To realize the best possible thermal efficiency, gas turbines should be integrated into chemical process industries (CPI) plants, but doing so can be difficult and requires special consideration. Specifically, in some CPI units, while the turbine’s shaft is driving an…
Many chemical process industries (CPI) facilities utilize high-pressure steam generators to produce both electricity and process steam. This technique is commonly known as combined heat and power (CHP). A popular approach in recent years has been to select a combined-cycle…
One of the most unsettling experiences in a company’s existence may be the surprise regulatory inspection by a representative of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a State Environmental Agency. What if you refuse to let them in? What…
Propylene is typically considered a co-product in steam crackers and fluid-catalytic-cracking (FCC) processes, which are primarily driven by ethylene and motor gasoline production, respectively. Recently, most U.S. ethylene producers have shifted to lighter feedstocks due to the availability of low-cost…
Changing out used heat-transfer fluid is critical to the efficiency of a heat-transfer fluid system. A well-operated heat-transfer-fluid system can enable efficient production, fewer shut-downs, less maintenance time and lower costs. In order to maintain a sound heat-transfer system, it…
Temperature is among the most critical measurements in the chemical process industries (CPI) for operating safe and efficient processes. Because even a small error in temperature can lead to expensive consequences, accurate and reliable monitoring of temperature is required. Thermowells…
Pressure-relief valves are widely and effectively used in situations where the pressure in a process vessel rises to above the vessel’s design-pressure rating. Proper relief-valve sizing is critical to plant and process safety to permit fluids sufficient flow area to…
Because natural gas supplies are significantly increasing due to the rising exploitation of shale gas, mainly in the U.S., propane prices are decreasing. Coupled with low propane prices, ethylene producers are shifting to lighter feedstocks (more ethane, less naphtha), which…
These simple strategies can be used to speed up and increase the success rates of R&D projects Research and development (R&D) projects usually require significant time, effort and manpower to become successful. Despite the significant resources spent on R&D projects,…
Determining the proper preliminary size for centrifugal pumps during the initial stages of any pump-specification exercise requires numerous calculations and assumptions. This article reviews the steps needed to size centrifugal pumps during the early stages of a project, to support…