Industrial distillation columns use either trays or packing to promote vapor-liquid contact in separating the components of liquid mixtures to the desired purity. Approximately one half of columns are equipped with trays globally, and the other half contain packings. This…
A brief look at the benefits of installing modern materials and design upgrades through retrofit projects in chemical plants Modern chemical manufacturing plants depend on the reliable operation of numerous important assets to maintain productivity. Retaining legacy equipment is a…
Beyond the purchase price, there are other optimizable costs that will help moderate pump-related expenses, when estimating pump lifecycle costs Facility managers who rely on industrial pumps for the various liquid-transfer duties in their manufacturing processes may occasionally think that…
This column is based on “Nitrobenzene Production from Benzene – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/nitrobenzene-production-cost. Nitrobenzene is an important chemical intermediate. More than 95% of nitrobenzene is used in the production of…
This one-page reference describes how to measure the capability of a given centrifuge to separate solids from a liquid phase. G-force The centrifugal force developed by a centrifuge is expressed as a multiple of the force of gravity. This force,…
Level measurement technologies have become more versatile, robust and accurate thanks to recent developments. Differential pressure and radar level measurement provide examples Level measurement applications within the chemical and petrochemical industries can be extremely challenging. Level instruments must provide repeatable,…
The elements needed for excellence in a process safety program are known, but achieving top-level process safety performance requires sustained effort and focus Efforts to achieve excellent process-safety performance at chemical process industries (CPI) facilities are nothing new [1]. Experience…
Engineers must refine their foundational understanding of process safety in order to avoid common misconceptions about safety instrumented systems, including safety integrity level (SIL) definitions Learnings from major industrial process accidents occurring over the past half century have driven awareness…
This column is based on “Ammonium Nitrate Porous Prills Production Process – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec Solutions. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/ammonium-nitrate-production-cost. Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is one of the most commercially important ammonium compounds, both in…
Controlling and reducing particulate matter pollution from industrial operations is a key environmental and human health objective. In chemical process industries (CPI) facilities, airborne particulate matter can result from combustion of fuels, or from process operations, such as dust from…