Feature Report
Commercializing Process Technologies
New technologies can provide competitive advantages compared to established processes, but significant effort is required to transition a promising concept into a commercial reality Many students study chemical engineering with the aspiration of someday inventing an innovative process that could…
Pitfalls to Avoid When Generating Cost Estimates
The pitfalls in cost estimating that cause project overruns have been well known for decades, yet they continue to plague the CPI When I first started writing this article, I set out to summarize the mechanics of project cost estimation.…
Wireless Monitoring for Pressure Relief Systems
New diagnostic devices can identify when pressure incidents happen, while keeping an eye on the condition of pressure-relief valves and rupture disks Any kind of pressurized system, from the hot-water heater in a residence to a massive chemical reactor, will…
How to Troubleshoot and Maintain Pressure Regulators
Following a five-step process enables better outcomes for fluid system control Most often, operators and technicians will interact with components like ball valves or needle valves when adjusting a system’s operation. However, just as important to the effectiveness of a…
Avoid Common Mistakes When Specifying Burner Management Systems
While some aspects of burner management systems may seem intuitive, overcoming misconceptions in their specification and design will help to elevate overall safety Boilers, burners, furnaces and fired heaters, along with any other fuel-burning equipment, are considered high-risk areas within…
Reduce Risk and Cost with a Lifecycle Approach to Process Safety
Better upfront planning and management can lead to safer, more productive processes throughout every phase of operation A standards-based approach to process safety — one that actively addresses risks across a plant’s lifespan — can lead to safer chemical processes,…
Integrity of Aging Assets: Using Corrosion Data to Stave Off Extinction
Petroleum refineries built in the 1960s and 1970s have trouble dealing with the corrosive effects of modern feedstocks. Continuous monitoring of corrosion can prevent process equipment failures Aging assets that are past their original design life are becoming an increasingly…
PVDF: A Fluoropolymer for Chemical Challenges
When it comes to selecting materials of construction, keep in mind the favorable properties of fluoropolymers for corrosive service Since its commercialization in the mid-1960s, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) has been used across a variety of chemical process industries (CPI) sectors…
An Overview of Gas Flow Measurement
Many applications require accurate flowrate measurement for air or other gases. Installation requirements, calibration and maintenance are among the factors that must be considered when selecting a flow-measurement technology The measurement of air and other gases in manufacturing plants in…
Performance Prediction for Industrial Boilers
Understanding boiler performance calculations can allow engineers to improve the operation of their facility’s steam system and better engage with boiler-system vendors Chemical plants, petroleum refineries, power plants and cogeneration systems use oil-and-gas-fired steam generators, fluid heaters and waste-heat boilers…