Nature-inspired surfaces are being developed that are not only highly repellent to water, but are even superomniphobic Although hydrophobic materials have been in use for many years, advances in nanotechnology are causing a revolution in the coatings and surface-treatment field.…
This article examines the measures — both global and local — that chemical processors are taking to instill sustainability into everyday operations Although discussions about sustainability in the chemical process industries (CPI) are usually geared toward making processes more environmentally…
The CPI requires more innovative and comfortable chemical-resistant clothing, goggles and gloves to protect workers The purpose of chemical protective clothing (CPC) is to shield and protect workers from chemicals. However, explains Sally J. Smart, a Certified Safety Professional and…
New developments in heat exchangers solve common problems and enhance performance Chemical processors are no strangers to heat exchanger problems, such as corrosion, fouling and thermal expansion, which interfere with reliability of the units and adversely affect process uptime. Because…
Despite competition from many new players, the glassmaking sector is rebounding with new applications and smart products The global glass industry is looking up again, in the aftermath of the recession of the past 10 years, when much of the…
Process safety strategies, water use and alkylation technology were among the topics figuring prominently at the 2016 AFPM annual meeting An evolving set of issues facing petroleum refiners in the U.S. figured prominently at the annual meeting of the American…
A holistic and proactive approach to cybersecurity can help protect your industrial control system from hackers In December 2015, 80,000 homes in the Ukraine were left without power when a cyber attack took down the electrical infrastructure. Investigations suggest that…
While thermal treatment remains king, new alternatives for processing milk are promising a number of benefits to the dairy industry The dairy industry faces a daunting challenge. It has to produce — at an affordable price — milk and milk…
Advances in technology boost productivity and make today’s analyzers user-friendly Between process-control optimization initiatives and increased environmental monitoring requirements, the number of gas analyzers in chemical-process-industries (CPI) facilities is proliferating at a faster rate than plant analyzer budgets and manpower…
Improved designs result in leak-free, reliable, longer-lasting pumps Because pumps move media through reactors, valves and piping, they serve as “the heart” of any process in which they are placed. So, whether the pump is a large sump pump, a…