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…
Bio-based Methionine via Fermentation of Glucose
Methionine is an essential amino acid that is not produced by animals. Methionine must be obtained from dietary sources, and its major use is as an animal nutritional-feed additive. Methionine is mainly derived from petrochemical sources. However, biochemical routes to…
Liquid-Liquid Extraction
Liquid-liquid extraction is a common mass-transfer operation in which a target solute material is transferred from a feed phase into a solvent. The process is used in a number of applications, including: the removal of valuable products from fermentation broth;…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…