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Processing & Handling

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Improving mass-transfer-limited reactions

The step-by-step procedure described here can help operators to optimize reactor operation and output Engineers throughout the chemical process industries (CPI) commonly encounter situations where different materials have to be contacted inside a reactor to drive the chemical transformations needed…

Production of major plastic resins rose in June, ACC says

According to data from the American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com), production of major plastic resins totaled 6.5 billion pounds during June 2015, up 2.6% compared to June of last year. Year-to-date production was 38.7 billion pounds, a 3.3%…

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Valve-Selection Best Practices

Precise combinations of valves and other equipment lead to process success. A biopolymer fermentation process provides an example of proper valve selection In chemical processes requiring automated control, a properly selected valve can make the difference between a mediocre outcome…

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Key Commercial Electrochemical Processes

Industrial electrochemical processes are critical to a host of chemical products across many industry sectors. Modern products of electrochemical processes include chlorine gas, sodium hydroxide, sodium chlorate, hydrogen, oxygen, aluminum, copper, magnesium, zinc, adiponitrile and others. This one-page reference provides…

Catalysis Fundamentals

Catalysis is among the most important chemical phenomena in industrial chemistry, as well as in many biological and research fields. This one-page reference provides a review of several of the fundamental concepts underlying catalysis. Catalyst basics A catalyst interacts with…

Hydrogen Production from Natural Gas

Hydrogen (H2) is an important chemical feedstock, mainly applied in the manufacture of ammonia and methanol, and for hydroprocessing operations in petroleum refineries. Also, since H2 is an energy carrier, it has been considered for stationary power and transportation applications.…

Facts at your Fingertips: Industrial Microorganisms

Evidence for human use of microorganisms in the production of valuable goods extends back thousands of years. Over the ensuing centuries, the use of microbes in industrial processes has grown steadily, and continues today. This one-page reference provides information on…

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Wastewater Sludge Centrifugation Before Drying

The decanter centrifuge is an important piece of equipment for sludge volume reduction prior to thermal drying. Understanding centrifuge operation helps manage drying energy costs Consecutive mechanical dewatering and thermal drying are integral parts of sludge management, lowering the sludge…

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Technology Profile: Onsite Enzyme Production

Enzymes are proteins synthesized in living cells that act as biocatalysts for specific reactions. However, enzymes must be applied under mild conditions, since they lose their catalytic activity when subjected to heat, organic solvents or strong acids and bases. Enzymes…

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Vacuum Drying: Basics and Application

Vacuum drying can be a useful tool for solid products that are heat-sensitive. Here are some guidelines for the selection and use of various types of vacuum dryers Drying is an essential unit operation in a variety of chemical process…