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Technical & Practical

Advances in Process Temperature Measurement: Trends and Technologies

Process temperature measurement is a constantly evolving field, and new technologies have allowed for more reliable measurements to be realized in many applications Process temperature is the most widely used measurement in the chemical process industries (CPI), and is crucial…

Transmitter-Sensor Matching Improves RTD Accuracy

RTD sensors will never exhibit behavior based on theoretical ideals, but understanding the fundamentals behind transmitter-sensor matching will enhance their accuracy Temperature is the most common measurement in the chemical process industries (CPI). It is employed for a wide variety…

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…

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…

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Technology Profile: Onsite Enzyme Production

Enzymes are proteins synthesized in living cells that act as biocatalysts for specific reactions. However, enzymes must be applied under mild conditions, since they lose their catalytic activity when subjected to heat, organic solvents or strong acids and bases. Enzymes…

Facts at your Fingertips: Industrial Microorganisms

Evidence for human use of microorganisms in the production of valuable goods extends back thousands of years. Over the ensuing centuries, the use of microbes in industrial processes has grown steadily, and continues today. This one-page reference provides information on…