Newsfronts
Placing Data Analytics in the Hands of Engineers
The field of data analytics is evolving quickly, and an increasing number of tools are being designed with chemical engineers in mind Big data, smart devices, Internet of Things (IoT) — these are terms heard more and more frequently in…
Size Reduction: Improving the Daily Grind
New milling, grinding and size-reduction equipment helps processors obtain better efficiencies and develop new products Although milling and size-reduction equipment may be mature — some technologies date back to the 1800s — evolving needs of chemical processors, including the demand…
Pressure Measurement Gets Rugged, Goes Digital
Innovations place more robust instruments in demanding applications and enable processors to take advantage of the industrial internet of things Because pressure is one of the most common and important measurement parameter in a chemical processing plant, the established technology…
CPI Workforce Issues See Positive Movement
Significant workforce-related hurdles remain in place for CPI companies, but signs of progress are emerging For the past several years, companies in the chemical process industries (CPI) have been grappling with three consequential workforce issues that have also plagued other…
Simulation Software: New Applications Evolve
Optimization, advanced process control and performance monitoring are possible via simulation tools Software advances, including faster computations and ease of use, are opening new doors for simulation software applications in chemical process industries (CPI) facilities, allowing processors to extend the…
New turbine flowmeters with wireless integration
The TW Series turbine flowmeter (photo) provides flow measurement of oils, water and chemicals with±1% of reading or better and 0.1% repeatability. TW Series turbine meters are available in flow ranges from 0.6 to 5,000 gal/min and feature 316 stainless-steel…
Physical and cybersecurity: Protect Your Plant
Both physical security and cybersecurity must be in place to keep chemical facilities safe from attack While almost all businesses in today’s world are concerned with security — both physical security and cybersecurity — chemical processors likely have a deeper…
Extending Membranes’ Reach Across the CPI
Advances in next-generation materials and assembly techniques have enhanced membranes’ effectiveness in numerous applications Membranes are one of the primary technologies used for separations. While they may be best known for their use in water-treatment operations, advances in membrane technologies…
The Greening of Chlor-Alkali Production
Environmental regulations and high energy costs are driving technology advances that make plants cleaner and more efficient For some, the production of chlorine and caustic has been considered a nasty business: not only are the products dangerous if not handled…
New Performance Materials Solve Industrial Challenges
From additives to polymers to coatings to 3-D printables, new materials improve performance High-performance materials are intended to make consumer goods, industry and the world, in general, function better. Inventive performance materials can be found in all categories, from additives…