Learning what can degrade heat-transfer-fluid quality can help minimize potentially negative effects Organic heat transfer fluids (HTFs) are robust workhorses that are quite stable both thermally and chemically. However, they can yield to attacks from powerful or sometimes even subtle…
The ability to achieve an optimal steam balance can help to improve the overall thermal cycle efficiency of any steam-production system In any chemical process plant that produces steam, carrying out a steam balance is the most efficient way to…
Fluid seals for chemical process equipment are commonly made from a host of elastomeric and plastic materials. Selecting a seal material requires careful consideration of several criteria. Presented here are short descriptions of the major criteria for seal selection and…
Join ABB at ACHEMA 2018 to see how we are helping chemical companies cut costs, improve operations and minimize risk with our digital ABB Ability™ solutions. With over 50 years of experience, we work with chemical companies to transform operations…
The following recently published titles may be relevant for chemical process industries (CPI) professionals: Biomass as Renewable Raw Material to Obtain Bioproducts of High-Tech Value. Edited by Valentin Popa and Irina Volf, Elsevier Press, 2018, e-book, $31.50 per chapter. Dealing…
Responsiveness and adaptability — in the face of shifting market forces, new regulatory policy and natural disasters, among others — framed the discussions of U.S. petroleum refiners at the AFPM annual meeting Responsiveness and adaptability for U.S. petroleum refiners emerged…
Follow the guidance provided here to avoid many of the problems that can arise during the relocation of laboratory facilities The decision to move a laboratory from an existing space to a new research facility is often warranted. A merger…
Torque overloads can cause serious problems for rotating machinery, but an understanding of torque limiting technologies can help engineers to enable more reliable operations Reliability, safety and productivity are key terms that come to mind when considering manufacturing plant operations,…
A clear understanding of grout material properties is important to ensure that equipment is effectively protected against vibration and misalignment Reliability of critical rotating equipment depends first and foremost on maintaining precision alignment. This requires a robust foundation under the…
Corrosion is an obvious factor to consider when selecting materials of construction for process equipment. However, the chemical environment of the process is only the starting point in selecting an acceptable material. A set of other factors can complicate corrosion-resistance…