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…
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)…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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%…
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…