Technical & Practical
Technology Profile: Ethylene oxide production from ethylene
This column is based on “Ethylene Oxide Production from Ethylene – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/ethylene-oxide-production-cost. Ethylene oxide (also known as EO, oxirane and epoxyethane) is the simplest cyclic ether. Because it…
Facts at your Fingertips: Pneumatic Conveying Challenges
Among the key benefits offered by pneumatically conveying bulk solids is the ability to route materials around obstructions in the plant using bends in the pipeline. However, these changes in direction involve a considerable number of particle impacts on the…
Preparing for a Successful Security Audit
Facing a site security audit might seem daunting, but proper preparation will help to meet the goals of enhancing security and reducing risk What are the downsides of failing to pass a security audit or inspection? Is it the fear…
ASTM Standards For Heat Transfer Fluids
This practical overview of ASTM standards can serve as a roadmap when selecting and evaluating heat transfer fluids Heat-transfer-fluid systems are often used for process heating to 500°F or higher. To accomplish heating above 500°F, steam pressure must be above…
Heat Exchangers: Designing for Super-critical Fluid Service
Working with supercritical fluids poses challenges when designing heat exchangers. Some practical tips and precautions are presented here Industrial applications involving fluids at high pressure — pressure above the critical pressure of a particular fluid — are increasing in number.…
Technology Profile: Nitrile Rubber Production
This column is based on “Nitrile Rubber Production – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/nitrile-rubber-production-cost. Nitrile rubber (NBR), also known as Buna-N, is a synthetic rubber copolymer of 1,3-butadiene and acrylonitrile. The material…
Facts at your Fingertips: Safety Instrumented Systems and Risk
Within the chemical process industries (CPI), the need to design safety systems to prevent process failures from occurring, or to control them when they do, is well recognized, as is the importance of having confidence in the safety systems that…
Seal Selection: Ensure Regulator Performance in Low-Temperature Applications
In low-temperature conditions, the use of compatible sealing materials is essential for leak-tight operation and proper functionality of pressure-regulating devices Harsh, frigid conditions are among the most challenging industrial environments (Figure 1) for fluid-handling applications. At these temperatures, it is…
Pump Sealing for Hazardous Chemicals
Pumping hazardous chemicals requires specific shaft-sealing technologies to ensure containment and reliability Hazardous chemicals are defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA; Washington, D.C.; www.epa.gov) as those that are potentially harmful to human health and the environment. Existing as gases…
Technology Profile: Production of 2-propylheptanol
This column is based on “2-Propylheptanol Production Process - Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/2-propylheptanol-production-cost. Also known as 2-PH and 2-propylheptyl alcohol, 2-propylheptanol is a branched fatty alcohol, primarily used in the production…