Issue Archive

Don’t get zapped by spark testing
Understand the intricacies of checking for defects in a liner, advises Dirk Willard, contributing editor, in this month's Field Notes column.

China teems with harmful exports
Problems with Chinese manufacturing go well beyond defective and dangerous products, Mark Rosenzweig, editor in chief, notes in this month's installment of From the Editor.

Tackle organizational obstacles
For energy cost control, aptitude plus operational style equals results, advises Contributing Editor Christopher Russell, in this month's Energy Saver column.

Tiny particles are drawing big interest
Regulatory Editor Lynn Bergeson discusses how a voluntary program aims at responsible development of nanotechnology in this month's Compliance Advisor column.

Correct those disturbing lapses
Keeping liquid in a reflux drum still can prevent problems, says Andrew Sloley, in this month's Plant InSites column.

Industry needs to swim with the tide of regulation
Controls on chemical use and manufacture are increasingly global in nature, says Mike Spear, editor at large, in this month's End Point column.

Plug cyber-security gaps
With the new “high risk chemical facilities” federal anti-terrorism regulations, it’s time for the chemical industry to ratchet up its cyber-security efforts. There’s a surge in interest in cyber-subjects such as security certification, defense-in-depth strategies, risk-based planning and ...

September Process Puzzler: Will steam get a plant into hot water?
Readers offer advice about switching a clean-in-place procedure.

Get the right cartridge or bag filter
An inaccurately sized or improperly specified filter can undermine an entire high-performance liquid filtration system. There are a dozen key parameters to assess to determine the proper specification.

Wireless proponents take HART
More chemical plants are expected to go wireless with the introduction of the new wireless protocol for HART devices.

Avoid blending blunders
Selecting the correct device is crucial to successfully handling solids. It must deal with discrete pieces that have physical size, electrical properties, frictional differences and surface characteristics that can change with the environment.

Succeed at simulation
The “Seven rules for successful simulation” need to be revisited and revised because of advancements in computers. Simulations that once took weeks to compute an answer now take mere hours.

Membrane boasts material benefits
As economical separation of contaminants from natural gas becomes increasingly important, simulation eases the design of innovative module to remove carbon dioxide. Membranes offer potential advantages over other methods.

Rethink your approach to process safety
Place more emphasis on avoiding hazards rather than just controlling them. Process risk reduction can involve limiting the likelihood of potential accidents or cutting their consequences.

Aerogels aim for purification role
Novel materials promise to decontaminate liquids and gases

Energy storage turns a new leaf