Workers in the chemical process industries (CPI) can wear chemical protective clothing to protect themselves from exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals in the form of vapor, liquid and solid particles. While chemical protective clothing has not been regulated to the…
Dust is a critical consideration in the chemical process industries (CPI) from both a process safety standpoint — as a potential fire and explosion hazard — and from an occupational safety standpoint — as a potential worker exposure hazard. Reinforcing…
Testing in filtration processes is critical for determining the properties of solids being filtered and the ease or difficulty of the filtration. In addition, laboratory testing is important in specifying filter media, filter aids, filter area, cake space needed and…
Calculating volumes of solids in piles as they are poured into various shaped containers can be important information for solids-handling applications. The following set of equations represents guidance to help determine solids volume in these cases. Solids in containers Solids…
Optimizing fan performance can help plants reach overall process efficiency goals. The cost of powering fans and ventilators in the chemical process industries (CPI) is significant. For example, ventilation and air-pollution control systems can account for over a quarter of…
Chemical processing equipment made from thermoplastics can have distinct advantages for equipment corrosion, fluid contamination and flame retardancy. When purchased in the form of heavy-gauge sheets, these thermoplastics can be machined, fabricated and formed into a virtually unlimited variety of…
The management of process plants requires understanding and applying the fundamental tenets of safe design, construction and operation of facilities. This overview summarizes best practices that have been developed to ensure the safest possible use of DP:DPO (diphenyl–diphenyl oxide) eutectic…
Dry, granular solids can be conveyed in a number of ways. Two common devices for transporting granular solids are the angular-pitch vibrating conveyor and the horizontal differential-motion conveyor. The variability in the design and performance between the two types stems…
Minimizing process variability is an important component of a plant’s profitability. The performance of control valves within process control loops has a significant impact on maintaining consistent processes. This refresher outlines some of the important aspects of control-valve performance, including…
The detection of gases in plant environments has a critical and wide-ranging role in the chemical process industries (CPI). Among the major applications of gas detection are limiting personnel exposure to hazardous chemicals, preventing explosive atmospheres, protecting the environment and…