Overpressure in a process can damage the seals in a pressure instrument’s sensor or skew the zero point. Here’s how to avoid the problem Pressure is one of the most commonly measured variables in the chemical process industries (CPI). Accuracy…
Closing off pressure upstream can minimize the need for pressure-relief systems to open, avoiding product waste and possible environmental damage Any system within a chemical process industries (CPI) manufacturing plant that is pressurized, or could experience pressure during an upset…
Recent advances in gas-monitoring technologies can greatly increase worker connectivity and safety With increased automation, expanding areas of operation and smaller teams of field workers, monitoring personnel and ensuring lone worker safety are serious challenges for the chemical process industries…
Adjustment and control of moisture levels in solid materials is a critical aspect in the manufacture of many chemical products. Drying can be defined as the vaporization and removal of water or other liquids from a solution, suspension, or other…
Uniflow cyclones can be effective solid-gas separation equipment when space is limited. Presented here are design and calculation methods for uniflow cyclones aimed at widening the industrial usefulness of these devices Cyclone separators are, in addition to fabric filters, electrostatic…
A unified gateway station and related components increase availability to improve operations and safety In information technology (IT) security circles, the most important acronym is CIA: confidentiality, integrity, availability. In industrial control security, the corresponding acronym is AIC: availability, integrity,…
This column is based on “Calcium Carbide Production from Limestone – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/calcium-carbide-production-cost. Calcium carbide is the most industrially relevant carbide because of its important role as the basis…
A safety instrumented system (SIS) is important to ensure the safe operation of a plant. The SIS requires up-to-date sensors — recent developments in vortex flowmeters are presented here There are four key areas of concern for chemical producers that…
In hygienic process operations, proper system construction and fabrication has the greatest influence on end-product quality and the success of process validation. Even well-designed hygienic systems can be compromised by leaching, poor internal finishes and mishandled material sourcing and other…
As shown here, economical cooling is often achieved with a combination of both air and water cooling. Design considerations are also presented here For the last 40 years, air-cooled heat exchangers have become an indispensable part of many chemical, petroleum-refining,…