Plant layout is as important a part of process plant design as it ever was, but it is rarely taught as part of chemical engineering courses While process plant layout is a critical aspect of chemical process industries (CPI) operations,…
Be vigilant about parallel pumping conditions that can lead to catastrophic failures During my career, I have seen several massive centrifugal pump failures caused by pump users attempting to operate pumps in parallel without the proper equipment review, procedural review…
This column is based on “MTBE production from Raffinate-1 - Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/mtbe-production-cost. Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) is an organic compound used mainly as a fuel additive to enhance octane…
Dust management can be divided into three main categories: prevention, containment and suppression. Understanding the key considerations for each can help bulk solids handlers arrive at an optimal dust control solution Dust management is an ongoing issue faced by virtually…
Simulations demonstrate the complex, changing properties of materials within the evaporator. Such information can help in both designing and selecting the proper evaporator A wiped film or agitated thin-film evaporator is very effective with difficult-to-handle materials. The evaporator consists essentially…
Properly selected and executed sampling techniques are essential for assessing, controlling and mitigating internal corrosion of pipes and other assets in the chemical process industries (CPI). Key data for evaluating an asset or piping system for internal corrosion include the…
The ability to reduce fugitive emissions through the use of strategic design modifications not only protects workers and the environment, but reduces losses of valuable process materials The industrialized nations of the world have all placed increased emphasis on the…
Changing employment situations can leave affected employees trying to redefine their career paths. The positive experiences shared by these authors can provide some options and strategies The corporate world can be challenging because business fluctuates with time, and employment reductions…
This column is based on a report published by Intratec titled “Carbon Fiber Production from Pitch — Cost Analysis.” The report can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/carbon-fiber-production-cost. Carbon fibers (CF) are defined as fibers containing at least 90% carbon by weight,…
Agglomeration is a natural phenomenon in which solid particles stick to each other or to surfaces. When unwanted, agglomeration can cause problems, such as caking, buildup or lumping, but it is also an important particle-size enlargement process widely used in…