Steam and condensate-return systems can be susceptible to unique forms of corrosion. This overview explains how to prevent or minimize such issues Steam is utilized for process heating and other applications at thousands of industrial plants in the chemical process…
Area electrical classification is a powerful tool for process safety. It is not, however, the only viable approach to a safe process Electrically classifying an area is a long-standing safety measure in the petrochemical and related industries. It is also…
Rupture disks are non-reclosing pressure-relief devices that protect vessels, such as reactors, from damaging over-pressurization (or vacuum) conditions. Temperature can affect rupture-disk burst pressures in ways that users should understand before ordering them (Figure 1). This one-page reference provides an…
There are many regulations surrounding the production of waste at manufacturing facilities. By approaching regulatory practices in a proactive manner, sites can ensure personnel and environmental safety, as well as continuous compliance When it comes to handling hazardous waste in…
This column is based on “Dimethyl Ether Production from Natural Gas and CO2 (Direct Method) – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/dimethyl-ether-production-cost. Dimethyl ether (DME) is the simplest aliphatic ether, containing only two…
Determining moisture levels in solid materials is important for product quality, handling properties and other considerations. Provided here is an overview of direct and indirect methods for measuring moisture in solids Water is ubiquitous and is unusually reactive because of…
Superalloys, also known as high-performance alloys, are considered as materials of construction for process equipment in applications involving high temperatures, highly corrosive environments and those requiring high strength properties. Many commonly used superalloys in the chemical process industries (CPI) use…
This column is based on “Isopropyl Alcohol Production from Acetone – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/isopropyl-alcohol-production-cost. Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol or 2-propanol) is a colorless and flammable liquid with a strong odor. Isopropyl…
Lifecycle cost analysis (LCCA) can be used as a tool for selecting alternatives that add the most value to a project. The methodology for implementing LCCA is described here In the chemical process industries (CPI), identifying optimum process designs challenges…
The use of molecular hydrogen is common across the chemical process industries (CPI). Annually, 70 million metric tons of H2 are produced worldwide. Most industrial H2 production currently occurs via steam reforming of methane, but production via water electrolysis is…