Technical & Practical
Using Excel VBA for Process-Simulator Data Extraction
Engineers can make better use of the results of process simulations by automatically exporting data into heat and material balance tables in Microsoft Excel Chemical engineering projects require process simulation to validate the chemical reactions and mechanical operations of the…
Cybersecurity: You Cannot Secure What You Cannot See
Follow this guidance to understand today’s cybersecurity risk landscape and take the necessary steps to create a sound industrial control system cybersecurity program, including the development of a comprehensive, in-depth cyber-asset inventory In industrial facilities, cyber incidents typically result from…
Coupler Technologies for Secure Chemical Handling
Significant improvement in reducing fluid loss, optimizing flow paths and easing operation are among the advances in next-generation coupler technologies According to the National Response Center’s (NRC) “Spills and Accidents” database, which collects data on toxic chemical spills and other…
Terephthalic Acid Production from p-Xylene
This column is based on “Terephthalic Acid Production from p-Xylene — Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/terephthalic-acid-production-cost. Terephthalic acid is an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, mainly used to produce saturated polyesters, primarily PET (polyethylene…
pH Measurement in Industrial Waters
Determination of pH is a critical and ubiquitous operation whenever water is used in the chemical process industries (CPI). This one-page reference provides a review of pH chemistry and information on pH measurement equipment in CPI applications. Chemistry of pH…
Design of Experiments (DoE):How to Handle Hard-to-Change Factors Using a Split Plot
This methodology facilitates multifactor testing. However, it comes at a price: a loss in power for detecting effects The traditional approach to experimentation — often referred to as the “scientific method” — requires changing only one factor at a time…
Magnetically Coupled Pumps: Structure, Function and Best Practice
Understanding pump internals, especially the various sealing and coupling arrangements, is a critical step in selecting the optimal pump There is a significant risk for operators associated with the pump selection process. Economic issues, such as procurement and operating costs,…
AODD Pumps in Chemical Processes
Advancements in efficiency and the ability to handle a wide array of chemicals combine to make the air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pump a useful choice for chemical processors The circumstances surrounding the development of the air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pumping principle six…
Distillation Column Design Factors
Distillation is a critical separation tool for many applications in the chemical process industries (CPI), and the intelligent design of a distillation column can have a large impact on eventual process performance and efficiency. This reference sheet outlines the design…
The Benefits Of Two-Stage Drying
Circular fluidized-bed dryers can boost the capacity, energy efficiency and product quality when used in conjunction with other primary dryers Two-stage drying provides benefits from the standpoints of cost, energy savings, efficiency and product quality. This is especially the case…