Predicting powder flow behavior is important to successful solids-handling processes. Provided here is a review of shear-cell testing and how the technique can be used to predict arching, ratholing and other behaviors The phrases “failure to discharge” and “erratic flow…
Non-representative sampling in solids processes has costly consequences. A better understanding of the mathematical basis for sampling and of acceptable quality levels can help to alleviate potential sampling issues and more closely approximate reality Effective sampling in solids-handling processes is…
Corrosion is an obvious factor to consider when selecting materials of construction for process equipment. However, the chemical environment of the process is only the starting point in selecting an acceptable material. A set of other factors can complicate corrosion-resistance…
This column is based the report “LDPE via High-Pressure Tubular Process – Cost Analysis,” published by Intratec. It can be found at the following URL: www.intratec.us/analysis/ldpe-production-cost. Polyethylene (PE) is the world’s largest-volume commodity polymer, due in large part to the…
TechnipFMC (Houston; www.technipfmc.com) has completed the acquisition of Epicerol technology from Solvay SA (Brussels, Belgium; www.solvay.com). The technology converts glycerol to high purity epichlorohydrin (ECH) for use in coatings, composites and adhesive applications in various industries. Epicerol technology was developed…
Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany; www.evonik.com) has invested more than $50 million over the last 4 years in its Birmingham, Ala., Health Care facility to boosts its capabilities around biodegradable polymers and parenteral medicine. As part of these expenditures, the…
Badger Licensing LLC (Boston, Mass.; www.badgerlicensing.com) announced that Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Chemical Co., Ltd. (Hengli) has selected Badger’s proprietary technologies for a 720,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr) grassroots ethylbenzene / styrene monomer (EB/SM) plant being built in Changxing Island…
Data collected and tabulated by the American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com) show that growth in global chemical production continued on a soft note in February. The ACC’s Global Chemical Production Regional Index (Global CPRI) indicates that global chemicals…
KBR Inc. (Houston, Tex.; www.kbr.com) has been awarded an ammonia plant contract by Toyo Engineering Corp. for the Hindustan Urvarak and Rasayan Ltd (HURL) greenfield urea project in Gorakhpur, India. Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide licensing…
Metso Corp. (Helsinki, Finland; www.metso.com) is addressing the growing demand for crushing and screening plants in the Indian market by expanding its production capabilities in Alwar. This latest investment increases Metso's crushing and screening plant production capacity in India by…