With the growth of ‘white biotechnology,’ industrial fermentation processes and large-scale fermenters will play a key role. Presented here are some design considerations In fermentation, microorganisms, animal and plant cells are used to produce chemical compounds. Enzymes, pharmaceutical ingredients, amino…
Presented here is a brief overview of the considerations involved in matching the right impeller with a given application Matching the right mixing equipment to the material properties and desired process outcome for any liquid-mixing application is the key to…
Batch manufacturing methods are common throughout the chemical process industries (CPI) for specialized compounds and reactions. However, typical batch-wise manufacturing processes are often time-consuming due to large volumes and long loading and unloading times added to the batch processing time,…
A new industry standard relating to the safe operation of electrical equipment can help manufacturers transition from an irregular maintenance schedule to a safer, more prescriptive regimen We used to need to change our motor oil every 3,000 miles. The…
In low-flow applications, Coriolis mass-flow controllers can be susceptible to clogging due to their small orifice. Filtration can solve most common clogging issues. Here are tips for filtration and clog prevention Advanced material and catalyst research, as well as critical…
The patented technology to measure buildup can be used to optimize cleaning cycles and avoid unplanned shutdowns To keep operations at peak efficiency, process systems must be kept as clean as possible. However, some of the normal byproducts of operating…
Optimizing the additive manufacturing of parts like actuators, regulators and valves will result in faster delivery, lower costs and improved performance for these crucial equipment components Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are benefiting the chemical process industries (CPI) in two main…
Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are a family of highly reactive gases that can be produced naturally, but largely result from fuel combustion (industrial combustion and automobile engines). In the environment, they are pollutants that react with volatile organic compounds in…
Understanding the water chemistry is a first step in preventing heat-exchanger fouling At the two power plants and chemical plant in which this author formerly worked, the fresh-water-makeup supplies (two lakes and an underground aquifer adjacent to a river) all…
A laboratory ventilation system that does not work effectively may not keep personnel safe and can produce significant adverse impacts on operations Laboratory personnel treat their ventilation systems as a given. They expect them to be designed right, to always…