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Processing & Handling

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Industrial Adsorbents

Industrially, adsorbent materials are used in a wide range of applications, including purification, separations, drying, spill management, catalysis, pollution control and others across a large number of industrial sectors. This column provides an overview of the major classes of industrial…

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Ethylene Glycol Production

Monoethylene glycol (MEG), also known as ethylene glycol (EG) or simply glycol, is a diol mostly used for the production of polyester fibers and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins. It is also used in antifreeze applications and in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.…

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Production of Polylactic Acid

Polylactic acid (PLA) is the biodegradable polymer of lactic acid, which is produced via fermentation processes. For the last five decades, PLA has been mainly used in biomedical applications. The development of economical production routes and a rising environmental awareness…

Calculate NPSH with Confidence

Determining net positive suction head (NPSH) can be confusing, but with these guidelines, engineers can avoid the pitfalls of incorrect calculations Most engineers have likely heard the term NPSH (net positive suction head) at some point in their careers. Put…

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The Benefits of Seal-less Pumps for Full Product Containment

In cases where full containment of dangerous and hazardous chemicals is necessary, seal-less pumps can provide many safety and operational benefits To the average person, many of the raw materials that are commonly used in the chemical process industries (CPI)…

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Variable Frequency Drives

Electric alternating current (a.c.) motors power all types of equipment in the chemical process industries (CPI), including pumps, fans, blowers, compressors and other types of process equipment. Electric motor systems offer opportunities for reductions in power consumption because while some…

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Lactic Acid Production via Glucose Fermentation: Technology Profile

Lactic acid is a naturally occurring chiral acid most commonly found in the L(+) form. Driven by a recent demand for more sustainable products, the lactic acid market has expanded beyond the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Currently, a major…

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Extremely Low Temperature Systems

Understanding the nuances of low-temperature engineering is key to safe and efficient operations Extremely low temperatures — below –100°F (–73.3°C) — have many widely diverse commercial uses, from de-flashing of molded rubber parts on the plant floor to pristine storage of…

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New Measurement Practices for Cold Climates

Selecting the right pressure, temperature, flow and level meters and connection systems can help to eliminate the need for heated enclosures and sensing lines In an environment where the ambient temperature can fall below –20°C, outdoor measurements can suffer from…

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A Pragmatic Approach to Powder Processing

Modern powder-testing methods can offer valuable insights into bulk material behavior and lead to efficient powder-processing solutions Process simulation is a powerful tool for engineers in the chemical process industries (CPI) and one that plays an important role in commercializing…