DSD is a new design-of-experiments (DOE) technique that is expected to bring huge benefits when using a Six Sigma optimization strategy Statistical tools are deeply ingrained in the Six Sigma methodology to optimize processes and products during chemical process industries…
A methodology and examples for estimating equipment costs are presented Engineers have the responsibility to create projects having attractive returns on investment and to create economically sound designs — designs that produce high-quality, competitively priced products. This requires the technical…
The new Metris addIQ (photo) is a state-of-the-art digital control system for separation applications. Metris addIQ provides added value by enhancing availability and minimizing production costs through increased equipment efficiency and fewer operating errors. Metris addIQ control systems enable users…
At Valve World Expo (Düsseldorf, Germany; November 27–29), this company introduced two new positioners from the Series 3730: Trovis 3730-1 and Trovis 3730-3. The new positioners (photo) for 4–20-mA applications combine the latest technological developments with the proven device base…
The Nicolet iS20 FTIR spectrometer is an upgrade over the well-established Nicolet iS10 FTIR spectrometer, and features new LightDrive Optical Engine technology. The redesigned optical system consists of four critical components — an infrared (IR) source, interferometer, laser and detector…
The SAGE UMT (photo) is a wireless, hand-held steam-trap-testing solution that enables accurate, on-the-go testing of steam-trap performance. SAGE UMT leverages radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to quickly locate and identify steam traps. Its piezoelectric acoustic and non-contact infrared (IR) temperature…
Reducing the total cost of ownership is paramount for manufacturers of dairy, food and beverage products. Using the new Aseptic Mixproof Valve (photo) instead of alternatives can deliver a total cost saving of up to 45% for manufacturers using aseptic…
The ideal gas law ( PV = nRT), relating molar volume of a gas to pressure and temperature, is predicated on two assumptions: 1) that the volume occupied by the gas molecules is negligible compared to the volume of the…
This column is based on “HDPE Production via Slurry Loop Process – Cost Analysis,” published by Intratec. The report can be found at the following URL: www.intratec.us/analysis/hdpe-production-cost. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the three main types of polyethylene, and…
Surprising observations regarding flooding in the upper fractionation trays of an atmospheric crude-petroleum distillation column are investigated In industial distillation processes, flooding is an abnormal, but relatively common, process condition in which liquid accumulates in the column. The accumulation may…