The Transic100LP oxygen transmitter uses tunable diode laser spectroscopy (TLDS) for repeatable and drift-free measurements, independent of process or sample gas flow, temperature and pressure. The device has no moving parts, and its optical components demonstrate durability, even when faced…
The Vibroport 8000 (VP-8000) portable vibration analyzer (photo) for rotating and reciprocating equipment is a specially configured and packaged version of this company’s VC-8000 machinery protection system. The VP-8000 features the same universal measurement modules and design as the VC-8000,…
Improved understanding of the causes of piping leaks can reduce the frequency of leaks and lead to significantly better performance over time Leakage in pipes is an ongoing problem in research and development facilities across many sectors of the chemical…
Sar-Gel Blue (photo) is a new nontoxic water-finding paste. It provides a reliable way to detect phase-separated water in fuel or equipment tanks containing gasoline, gasoline/ethanol blends (up to 15% ethanol), diesel, jet fuel, fuel oil, biodiesel and other water-incompatible…
Even with advanced predictive technologies, unplanned equipment failures can still occur. In these instances, as shown in this boiler example, rapid maintenance action is crucial to minimize downtime Maintenance activities generally fall into two categories — reactive and preventative. The…
Several strategies for improving energy consumption and process control in evaporation processes are presented here In industrial evaporation, a heat source (usually condensed steam) is used to concentrate a material through the removal of a liquid solvent. There are several…
Testing steam-trap stations can be very easy if the plant provides the correct equipment, training and commitment to the steam-system management program When it comes to testing steam traps, a frequently asked question is, “what is the best method?” The…
Pipe supports in industrial process plants are often more complicated than commonly thought. Presented here are some of the challenges that can arise and how to address them On one level, the topic of pipe supports seems like it should…
This column is based on “Sodium Chlorate Production – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/sodium-chlorate-production-cost. Sodium chlorate (NaClO3; also known as chlorate of soda) is an odorless inorganic salt with colorless crystals and…
When transferring stored bulk-solids materials from hoppers, bins and silos, flow stoppage can occur because of bridging or arching at the vessel outlet. Hopper outlets must be large enough to prevent cohesive arches or stable ratholes from developing. Determining the…