The American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com) reported that U.S. specialty chemicals market volumes rose 1.2% in January, accelerating slightly from a 1.0% gain in December. Of the 28 specialty chemical segments that ACC monitors, 19 expanded in January,…
The following is a list of recently published books that may be relevant for professionals in the chemical process industries (CPI) Digital Transformation for the Process Industries: A Roadmap. By Osvaldo Bascur (edited by Jim O’Rourke), CRC Press, 2021, 320…
This company has launched a smartphone app for iOS and Android operating systems that provides easy access to a comprehensive library of product data, instructional animations and other technical resources related to the group's full line of expansion joints and…
This company’s Cooper split spherical roller bearings (photo), available in open or sealed configurations, are designed for easy replacement with little disturbance to the shaft alignment or driveline and eliminate the need to remove attached equipment. This bearing solution increases…
The UHF Band RTM (remote tension monitoring) meter (photo) is a wireless bolt-monitoring system that can be used to remotely monitor the tension in critical joints. This wireless sensor detects and collects the tension level in a bolted joint as…
This company has launched the first in a new line of high-performance intelligent drive module (IDM) products. The IDMsm (photo) is a two- or four-axis EtherCAT DS402 universal servo drive featuring unique control algorithms and processing technologies that enhance the…
This company has upgraded its range of SSA actuators for small valves by adding new features for more energy-efficient and versatile hydronic-room applications. The updated SSA actuators now offer more flexibility due to their broad control possibilities — from analog…
This column is based on “Acrylonitrile Butadiene Latex Production – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/nitrile-rubber-production-cost. Nitrile rubber (also known as NBR, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene latex, Buna-N) is a synthetic polymer…
Waterhammer arises because of sudden changes in fluid flow, and can present significant problems in processes that involve flowing liquids. This article outlines these potential issues and offers guidance for handling the pressure changes arising from waterhammer Most large-scale processes…
This overview compares various sealing technologies, and points out advantages and disadvantages of applying different mechanical-sealing designs for caustic fluids Caustic applications in chemical plants can play havoc on the mechanical seals of rotating equipment. These applications can be difficult…