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Filtration and Separation: Avoid Common Errors

The seven commonly made mistakes discussed here often lead to poor filtration and separation performance and many associated problems For almost any chemical process industries (CPI) plant, contamination is a reality that can cause numerous associated — and often chronic…

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Tips for the Multitasking Engineer

These tips, based on experience, can help engineers keep on top of their many tasks It is not uncommon for engineers to be working on multiple projects at the same time. Have you been in a situation where project priorities…

Connecting Operations Personnel to Reliability Efforts

Seven methodologies are described to help operations staff take greater ownership of asset performance The definition of ownership — to act as an owner — implies certain responsibilities. Consider the range of behaviors demonstrated by individuals when it comes to…

Flare-Gas Recovery Methods for Olefin Plants

Adding flare-gas recovery units at strategic locations of an olefin plant can not only reduce emissions, but will save money as well Although gas flaring is necessary at some chemical process industries (CPI) plants or facilities, more and more efforts…

Hydrogen Production from Natural Gas

Hydrogen (H2) is an important chemical feedstock, mainly applied in the manufacture of ammonia and methanol, and for hydroprocessing operations in petroleum refineries. Also, since H2 is an energy carrier, it has been considered for stationary power and transportation applications.…

Optimizing Pressure Relief Systems

Alternative designs for pressure relief systems may offer investment cost savings Pressure relief systems for the chemical process industries (CPI) are essential to prevent a process system, or any of its components, from being subjected to pressures that exceed the…

Catalysis Fundamentals

Catalysis is among the most important chemical phenomena in industrial chemistry, as well as in many biological and research fields. This one-page reference provides a review of several of the fundamental concepts underlying catalysis. Catalyst basics A catalyst interacts with…

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Troubleshooting Tube-Deterioration Mechanisms in Direct-Fired Heaters

A practical step-by-step guide for reducing future tube failure Forced outage of a direct-fired heater is the worst nightmare for any operator in a petroleum-refining or petrochemical plant. Since fired heaters are not replaceable by spares, forced outage in many…

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Wastewater Sludge Centrifugation Before Drying

The decanter centrifuge is an important piece of equipment for sludge volume reduction prior to thermal drying. Understanding centrifuge operation helps manage drying energy costs Consecutive mechanical dewatering and thermal drying are integral parts of sludge management, lowering the sludge…

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Vacuum Drying: Basics and Application

Vacuum drying can be a useful tool for solid products that are heat-sensitive. Here are some guidelines for the selection and use of various types of vacuum dryers Drying is an essential unit operation in a variety of chemical process…