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U.S. specialty chemical markets expand in January, ACC says
The American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com) reported that U.S. specialty chemicals market volumes rose 1.2% in January, accelerating slightly from a 1.0% gain in December. Of the 28 specialty chemical segments that ACC monitors, 19 expanded in January,…
Bookshelf March 2021: Recently Published Books for the CPI
The following is a list of recently published books that may be relevant for professionals in the chemical process industries (CPI) Digital Transformation for the Process Industries: A Roadmap. By Osvaldo Bascur (edited by Jim O’Rourke), CRC Press, 2021, 320…
New app compiles a comprehensive library of check-valve data
This company has launched a smartphone app for iOS and Android operating systems that provides easy access to a comprehensive library of product data, instructional animations and other technical resources related to the group's full line of expansion joints and…
A new actuator line for small valves and multitasking
This company has upgraded its range of SSA actuators for small valves by adding new features for more energy-efficient and versatile hydronic-room applications. The updated SSA actuators now offer more flexibility due to their broad control possibilities — from analog…
A new intelligent drive module for machine builders
This company has launched the first in a new line of high-performance intelligent drive module (IDM) products. The IDMsm (photo) is a two- or four-axis EtherCAT DS402 universal servo drive featuring unique control algorithms and processing technologies that enhance the…
Facts at your Fingertips: Thermal Oxidizer Selection
Thermal oxidizers are pollution-control units designed to prevent process-generated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from entering the environment. Different technologies offer tradeoffs among initial cost, operating expense, complexity, emissions, fuel efficiency and destruction efficiency. This one-page reference provides information on selecting…
Understand and Mitigate Waterhammer in Fluid Processes
Waterhammer arises because of sudden changes in fluid flow, and can present significant problems in processes that involve flowing liquids. This article outlines these potential issues and offers guidance for handling the pressure changes arising from waterhammer Most large-scale processes…
Like Metals, Polymers Fail — but Differently
This pictorial guide illustrates some of the common problems that can occur with polymeric and elastomeric materials that differ from those that occur with metallic seals and components Failures of polymer (plastic and elastomeric) parts and their consequences can be…
Sealing Technology for Caustic Service
This overview compares various sealing technologies, and points out advantages and disadvantages of applying different mechanical-sealing designs for caustic fluids Caustic applications in chemical plants can play havoc on the mechanical seals of rotating equipment. These applications can be difficult…
Technology Profile: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Latex Production
This column is based on “Acrylonitrile Butadiene Latex Production – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/nitrile-rubber-production-cost. Nitrile rubber (also known as NBR, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene latex, Buna-N) is a synthetic polymer…