The application of biotechnology to the chemical process industries (CPI) has grown significantly in the past decade and now offers viable pathways to manufacture a range of high-volume chemicals, many of which can serve as drop-in replacements for traditional petroleum-derived…
Ethylene is a critical building block for the petrochemical industry, and is among the most produced organic compounds. It is usually produced in steam-cracking units from a range of petroleum-based feedstocks, such as naphtha, and is used in the manufacture…
Approaches to plant safety continue to evolve based on lessons learned, as well as new automation standards and technology In the chemical process industries (CPI), one incident can have a tremendous impact on the people in the plant, the communities…
Avoid tedious numerical calculation by using this quick, shortcut method Insulated pipes are important in many applications in the chemical process industries (CPI). When it comes to the insulation itself, the two main questions are: which material should be used;…
Harnessing new technologies for best practices in pollution control could lead to a more ideal framework of policies and programs Fugitive emissions are managed in a variety of ways around the world, ranging from detailed prescriptive control to suggested guidance.…
The capabilities of laser diffraction systems go beyond particle-size analysis to also predict a catalyst’s propensity to experience attrition Heterogeneous catalysts, where the catalyst is in solid form, enhance many of the gas- and liquid-phase reactions that underpin common operations…
Flare problems are often caused by the seal systems that are designed to control air ingress. Follow these troubleshooting guidelines to improve design and ensure safe, reliable flare operation Flares are used to dispose of unwanted hydrocarbon gases. One common…
Industrially, adsorbent materials are used in a wide range of applications, including purification, separations, drying, spill management, catalysis, pollution control and others across a large number of industrial sectors. This column provides an overview of the major classes of industrial…
Monoethylene glycol (MEG), also known as ethylene glycol (EG) or simply glycol, is a diol mostly used for the production of polyester fibers and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins. It is also used in antifreeze applications and in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.…
Turndown and rangeability have a big impact on the flexibility and efficiency of chemical process operations During the design of a chemical process plant, the main focus is on which process units or unit operations must be integrated to convert…