With the IE/PB Link HA gateway (photo), highly redundant infrastructures can be implemented based on the open Profinet Industrial Ethernet standard. This ensures uninterrupted system operation because changes can be made to the configuration during ongoing operation. In addition, the…
This company has introduced a new series of clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters (photo) that fasten on the outside of vertical or horizontal pipes ranging in size from½ through 48 in. Housed in a water- and dust-tight NEMA 4X polycarbonate enclosure, these…
In plants where extensive piping, decentrally placed reactors and transport equipment or remote loading and unloading stations require guard tours by specially trained staff, adequate surveillance can present major cost factors. This company’s IP-based camera systems (photo) are an economical…
The Philadelphia Wellington heavy-duty workboot (photo) is built to withstand tough work environments, while also keeping feet comfortable. The Philadelphia Wellington features a full-grain, waterproof leather to help resist the damaging effects of many chemicals, including oleic acid, urea, sodium…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…