The automatic VROC initium Model II viscometer (photo) is now available for viscosity characterization of any solvent-based solutions. VROC (viscometer-rheometer-on-a-chip) technology combines microfluidic and MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) technologies to measure dynamic viscosity over a wide range of operation. High-throughput and…
This column is based on “2-Propylheptanol Production Process - Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/2-propylheptanol-production-cost. Also known as 2-PH and 2-propylheptyl alcohol, 2-propylheptanol is a branched fatty alcohol, primarily used in the production…
Within the chemical process industries (CPI), the need to design safety systems to prevent process failures from occurring, or to control them when they do, is well recognized, as is the importance of having confidence in the safety systems that…
New self-service data analytics tools allow plants to create an analytics-enabled workforce that can readily address production issues and continuously improve processes The specialty chemicals sector of the chemical process industries (CPI) is highly complex, from both a production and…
The surge in data volumes within the chemical process industries has made it difficult for engineers to find the insights they need to improve processes. Advanced analytics applications enable engineers and others to harness the data for improved operations Every…
In low-temperature conditions, the use of compatible sealing materials is essential for leak-tight operation and proper functionality of pressure-regulating devices Harsh, frigid conditions are among the most challenging industrial environments (Figure 1) for fluid-handling applications. At these temperatures, it is…
Pumping hazardous chemicals requires specific shaft-sealing technologies to ensure containment and reliability Hazardous chemicals are defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA; Washington, D.C.; www.epa.gov) as those that are potentially harmful to human health and the environment. Existing as gases…
In line with its customer-focused corporate strategy, BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany; www.basf.com) will expand the capacity of ethylene oxide and ethylene oxide derivatives at its Verbund site in Antwerp, Belgium. The total investment adds about 400,000 metric tons per year…
Due to the scarcity of global water resources and the ever increasing need to protect the environment, zero-liquid discharge is becoming more and more important. ANDRITZ was active in this field long before “ZLD” became the buzzword it is today.…
Sibur (Moscow; www.sibur.com) announced that its subsidiary Biaxplen has acquired a 50% stake in the Italian BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) film producer Manucor S.p.A. Biaxplen and Manucor will share their best practices in terms of R&D, sales and marketing, production,…