Reactors are at the core of most processes in the chemical process industries (CPI) and are broken down most broadly by whether their operating mode is non-flow (batch) or continuous. Each reactor type has advantages and disadvantages depending on the…
Understanding the water chemistry is a first step in preventing heat-exchanger fouling At the two power plants and chemical plant in which this author formerly worked, the fresh-water-makeup supplies (two lakes and an underground aquifer adjacent to a river) all…
A laboratory ventilation system that does not work effectively may not keep personnel safe and can produce significant adverse impacts on operations Laboratory personnel treat their ventilation systems as a given. They expect them to be designed right, to always…
Metal-organic framework materials (MOFs) have garnered considerable attention as candidate materials for a number of applications, such as gas storage, molecular separation and catalysis, because their organic and inorganic components are highly tunable at the molecular level. Since being introduced…
Properly locating a simple 1–2-in. balance line can make all the difference in successful reboiler operation Steam reboilers are crucial to production in petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants, representing huge capital investment in distillation columns. Regardless of the investment made…
Energy recovery in spray-drying processes can reduce production costs, but involves trade-offs. Using milk powder as an example, this article describes a spreadsheet method to evaluate exhaust-gas recirculation scenarios for optimizing spray drying Dairy processing is among the most energy…
Canned motor pumps (CMPs) are designed to prevent emissions by eliminating the mechanical seal. Provided here is an overview of CMPs, along with information on common uses Emissions from process equipment not only pose safety and environmental risks, they also…
Adhering to API 682 guidelines will create safe, efficient and effective mechanical-seal supports in pumping systems In the 1980s, mechanical seals became the most frequently used sealing technology in petroleum refineries and chemical plants. The American Petroleum Institute (API; Washington,…
Editor's note: The content in the following column is adapted from the following article: Palluzi, R., Leak Prevention in Small-bore Piping and Tubing, Chem. Eng., October 2020, pp. 22–25. The original article can be found here. Leakage can negatively affect…
Achieving regulatory compliance is often viewed as overly complicated or restrictive, but a good understanding of the current regulatory landscape can help fuel business growth and efficiency When talking about modern manufacturing, few sectors experience as much regulatory scrutiny as…