This column is based on “Economics of Methanol Production from Natural Gas,” a report published by Intratec Solutions. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/products/methanol-production-processes. Methanol (methyl alcohol) is an important chemical commonly used as a solvent, as a starting material…
While thermal treatment remains king, new alternatives for processing milk are promising a number of benefits to the dairy industry The dairy industry faces a daunting challenge. It has to produce — at an affordable price — milk and milk…
Advances in technology boost productivity and make today’s analyzers user-friendly Between process-control optimization initiatives and increased environmental monitoring requirements, the number of gas analyzers in chemical-process-industries (CPI) facilities is proliferating at a faster rate than plant analyzer budgets and manpower…
This hood captures unwanted fumes from work spaces The Purair Advanced P20 Ductless Fume Hood (photo) is designed to protect workplace operators from hazardous substances. It provides a face velocity of 100 ft/min to contain fumes. The unit is 49-in.…
Biotechnology is increasingly proving its ability to address chemical industry challenges. An engineering-focused approach — bioengineering — is vital to successful industrial application For those undertaking overall process design and implementation for intermediate and specialty chemicals, the incorporation of biotechnology-based…
Rapidly expanding computational power and decreasing costs for DNA sequencing and synthesis have made synthetic biology tools more accessible to chemical makers Not long ago, the late former Apple CEO Steve Jobs said, “I think the biggest innovations of the…
To minimize problems associated with handling all types of bulk solids, engineers must adopt a systematic approach to characterizing the flow and mechanical properties of the materials under a variety of operating conditions Bins, hoppers, feeders, and conveyors handle bulk…
Transportation is vital to the CPI, so here are some tips to keep your products moving as the market for hazardous-materials shipping continues to tighten All shippers strive to keep costs under control while simultaneously running smooth, efficient and time-sensitive…
Activated sludge processes are inherently complex. Proper system design, operation and maintenance are essential to adequately break down target organic materials Since its discovery more than 100 years ago in 1914 by Ardern and Lockett [ 1 ], the activated…
About 900 exhibitors will present the latest technologies for processing, analyzing and handling powder and bulk solids at Powtech 2016 (April 19–24; Nuremberg, Germany). In addition to the exhibition, there will be three trade forums with non-stop presentations in the…