Producing chemicals and fuels by fermentation of renewable feedstocks can offer improved sustainability, lower costs and greater safety compared to conventional thermal processes. But realizing these benefits depends on a careful assessment of the process economics, and an understanding of…
This column is based on “Polybutadiene Production via Solution Process – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/polybutadiene-production-cost. Polybutadiene (also known as butadiene rubber) is produced from the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene. In terms of…
Paying closer attention to the air-filtration systems of pneumatic conveying operations can avoid losses in efficiency in compressed-air usage during filter cleaning The inefficient use of compressed air in solids-handling processes, such as pneumatic conveying, can waste a significant amount…
The Valve World Americas Expo and Conference (www.valveworldexpoamericas.com) will take place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston (June 19–20, 2019). Organized by KCI World and Messe Düsseldorf North America, the 2019 edition of the bi-annual event will…
There are many industrial technologies for removing H 2 S from process gas, and each brings with it different benefits with regard to costs, efficiency and equipment layout Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a toxic and corrosive gas that occurs naturally,…
Apart from ensuring the conformity of the process and the quality of the product, professional calibration, first and foremost, improves the quality of the process At many plants in the chemical process industries (CPI), measurement instrumentation is usually calibrated during…
By focusing on ignition sources, such as static discharges, and housekeeping, facilities handling solids can minimize their risk for combustible dust explosions Dust explosions in industrial facilities can cause injuries, destruction of property, and — as history will attest —…
Siemens AG (Munich, Germany; www.siemens.com) was recently awarded a contract to provide three residue compression trains for two, 250-million (500 million total) standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) cryogenic gas plants in the Delaware Basin. The customer, a key producer…
Corrosion can never be totally stopped, but significantly slowing its progress can be achieved if analyzers rapidly detect out-of-spec conditions. For a prominent European chemical company, switching from slow electrolytic sensors to almost real-time moisture analysis has made a significant…
Polytek Development Corp. (Easton, Pa.; www.polytek.com), a manufacturer of specialty polymers for mold making and casting applications, has announced the expansion of epoxy production capabilities at its Midwest location. Following the March 2019 acquisition of BCC Products, Inc. ("BCC"), Polytek…