Flange-bolted joints enable connections of singular segments of pipes into more complex sections, as well as joining measuring and process devices, such as flowmeters, pumps, fans and pressure vessels. These joints are potential sources of leakage, which can introduce safety…
Facilities can reduce emissions without major capital projects. Here are some practical ideas showing where to start People working in the air-pollution control industry used to boast that you can remove everything from fluegas except carbon dioxide, and it remains…
Bioprocessing facilities can achieve compliance, prevent downstream contamination and increase water reuse by using advanced oxidation processes Wastewater generated from bioprocessing facilities is heavily regulated in the U.S. by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA; Washington, D.C.; www.epa.gov) and various state…
The products of the chlor-alkali process continue to be essential for many purposes across the global value chain. Modern chlor-alkali technologies can vastly improve upon the safety and environmental performance of legacy systems The chlor-alkali production process is one of…
The expanding use of digitalization tools at chemical process industries (CPI) facilities, coupled with the ongoing convergence of operational technology (OT) systems with traditional computer information technology (IT) systems, has increased plant cybersecurity risks. All plant personnel play a role…
The proper selection of materials of construction is crucial. The example presented here shows how to use standards to help narrow down the options Since the late 1800s, a steady body of pressure technology codes and standards have been under…
Chemical plants should not overlook the potential problems that can arise from damaged or malfunctioning lighting fixtures It is no secret that many chemical plants and industrial sites are prone to harsh environmental conditions that can wreak havoc on equipment…
An overview on the importance of standard operation procedures (SOPs) and how to write them Today, it is necessary to have standard operating procedures (SOPs) for steam and condensate systems, boilers, deaerators and even steam process units (Figure 1). An…
Henry Kister shares lessons learned from troubleshooting distillation towers During a course that I was presenting in Houston one year, a participant asked me the following at the end of one of the sessions: “Do you have experience with BX-type…
Monitoring particle sizes in real time can improve product quality and reduce costs in chemical processes. Presented here is an overview of available technologies for particle-size analysis and an example involving suspension polymerization Effective measurement, in real time, of particle…