Mobile Navigation

Processing & Handling

Simplifying the Use of Pipe-flow Friction-Factors

The Nikuradse-Prandtl-von Karman (NPK) equation is the most widely used expression to determine friction factors for fluid flow in smooth pipes [1–3]. It implicitly relates the friction factor (expressed here as f; sometimes called λ) to the Reynolds number, Re.…

Sample corrosive or toxic process fluids with this device

The LSS-30-PP is a sampling system designed to allow sampling of hazardous process fluids without personnel contact. The LSS-30-PP is similar in design to the LSS-140-ST from this company, but has a smaller sample cylinder (300 mL), and has wetted…

Member Exclusive

Improved heavy-crude conversion process boosts diesel yields

A proprietary nanoscale catalyst and an updated engineering design have allowed higher conversion rates for transforming the heaviest fractions of crude oil, known as vacuum residue, into high-value transportation fuels, such as diesel. Developed by UOP LLC (Des Plaines, Ill.;…

Member Exclusive

Selecting Two- and Four-wire Magnetic Flowmeters

To optimize process control and overall plant performance, magnetic flowmeters (mag meters) are the most widely used devices in many industrial flow-measurement applications. Mag meters are used to measure the flow of water and other conductive liquids by applying a…

Prevent wear and cavitation with this coating

Loctite Nordbak 7255 Sprayable Ceramic Coating is a two-part ceramic coating designed to protect metal surfaces of industrial equipment from wear, abrasion and corrosion. The product is packaged in a convenient, reusable, dual-cartridge dispenser (photo) and is sprayed onto metal…

Member Exclusive

Composites that can enhance forward osmosis

Researchers from the Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Monash University (Clayton, Victoria, Australia; www.monash.edu), have reported on a new composite polymer hydrogel with light-absorbing particles incorporated within it, that can be used as draw agents in the forward osmosis (FO) process…

Cut, bevel and weld pipe — with a single machine

The Axxair range of pipe cutting, beveling and welding machines has been added to this company’s range of products. By simply exchanging motors, these machines can cut pipe, then bevel the ends and weld parts. The unit cuts stainless steel,…

Member Exclusive

Using chemistry to protect structural steel during a fire

A technique for protecting structural steel from fire using the endothermic decomposition of magnesium hydroxide has been developed by a team from the Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Materials Engineering, the University of Auckland (New Zealand; www.auckland.ac.nz). Led by professor…

Determining Friction Factors in Turbulent Pipe Flow

Head loss due to friction for fluids traveling through pipes, tubes and ducts is a critical parameter for solving turbulent-flow problems in the chemical process industries. The Colebrook equation is used to assess hydraulic resistance for turbulent flow in both…

Member Exclusive

A new roasting process slated for commercialization

Outotec Oyj (Espoo, Finland; www.outotec.com) has introduced a new partial roasting process to purify copper and gold concentrates that are contaminated with arsenic, antimony and carbon. The process is a pretreatment stage for Cu- and Au-extraction plants, and enables the…