substitute conventional (thermal) processes. The radiant energy initiates the reaction, for example by forming radicals, and in most cases, no…
Torque overloads can cause serious problems for rotating machinery, but an understanding of torque limiting technologies can help engineers to enable more reliable operations Reliability, safety and productivity are key terms that come to mind when considering manufacturing plant operations,…
A clear understanding of grout material properties is important to ensure that equipment is effectively protected against vibration and misalignment Reliability of critical rotating equipment depends first and foremost on maintaining precision alignment. This requires a robust foundation under the…
Predicting powder flow behavior is important to successful solids-handling processes. Provided here is a review of shear-cell testing and how the technique can be used to predict arching, ratholing and other behaviors The phrases “failure to discharge” and “erratic flow…
Non-representative sampling in solids processes has costly consequences. A better understanding of the mathematical basis for sampling and of acceptable quality levels can help to alleviate potential sampling issues and more closely approximate reality Effective sampling in solids-handling processes is…
Predictive maintenance for rotating machinery is gaining prominence as plant operators embrace analytics and learn how to approach their operating benchmarks Rotating machines, such as motors, compressors, pumps and turbines, are critically important components of plant operations, and must perform…
With the proper knowledge, engineers can work alongside compressor manufacturers to ensure that an optimal air compression system is installed There are various factors to consider when designing a compressed air system that help to improve the reliability and efficiency…
The concept of tray stability can apply to bubble caps and be used as an alternative method to determine the minimum efficient capacity of these devices. A new stability correlation for bubble-cap trays is proposed and checked against FRI data…
A practical look at the need for validation, as well as conceptual considerations and a case study This article addresses the need for experimental validation of computer-generated distillation column simulations , and discusses the main concepts involved with experimental validation.…