Adhering to API 682 guidelines will create safe, efficient and effective mechanical-seal supports in pumping systems In the 1980s, mechanical seals became the most frequently used sealing technology in petroleum refineries and chemical plants. The American Petroleum Institute (API; Washington,…
Asset criticality and risk are primary among the many factors that must be considered to appropriately manage valves throughout their lifecycle Asset strategies usually define how assets will be treated in the different phases of an asset lifecycle, from acquisition…
Enabled by modern digitalization tools, predictive maintenance strategies have distinct advantages over traditional approaches and preventive maintenance protocols The era of visual-inspection-only maintenance routines with an employee checking boxes off on a clipboard could soon become a relic thanks to…
Advanced software solutions drill down through the data to provide actionable information There is no shortage of data produced in a chemical processing facility, but sifting through the data to drill down to the useful information can be particularly cumbersome.…
Proper hose maintenance can prevent failures, increase profitability and improve safety Deciding when to change industrial hoses is a common challenge facing plant managers and engineers — and it is a challenging decision for good reason. If plant managers wait…
Flange-bolted joints enable connections of singular segments of pipes into more complex sections, as well as joining measuring and process devices, such as flowmeters, pumps, fans and pressure vessels. These joints are potential sources of leakage, which can introduce safety…
The expanding use of digitalization tools at chemical process industries (CPI) facilities, coupled with the ongoing convergence of operational technology (OT) systems with traditional computer information technology (IT) systems, has increased plant cybersecurity risks. All plant personnel play a role…
Follow these nine recommendations to establish a strong program for preventive maintenance of rotary drums in drying, cooling and other treatments of bulk solids Maximizing efficiency is increasingly a critical priority for plant managers, leading many to move away from…
The proper selection of materials of construction is crucial. The example presented here shows how to use standards to help narrow down the options Since the late 1800s, a steady body of pressure technology codes and standards have been under…
An overview on the importance of standard operation procedures (SOPs) and how to write them Today, it is necessary to have standard operating procedures (SOPs) for steam and condensate systems, boilers, deaerators and even steam process units (Figure 1). An…