Polyscope Polymers B.V. (Geleen, the Netherlands; www.polyscope.eu) has completed the business integration of the global styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymers business from Cray Valley S.A., Cray Valley HSC Asia Ltd, Cray Valley (Guangzhou) Chemical Co. Ltd. and Total Petrochemicals &…
Total S.A. (Paris, France; www.total.com) has started up commercial operation of a 25-MW (peak) solar power plant in Miyako, in Iwate Prefecture on Japan’s Honshu Island. Completed two years after the beginning of construction, the plant will generate enough clean…
Handheld camera detects fugitive vapor leaks The FLIR GF620 (photo) is a high-definition, handheld optical-gas-imaging (OGI) camera that is designed to help oil-and-gas industry professionals detect invisible leaks of hydrocarbons, such as methane and common volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Equipped…
This article provides practical guidance for engineers and highlights the importance of combining mathematical skills, domain expertise and proper communications The role of mathematical models in chemical engineering keeps increasing, to the point that some engineers become specialized “modelers.” To…
The new Vibration Bottom system (photo) enables safe discharge of powdery, crystalline, fatty and granular bulk materials from hoppers. The lateral, imbalance vibrator sets the vibration bottom in horizontal, circular vibration. Vibrations are transmitted to the materials column via the…
Producing chemicals and fuels by fermentation of renewable feedstocks can offer improved sustainability, lower costs and greater safety compared to conventional thermal processes. But realizing these benefits depends on a careful assessment of the process economics, and an understanding of…
This column is based on “Polybutadiene Production via Solution Process – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/polybutadiene-production-cost. Polybutadiene (also known as butadiene rubber) is produced from the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene. In terms of…
Paying closer attention to the air-filtration systems of pneumatic conveying operations can avoid losses in efficiency in compressed-air usage during filter cleaning The inefficient use of compressed air in solids-handling processes, such as pneumatic conveying, can waste a significant amount…
There are many industrial technologies for removing H 2 S from process gas, and each brings with it different benefits with regard to costs, efficiency and equipment layout Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a toxic and corrosive gas that occurs naturally,…
Apart from ensuring the conformity of the process and the quality of the product, professional calibration, first and foremost, improves the quality of the process At many plants in the chemical process industries (CPI), measurement instrumentation is usually calibrated during…