This Week's Top Stories

Make Your Drawings Match Your Process

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Pick the Proper Hose

Making a correct choice requires an understanding of hose components. Read more...

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Comical Processing: You Write The Cartoon Caption

Chemical Processing introduces "Comical Processing," featuring drawings by award-winning cartoonist Jerry King. Read more...

Direct Production of Single Enantiomer Shapes Up

Specially oriented metal surfaces boost prospects for heterogeneous catalysis. Read more...

Survey: Vendors remotely monitoring equipment

Won't you please take part in our informal survey? You'll be able to see what others think about this concept. Read more...

On-Demand Webcast: CFATS & MTSA Security: Tips & Regulatory Updates

View this on-demand event to hear from industry professionals who have assisted companies with compliance at many Tier 1-4 CFATS sites, as well as MTSA sites. Read more...

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Modeling Speeds Capacity Expansion

Simulation allows evaluation of more options more quickly.

Osmotic Shock Creates Nanoporosity

The approach involves using a solvent to swell trapped minor components in a structure.

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Ask the Experts

Ask the ExpertsWe've assembled a roster of leading authorities in many fields to help you address technical issues. Pose a question or browse previous questions to find the answers you're looking for.

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Critical Topics

Energy Efficiency

Energy EfficiencyReducing energy consumption and your plant's environmental impact is a hot topic. Creative thinking in your energy efficiency projects will give you the competitive edge during these tough times.

Drive up energy efficiency

The constant-speed approach to AC motors made a lot of sense when energy was cheap and drives technology was in its infancy. With their latest advances, adjustable speed drives can provide one of the best energy efficiency options for a plant.

Consider Three Ways to Energy Efficiency

Now’s the time to make radical changes in funding energy projects

It’s time for a design check

Pay closer attention to energy efficiency and impose standards.

Special Report: Energy Efficiency

Reducing energy consumption and your plant’s environmental impact is a hot topic. In this Special Report we take a look at the organizational obstacles to avoid, how to enroll your employees in the quest, and the steps you need to take in order to manage your energy costs. We also delve in to practical energy efficient applications such as recovering exhaust heat in air conditioned facilities and the use of carbon synchronous belts.

Energy Savings Pick up Steam

More attention to steam systems and trap monitoring provides big benefits. At most chemical plants, plant management and operators face increasing pressures to improve the energy efficiency of their processes, so they should see how they can save on steam.

Plant Optimization

Plant OptimizationYou can't manage what you can't measure. And what you don't measure will never improve. Enter plant optimization. Gathering data to improve operations offers a competitive advantage.

Avoid Costly Design Mistakes

Common errors keep plants from getting the most reliable and suitable vessels

Avoid costly materials mistakes

Common oversights keep plants from getting the most reliable and suitable vessels.

Avoid Costly Fabrication Mistakes

Common oversights keep plants from getting the most reliable and suitable vessels

Pursue the perfect plant

Look into creating the “perfect plant” by integrating product and operational management into your environment. This provides the ability to respond faster and minimize impact to the business and bottom line, driving increased yields, asset utilization and order fulfillment.

Pilot plants: destined for development

Pilot plants are on the verge of an unprecedented evolution. Read about the 10 factors that'll impact the design, construction and operation of these next-generation units.

Green Technology

Green TechnologyThe chemical industry is starting to unwrap the potential benefits of “going green."

Renewable Feedstocks are in the Bag

Chemical firms show growing interest in bio-based production.

Environmental Protection

Environmental Protection by Dave Russell, president, Global Environmental Operations Inc.

Chemical industry sees green

Developments target economics, not just environmental benefits. While pollution prevention was the original goal of green chemistry, today’s efforts promise to have a substantial economic impact.

Special Report: Chemical Industry Sees Green | Bio-Based Fuels and Feedstocks

For years the industry has been “talking green.” But what real strides have been made? Will a Presidential Executive Order compel the industry to speed up efforts to actually go green?

Defining "Green Chemicals"

As the Industrial Water Treatment Program Manager at the federal installation, I am interested in resorting to "green chemicals" in the chemically treating all the boilers, cooling towers and closed loop systems at this installation. Is there a clear definition of what constitutes "green chemicals?" Does that vary from state-to-state, region-to-region, and who has the final word on what is or isn't "green chemicals?"

Feedstock change is hot and poppin’

Corn, other renewable resources garner increasing interest and investment. Read here about the progress that is being made in discovering a new generation of feedstock.

Water & Wastewater Treatment

Water & Wastewater TreatmentWastewater treatment is a critical process for chemical plants. Keeping on top of how to recycle and reuse will ensure you get the most of your water-treatment operations.

Act Before There’s Not a Drop to Drink

Ground water protection is the responsibility of everyone including the chemical industry. An energetic group of state and federal ground water agencies, industry, environmentalists and other stakeholders, however, has made it a key area of their focus. The Ground Water Protection Council (GWPC) is a nonprofit Section 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to promoting and ensuring the use of best management practices and “fair but effective” laws regarding comprehensive groundwater protection.

Expect More Water Regulation Everywhere

EPA gets tough on arsenic levels in drinking water

What’s on tap for water?

This increasingly precious resource is attracting more attention

Better water technology is on tap

The drought in many parts of the U.S. so far this summer points out the preciousness of water supplies. There’s greater demand for waste-minimization and recycle-and-reuse technologies as well as more awareness of utility usage and the impact of life-cycle costs on water-treatment operations. Here’s a look at new technologies that will help.

Optimize Water Use

Four major drivers are spurring increasing interest in optimizing water use.

Workforce & Operator Performance

Workforce & Operator PerformanceBoosting worker performance benefits the bottom line. Understanding what operators need is critical to your site's success.

Operators Get More Help

Efforts aim to provide insights and tools to boost performance.

Fitting the Workplace to the Worker

Process Industry Control Rooms Would Be Designed a Whole Lot Differently if Air-Traffic Controllers Were Working in Them

Operator Performance Takes Center Stage

Industry/university alliance aims to address human factors in process control.

Help Your Operators

Automating procedures within control systems can serve to make your operators more effective and more consistent. With studies showing more than 40% of all plant incidents stemming from some form of human error, it makes sense to give automation a larger role in day-to-day operations.

An Alert Operator Is a Safe Operator

Maintaining a good work environment can contribute to a safer plant

White Paper Library

Automation & IT

Avoid Instrument Failure: Ensure Proper Filtration and Delivery of Samples to On Line Process Analyzers

Precise process control strategies have accelerated the use of on-line chemical composition analyzers in plant applications. Contaminants in plant samples are the most frequent cause of problems with on-line analyzers. Trace contaminants can rapidly build up and cause instrument failure.

A Pragmatist's Guide to Building a Business Case for ERP

Leveraging survey results from her firm's 2011 ERP Solution Study, Cindy Jutras, a leading enterprise analyst, offers practical advice in building one's business case for a formula-based ERP application, including:

  • Top operational goals
  • Key performance expectations
  • Cloud vs On-premise deployment

More Automation & IT white papers...

Design & Simulation

From Concept to Manufacture - Optimising the design and implementation of Process Plant.

The pressure of international competition is being felt in the field of plant engineering with a demand for shorter development times and reduced project costs. A consistent and efficient approach to plant design can help to dramatically save both time and money. Download this white paper to learn more.

ChemicalProcessing Special Report: Pilot Plants

Read about the 10 factors that will impact the design, construction and operation of these next-generation pilot plant units.

Learn about new pilot plant development methods.
Understand the role operational guidance plays in successful pilot plant development.

More Design & Simulation white papers...

Environmental, Health & Safety

Improve Plant Safety - A Chemical Processing Special Report

In chemicals processing, significant hazards exist -- such as those from fire, explosions or toxic release. The processes themselves, the chemicals being processed and the procedures followed, or lack thereof, can all contribute to the risk exposure of these hazards. What can processors do to mitigate these risks? For chemicals processors, it's crucial to implement processes and solutions to detect and prevent these hazards from occurring in the first place.

Chemical Processing has taken an in-depth look at plant safety -- how to identify the hazards and implement processes and procedures to ensure a safer working environment. This comprehensive Chemical Processing Special Report titled: Improve Plant Safety is now available to download for free.

How Thermal Oxidation Can Increase the Sustainability of a Chemical Plant

Installing new production processes, or upgrading and expanding existing lines today may also require upgrading your air pollution control system. This white paper specifically focuses on the advantages of using a single direct fire thermal oxidizer and provides a case study example.

More Environmental, Health & Safety white papers...

Fluid Handling

Avoid Instrument Failure: Ensure Proper Filtration and Delivery of Samples to On Line Process Analyzers

Precise process control strategies have accelerated the use of on-line chemical composition analyzers in plant applications. Contaminants in plant samples are the most frequent cause of problems with on-line analyzers. Trace contaminants can rapidly build up and cause instrument failure.

Special Report: Heat Transfer Fluids: Do's, Don'ts, and Best Practices

Heat transfer fluids -- from mineral oils to synthetic and organic-based formulas -- are the lifeblood of many critical operations within the process industries. This special, interactive PDF looks at how plant personnel can better understand various fluids and fluid properties, and track the performance of their entire heat transfer system.

More Fluid Handling white papers...

Powder & Solids

Chemical Processing Powder eHandbook: Address Challenges Posed by Powders

One of the trickiest materials to process, powders are comprised of solids or particulates, a continuous gaseous phase (usually air) and, almost always, a liquid component. Many factors influence powder composition including size and distribution, surface roughness and hardness. And, how powders are processed -- vibration, compaction, attrition, segregation -- can influence how powders react. In this Chemical Processing Powder eHandbook, we take a look at how to effectively handle powders, safer dryer operations and how to manage phase changes when processing powders. Download your copy today. Download your copy today.

Gas And Dust Explosions -- Relief Sizing Formula

A large number of analytical and highly empirical correlations including monograms reflecting changing standards have been or are being proposed separately for gas and dust explosion relief venting. This white paper provides a generalized formula that is applicable to both gas and dust deflagrations including subsonic and sonic pressure relief conditions and is consistent with available experimental data and industry experience. Application of the model is illustrated for dust explosions. Download now.

More Powder & Solids white papers...

Reaction & Synthesis

Properly Model and Control Batch Reactors

This paper covers key aspects for modeling and design of batch reactors, including: heat-up and cool-down performance, sensitivity analysis for reactor parameters, boil-up rate predictions, thermal stability under exothermic conditions, control system design and loop tuning parameters, condenser rating, and process emissions predictions.

Maximize Returns from Precious-Metal-Bearing Catalysts

Many catalytic reactions rely on platinum, palladium and other precious metal catalysts. When the activity of the catalyst declines to the point that it must be replaced, the used catalyst can be sent to a refiner to recover precious metal. This 8-page paper discusses the variouis factors that should be considered when using a refiner.

More Reaction & Synthesis white papers...

Security

Maritime Transportation Security Act - Tips & Updates

Remain informed about adjustments to MTSA and learn how the program continues to evolve. This paper provides regulatory updates on the current state of MTSA and information about Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Find out about new challenges, such as harmonization with Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). The paper also covers the current discussion among industry and government officials regarding the differences associated with the MTSA and CFATS programs, including ways to coordinate chemical security regulations. Learn about TWIC reader pilot program updates, as well as practical tips for compliance. Download MTSA Tips & Updates Paper

Surviving the CFATS Site Security Plan -- Tips for Inspection and Resubmission

As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) moves forward with the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), the program continues to evolve. This white paper describes the ongoing CFATS compliance process (which is a combination of technical, procedural, and personnel security) and also provides insight regarding how the process has been adjusted to allow for an additional step, the Pre-Authorization Inspection (PAI). Recommendations are relevant to Site Security Plans (SSPs) for all tier levels and should also be considered for a facility's initial SSP submission. Download this white paper now: Tips for SSP Resubmission

More Security white papers...

Separations Technology

A Treatise of Filter Cake Washing Mechanisms in Pressure and Vacuum Filtration Systems

During many chemical operations, cake washing is required since no filter system can remove all of the mother liquor by pressure or vacuum dewatering only. The topic of how to most efficiently wash the cake is important. This article introduces pragmatism into cake washing theory and will help engineers during their decision-making processes.

What Does It Cost To Own Your Dust Collector Filters?

When choosing filters for your cartridge dust collector, a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculation allows you to make the most economical and sustainable choice. TCO is a step-by-step evaluation that explores energy use, maintenance and other factors to compare the real costs of operating a dust collector with different filters. This white paper explains how to perform TCO calculations to save money, time and energy.

More Separations Technology white papers...

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Video & Audio

The Petrochemical Industry - Unique Challenges, Unique Solutions

The threat of terrorism, both internal and external, has tremendously changed how countries around the world are implementing physical and logical security. That change has been acutely felt in the petrochemical industry.

The need to secure plants and facilities dealing with the production, processing, storage and transportation of large amounts of potentially volatile substances is obvious. Recognizing this, the United States and other countries are enacting laws requiring facilities to undergo a series of assessments and put in place appropriate security measures based on the type of chemicals, quantity and proximity to population centers.

This podcast features Ryan Loughin, director of petrochemical and energy solutions for the Advanced Integration division of ADT.

Product-Focus Series: Yokogawa at the 2011 Chem Show

Dave McMillen, Sales Manager for Advanced Analytical and Analyzer Systems Integration at Yokogawa, explains the companies newest offering -- the GC8000 -- to senior digital editor Traci Purdum.

Product-Focus Series: Venture Measurement at the 2011 Chem Show

Jimmy Shoulders, Vice President of Sales at Venture Measurement, which includes Niagara Meters -- a provider of instrumentation products critical to process industries, told Traci Purdum, senior digital editor, about the company's ForceMeter.

More multimedia...

Perspectives

Editors' Corner

Tap Several Special Reports

Chemical Processing has partnered with industry experts to bring you in-depth special reports on various topics important to the chemical industry. Access these Special Reports to gain insight into reliability, the environment and process control to name a few.

Traci Purdum, Senior Digital Editor
tpurdum@putman.net.

Vital Resources

Designing Sustainable Products

All of the benefits of Product Lifecycle Management can be erased by significant non-compliance events that impact a company through fines, penalties, negative publicity, or prohibition to sell a new product in key markets.

Learn More

Surviving the Automation Knowledge Crisis

Automation systems today have become warehouses of knowledge and information. Beyond system configuration, years of effort is inevitably invested in them. This paper will discuss a few factors contributing to the automation knowledge crisis, present industry examples, and provide an optimal solution

Learn More

What Does It Cost To Own Your Dust Collector Filters?

When choosing filters for your cartridge dust collector, a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculation allows you to make the most economical and sustainable choice.

Learn More

Gas And Dust Explosions -- Relief Sizing Formula

A large number of analytical and highly empirical correlations including monograms reflecting changing standards have been or are being proposed separately for gas and dust explosion relief venting.

Learn More

Maximizing Power from Biomass

Implementation of rapid loss on drying and ash analyzers significantly reduces testing times associated with traditional methods, allowing companies to bring products to market faster, increasing production.

Learn More

Filter Cake Washing Mechanisms in Pressure and Vacuum Filtration Systems

During many chemical operations, cake washing is required since no filter system can remove all of the mother liquor by pressure or vacuum dewatering only. The topic of how to most efficiently wash the cake is important.

Learn More

On-Demand Webcast: Energy Efficiency

Chemical Processing, in partnership with Gates Corp. and Spirax Sarco, presented an information-packed panel discussion that focused on practical and implementable strategies for improving energy efficiency at chemical manufacturing plants.

Learn More

Surviving the Automation Knowledge Crisis: How can you protect your investment?

Automation systems today have become warehouses of knowledge and information. Beyond system configuration, years of effort is inevitably invested in them. This paper will discuss a few factors contributing to the automation knowledge crisis, present industry examples, and provide an optimal solution

Learn More

Special Report: Beyond Condition Monitoring: Prevent Failures through Condition Management

This Special Report explores underlying condition monitoring challenges, condition management, CMMS tools as well as provides some guidance on what you can expect from a CMMS vendor.

Learn More

Raising Confidence and Driving Business Value with Product and REACH Compliance

Over the past 10 years, manufacturers have faced an increasing number of compliance and product quality challenges, ranging from new regulations to product recalls. This White Paper details the business case for an integrated and comprehensive view of product and REACH compliance processes.

Learn More

Webcast: The Impact of REACH & GHS on Your Supply Chain

Chemical Processing partnered up with Edgewater Fullscope and IHS to present an informative webinar that looked at various compliance issues and how chemical manufacturers can address them. Watch this on-demand event now.

Learn More

On-Demand Webcast: -- Bulk Solids Cooling & Heating

Recent developments in heat exchange technology, like indirect plate-cooling technology, are proving to be highly efficient, while offering other benefits such as precise process control and operating with zero emissions.

Learn More

Webcast: Reduce Costs and Improve Operational Agility

Chemical Processing, in partnership with SAP, recently hosted a live Webcast: Reduce Costs and Improve Operational Agility. Watch this on-demand event to learn how to accelerate decision making and make decisions based on more accurate data rather than best guesses.

Learn More

Take Part In CP Panel Discussions

Our Panel Discussion Series will gather experts to address important trends that will impact your chemical facility. As a registered audience member, you can ask questions during these 60-minute webcasts. See what discussions we have planned.

Learn More

Surviving the CFATS Site Security Plan -- Tips for Inspection and Resubmission

This white paper describes the ongoing CFATS compliance process (which is a combination of technical, procedural, and personnel security) and also provides insight regarding how the process has been adjusted to allow for an additional step, the Pre-Authorization Inspection (PAI).

Learn More

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