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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
This type of tank is often preferred to cylindrical tanks when space is limited. Follow this guidance to calculate the relevant dimension and ensure safe construction With the increasing age of many chemical process plants, a challenge often arises when…
Follow this guidance to improve the operation, safety and reliability of rotating machinery in chemical process plants Troubleshooting problems in rotating machinery (such as compressors, pumps, steam turbines, gas turbines, turbo-expanders and more) can present difficult challenges during day-to-day operations…
Understanding the chemistry behind corrosion in condensate-return systems can aid in selecting and properly employing the best mitigation technique The importance of steam-condensate return systems to boilers in the chemical process industries (CPI) cannot be overemphasized, especially with regard to…
Accounting for an entire steam-trap population is crucial to avoiding safety incidents and sub-optimal production — high-priority consideration must be given to steam-system management Historically, steam systems have provided the most effective source of readily conveyable heat to industrial process…
Successful dispersion depends on a basic understanding of dispersion equipment and how dispersers should be used High-shear mixers typically operate at high rotational speeds and are used for mixing applications that are best described as dispersion processes. They can be…