The products of the chlor-alkali process continue to be essential for many purposes across the global value chain. Modern chlor-alkali technologies can vastly improve upon the safety and environmental performance of legacy systems The chlor-alkali production process is one of…
An overview on the importance of standard operation procedures (SOPs) and how to write them Today, it is necessary to have standard operating procedures (SOPs) for steam and condensate systems, boilers, deaerators and even steam process units (Figure 1). An…
A recently developed optimization technique called the automated targeting model is demonstrated for its application on inventory management Supply chain management that involves raw material sourcing, product manufacturing and delivery has often been viewed as one of the critical factors…
Monitoring particle sizes in real time can improve product quality and reduce costs in chemical processes. Presented here is an overview of available technologies for particle-size analysis and an example involving suspension polymerization Effective measurement, in real time, of particle…
Discontinued series IDs associated with producer prices for storage tanks requires a modification to the CEPCI The Chemical Engineering Plant Cost Index (CEPCI) is a widely used tool for comparing plant construction costs in the chemical process industries (CPI) between…
Follow these key considerations when deciding which internals to use in fixed-bed, axial-flow vessels Fixed-bed, axial-flow vessel internals are installed in natural gas plants, petroleum refineries, petrochemical plants, chemical plants and industrial gas facilities. Thermal-swing gas and liquid dehydrators, treaters…
Five common mistakes associated with implementing predictive maintenance tools are discussed here, along with five ways to avoid them Predictive maintenance (PM) implementation can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider and many ways that things can…
A routes-by-exception reliability strategy helps improve safety and efficiency, while preserving competitive advantage in a changing marketplace In recent years, maintenance and reliability experts have often talked about the massive wave of retirements leaving chemical plants, creating a shortage of…
Digital transformation in the chemical process industries demands open architecture, enterprise-wide interoperability and a focus on sustainability. Progress discussed here is moving the industry in that direction Many companies in the chemical process industries (CPI) are currently pursuing digital transformations…
A decades-old, yet less well-known type of heat exchanger offers advantages for new and emerging applications Spiral-tube or helically-coiled heat exchangers have been around for decades addressing sample cooling, mechanical seal cooling, vent condensers, vaporization and general heating or cooling…