The troubleshooting methods described here can help engineers to understand operational realities when “running blind” in complex distillation processes One of the most critical aspects in ethanol production is the distillation unit. Distillation processes are vital for recovering ethanol from…
Compliance in the chemical process industry (CPI) has become an increasingly complex endeavor, but artificial intelligence (AI) promises to help effectively navigate modern regulatory landscapes When it comes to compliance and safety in the chemical process industries (CPI), product stewardship,…
The chemical and physical properties of some solid materials render them prone to restricted flow and flow stoppages when discharging from bins and hoppers. This one-page reference outlines common solids-flow problems, as well as strategies and devices that can aid…
The search for a new ammonia-synthesis method has now driven research and development work underground, literally. Addis Energy (Somerville, Mass.; www.addisenergy.com) is launching a subsurface synthesis technology that takes advantage of geologic chemistry to produce ammonia. “Addis Energy’s process uses…
A PFAS-remediation project using sustainably manufactured granulated activated carbon for drinking water demonstrates how PFAS adsorption performance can be combined with reduced costs and environmental impact As thousands of public water systems across the country make plans to reduce per-…
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) technologies has presented the chemical process industries (CPI) with opportunities for improving process efficiency, asset maintenance, product development and plant safety. While not fully realized in the CPI, the potential…
Buildings lose considerable heating and cooling energy through their windows, so window coatings with low thermal conductivity would improve efficiency. However, finding insulating materials that are also transparent is a challenge. A team of researchers at the University of Colorado…
A new structural material builds upon the promise of enzyme-enhanced CO2 mineralization to overcome decarbonization challenges in the construction industry. Researchers from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI; Worcester, Mass.; www.wpi.edu), led by Nima Rahbar, head of WPI’s Department of Civil, Environmental…
Polystyrene (PS) is among the more difficult-to-recycle fractions of plastic waste, but could be a source of valuable aromatic petrochemicals, such as toluene. Prior approaches to convert PS to toluene have exhibited low yields and a range of products. Now,…
Diagnostics, self-monitoring and digital communication detect flowmeter issues, provide insight Accurate flow measurement is the backbone of chemical process optimization. Today’s flowmeters are being enhanced with smart technologies and other advances designed to overcome flow monitoring challenges in the chemical…