The inherent characteristics, requirements and special concerns of pilot- and laboratory-scale distillation columns differ from those of commercial-scale equipment. The scale-related differences of distillation assemblies are presented here Distillation processes at any scale share many of the same theoretical and…
When it comes to water used in boilers, it is important to remove potentially problematic impurities. This offers a potentially huge return on investment, even with the prevention of just one major upset, let alone recurring failures Several decades ago,…
By minimizing, or even eliminating, the need for blowdowns in steam systems, precoat filter demineralizer systems can greatly contribute to water-conservation efforts Steam is essential in any chemical process plant, primarily for generating heat and power. Power generation (the largest…
Five common mistakes associated with implementing predictive maintenance tools are discussed here, along with five ways to avoid them Predictive maintenance (PM) implementation can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider and many ways that things can…
Victrex plc (Thornton Cleveleys, U.K.) has announced priority investment to support expanding its medical division, Invibio Biomaterial Solutions, including the opening of a new product development facility in Leeds, UK, this month. As part of Victrex’s plans to accelerate future…
Givaudan International SA (Vernier, Switzerland) announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire certain cosmetic ingredients from Amyris, Inc. (Emeryville, Calif.) , including Neossance Squalane, the high-performant emollient, Neossance Hemisqualane, the plant-based silicone alternative and CleanScreen, a sustainable sun…
Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany) announced that it is investing in a production-plant expansion for fumed aluminum oxide at its site in Yokkaichi, Japan. The facility will be the company’s first alumina plant in Asia, focusing on the production of…
Celanese Corp. (Dallas, Tex.) announced two joint venture (JV) actions with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) to extend their longstanding strategic partnership. Celanese announced the signing of a term sheet to form a Food Ingredients JV with Mitsui, subject to…
Vencorex (Saint-Priest, France; www.vencorex.com), a fully-owned subsidiary of PTT Global Chemical, is investing in its Freeport site in Texas to meet the rising demand for specialty aliphatic isocyanates used in the production of low VOC polyurethane coatings and adhesives. The…
Vitol (Geneva, Switzerland) announced that Vitol Asia has signed a long-term commitment for the exclusive use of a dedicated bitumen storage facility now under construction by engineering firm Rotary Group, at the VTTI ATB terminal in Malaysia. Operated by VTTI, this…