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…
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…
Material- and energy-balance models can help to identify potential opportunities The processing of mined minerals in aboveground facilities relies on several energy- intensive unit operations, such as comminution, screening and material transport. Crushing operations typically produce a wide distribution of…
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…
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…
This type of tank is often preferred to cylindrical tanks when space is limited. Follow this guidance to calculate the relevant dimension and ensure safe construction With the increasing age of many chemical process plants, a challenge often arises when…
Several carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) processes hold much promise, and there are challenges yet to be met A number of post-combustion carbon capture technologies have the capability to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted to the atmosphere from…
Targeted use of blanketing with inert gas offers an effective strategy for preventing combustible dust explosions in CPI facilities Combustible dust is a critical safety concern for the chemical process industries (CPI). The use of nitrogen gas as an inert…
Follow this guidance to improve the operation, safety and reliability of rotating machinery in chemical process plants Troubleshooting problems in rotating machinery (such as compressors, pumps, steam turbines, gas turbines, turbo-expanders and more) can present difficult challenges during day-to-day operations…
Propylene is a major component of the global olefins market and is widely used as an intermediate for an array of chemical and plastic products. Propylene is produced as a byproduct in steam crackers and through fluid catalytic cracking (FCC)…