Home|
Technical Resources|
News|
Columns & Blogs|
eNewsletters & Magazine|
Products & Vendors|
Fun

Chemical Processing

Newsletters
Subscribe

Automation
- Automation & IT|
  Emerson Will Acquire GE’s Intelligent Platforms
  
  The acquisition increases Emerson’s capabilities across process, hybrid and discrete end markets.
  
  Emerson agrees to acquire Intelligent Platforms, a division of General Electric. Intelligent Platforms’ programmable logic controller (PLC) technologies will reportedly enable Emerson to provide its customers broader control and management of their operations. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.The acquisition expands opportunities for Emerson in machine control and discrete applications across process industries and target hybrid markets, such as metals and mining, life sciences, food and beverage and packaging, according to the company. By interfacing Intelligent Platforms’ PLC technology with Emerson’s distributed control systems, customers will be able to connect “islands of automation” within the plant to enhance…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  ISA Appoints Mary Ramsey To Executive Director
  
  Choose the Right Sampling System Transport Line
  
  India's MRPL Is FieldComm Group’s Plant Of The Year
  
  Rethink Distillation Column Pressure Measurement
- Wireless Technology|
  India's MRPL Is FieldComm Group’s Plant Of The Year
  
  FieldComm Group announces that Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, located in Mangalore, India, is the FieldComm Group 2018 Plant of the Year.
  
  FieldComm Group announces that Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical Limited (MRPL), located in Mangalore, India, is the FieldComm Group 2018 Plant of the Year. The annual award is presented by FieldComm Group to recognize the people, companies and plant sites around the globe that are using the advanced capabilities of FOUNDATION Fieldbus, HART and WirelessHART technology in real-time applications for improved operations, maintenance and asset productivity. This is reportedly the first time that a process facility located in India has been awarded this prestigious award – illustrating India’s, and specifically MRPL’s, growing strength in the world market, according to FieldComm. The culture of “doing things better” is reportedly…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Get New Workers Up to Speed on Liquid Analysis
  
  Combine Wireless With Analytics To Improve Efficiency
  
  Emerson Gives $1.5M For Texas A&M Advanced Automation Lab
  
  Call It Assault On Batteries
- Analyzers|
  Choose the Right Sampling System Transport Line
  
  Consider a number of factors in deciding between a single line or fast loop
  
  An analytical sampling system relies on transport lines to convey fluid from a process stream to an analyzer. The goal is to supply the fluid as efficiently as possible to avoid lengthy time delays between sampling and analysis as well as to minimize sample waste.Achieving optimum efficiency is well within your reach. However, success depends on choices you make when designing the sampling system. One of the earliest is about the type of sample transport lines to use to divert flow from the process stream to the analyzer. You can select between two basic types: single-line systems and fast-loop systems. Making an optimal choice requires some knowledge of the design challenges in each case. Table 1 lists some general guidelines for when to…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Get New Workers Up to Speed on Liquid Analysis
  
  Consider Process Colorimetric/Photometric Analyzers
  
  Infographic – Gas Analytics Study Finds ROI, Accuracy, Proof Key Factors
  
  Don’t Get Duped By Deficient Data
- Control Systems|
  Emerson Will Acquire GE’s Intelligent Platforms
  
  The acquisition increases Emerson’s capabilities across process, hybrid and discrete end markets.
  
  Emerson agrees to acquire Intelligent Platforms, a division of General Electric. Intelligent Platforms’ programmable logic controller (PLC) technologies will reportedly enable Emerson to provide its customers broader control and management of their operations. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.The acquisition expands opportunities for Emerson in machine control and discrete applications across process industries and target hybrid markets, such as metals and mining, life sciences, food and beverage and packaging, according to the company. By interfacing Intelligent Platforms’ PLC technology with Emerson’s distributed control systems, customers will be able to connect “islands of automation” within the plant to enhance…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  FieldComm Group Launches FDI Microsite
  
  ISA And Open Group Work Toward Cyber Security Goals
  
  Guide Helps Users Evaluate ICS Life Cycle Costs
  
  New ISA Book Covers SIS Lifecycle
- Instrumentation|
  Infographic – Chemical Processing Survey: Temperature Measurement Technology
  
  Many survey respondents aren’t aware of some temperature measurement options.
  
  Knowing the correct temperature measurement technology to use in your process can reduce cost and improve output and efficiency. Indeed, temperature measurement is commonplace in processing facilities. However, it’s frequently the last thing implemented in terms of process-design changes.This infographic, based on a recent survey conducted by Chemical Processing – in partnership with Emerson – to key decision makers involved in the evaluation and purchase of temperature measurement devices in the chemical industry, points out that many respondents lack of awareness about temperature measurement options.Download the entire report “Chemical Processing Survey: Temperature Measurement Technology.”
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Clariant Inaugurates New Lab At Midland Facility
  
  Rethink Distillation Column Pressure Measurement
  
  Grasp The Nuances Of Level Measurement
  
  FieldComm Group Launches FDI Microsite
- Safety Instrumented Systems
  Proof Test Prudently
  
  Understand how to effectively evaluate low-demand safety instrumented functions
  
  The functional safety lifecycle covers a safety instrumented system (SIS) from concept to retirement. While important activities occur in each phase of the lifecycle, operation phase activities stand out because they are performed repetitively and are critical to long term reliability.An SIS is a high reliability system comprised of sensors, logic solver(s) and final elements. It includes a number of safety instrumented functions (SIFs), each designed to provide a specified risk reduction. The necessary risk reduction is assigned as a safety integrity level (SIL) that establishes the reliability requirements for the SIF. A clear understanding of the failure rate, failure mode and failure effects for devices as well as implementation of a…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  TAMU Process Safety Center Releases Fall Course Schedule
  
  New ISA Book Covers SIS Lifecycle
  
  Hawk Earns Safety Certification For Centurion Guided Radar
  
  Does Your Existing SIS Get the Job Done?
Processing Equipment
- Design & Simulation|
  Altair Opens Access To Model Based Development Technology
  
  Altair releases free Basic Editions of its model-based development suite and its open matrix language (OML) source code.
  
  Altair announces the release and immediate availability of free Basic Editions of its model-based development (MBD) suite and its open matrix language (OML) source code. To help innovators everywhere accelerate the time-to-benefits from model-based development and to make MBD more open and accessible, Altair is taking the following steps:Building upon its reputation for providing open-architecture simulation offerings by open-sourcing its open-source computational programming language, OML. Interested users and contributors can download the source code from the OpenMatrix website. Introducing Basic Editions of its MBD suite of software products – Altair Compose, Altair Activate and Altair Embed – available to everybody at no cost, with…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Siemens Steps Further Into Model-Based Operations
  
  Design Of Experiments Approach Halves Development Time
  
  Simulator Training Extends Its Role
  
  Intellectual Property: Foil Foreign Filching
- Fluid Handling|
  Pump Troubleshooting: Size Up A Tall Order
  
  An elevated vessel may provide a worthwhile alternative to a booster pump
  
  Fixing pump suction head problems can cost a lot, as a recent experience illustrates. In this case, a site added a new unit to compress gas for sending via pipeline to a client. The specification stated the inlet gas would be liquid free. The…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Grasp The Nuances Of Level Measurement
  
  Prevent Suction Piping Problems
  
  Process Equipment: Improve Mixer Performance
  
  Enhance Your Motors’ Efficiency
- Powder & Solids|
  Clariant Inaugurates New Lab At Midland Facility
  
  Clariant upgrades its facility in Midland, Texas, to strengthen R&D capabilities and expand support to oil services customers.
  
  Clariant upgrades several key infrastructure elements at its Midland facility including a new laboratory, which is Clariant Oil Services’ fourth Regional Technical Laboratory in North America, according to the company. The laboratory is almost doubled in size and is equipped with new research and automation equipment. It will reportedly increase sample activity undertaken for regional Permian Basin oil and gas producers by up to 45% over the pre-existing test center.The new laboratory has on-site access to two inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) units and state-of-the-art solids identification equipment, including x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF), according to Clariant. These reportedly…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Powder Handling: Deftly Deal With Wet Cakes And Pastes
  
  Schenck Process Continues Growth Through Acquisition
  
  Take Key Steps Against Combustible Dust Hazards
  
  Drying Research Heats Up
- Reaction & Synthesis|
  Supercritical Process Reaches Critical Stage
  
  The technology converts low-value feedstocks that would otherwise be landfilled into valuable fuels and chemicals.
  
  Construction soon will start on the first commercial plant to use catalytic hydrothermal reactor (Cat-HTR) technology from Licella, North Sydney, Australia. The Wilton, U.K., facility will take advantage of ten years and Aus$75 million (U.S. $54…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Unusual Molecule Opens Up Opportunities
  
  Nationwide Boiler Supplies Temporary Urea-Based SCR System
  
  Chlorine Cathode Activity Gets a Closer Look
  
  Is Supercritical Water The Green Future Of Chemical Processing?
- Separations Technology|
  Distillation: Do You Understand Partial Pressures?
  
  Non-azeotropic mixtures can cause problems in ancillary equipment.
  
  As we work on various refining trains and columns, we oftentimes take for granted how and where they work. Partial pressures are one of the basic facts in separations. However, what happens when a partial pressure causes poor performance in ancillary equipment? Many of us have performed binary separation column calculations and compared the saturation curves for two components to try to optimize how we design and run our columns. A third component or non-condensable gas can wreak havoc with both types of calculations.Jake’s StoryJake had been asked to assist with analyzing a new refrigerant to solve a short-term supply issue with a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) that was to be phased out. On the surface, the refrigerant looked good. The…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Desalination Membrane Boasts High Flux
  
  Europe Targets Recycling Efforts
  
  Treat Particulate Solids Like An Eclipse
  
  Sandwich Structure Promises Better Gas Separation
- Heat Exchangers|
  Deftly Deal with Distillation Performance
  
  Several issues contribute to water hammer and leakage of condensate
  
  Jake recently had graduated college and started his first job. His new company assigned him to one of its large sites. There, Jack, a senior engineer who had been at the site his entire career, would mentor Jake.One of the areas both were responsible for was a methanol distillation or finishing process. Methanol, created in previous steps, was pumped to this final refining area to produce product for customers. Because it was a very low-pressure distillation process, the temperature of the steam and condensate in the reboiler also were low. Earlier in the process, heat recovered from the reformers generated steam. Then, the steam was let down through several stages of power generation to provide the boil-up for the distillation operation.
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Video Explores Stainless Steel Performance In Cooling Towers
  
  Consider Open-Rack Seawater Heat Exchangers
  
  Troubleshoot Heat Exchanger: Don’t Jump To Solutions
  
  Energy Saver: Don’t Neglect Spring Cleaning Duties
- Motors & Drives
  Enhance Your Motors’ Efficiency
  
  Consider more than just using variable frequency drives
  
  Chemical companies often completely overlook motor efficiency when seeking energy savings and the associated operating expenditure reductions. That’s a serious mistake.When you consider that electric motor systems account for about 60% of global…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Properly Select Vacuum Pump Motors
  
  Baldor Electric Becomes ABB
  
  High Motor Current Causes Concern
  
  Energy Saver: Ponder Online Performance Testing
Asset Management
- Reliability & Maintenance|
  Avoid Problems When Problem-Solving
  
  Rely on common sense as well as imagination.
  
  The problem had plagued the plant since the 1970s: vessels were designed to ASME code but didn’t have code stamps. A true pedant — i.e., nitpicker — would have declared in a panic, “We must shut down the plant immediately!” Instead, the…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Honeywell Deploys Asset Performance At Plant In Japan
  
  Grasp The Nuances Of Level Measurement
  
  Motion Industries CEO Tim Breen Dies
  
  Enable Data Focus To Achieve Quality
- Economics|
  Economists Expect Pickup In Growth Through Remainder Of Year
  
  NABE Outlook panelists are slightly more optimistic about the U.S. economy in 2018 than they were three months ago, especially regarding prospects for the industrial sector of the economy.
  
  Despite concerns over trade policy, National Association for Business Economics (NABE) Outlook panelists are slightly more optimistic about the U.S. economy in 2018 than they were three months ago, especially regarding prospects for the industrial sector of the economy, according to NABE Vice President Kevin Swift, CBE, chief economist, American Chemistry Council. The October 2018 NABE Outlook presents the consensus macroeconomic forecast of a panel of 51 professional forecasters “Other indicators of real economic activity show light vehicle sales remaining elevated and housing continuing to improve,” says Scott.“Half of survey respondents have moderately increased their inflation forecasts as a result of trade policy changes. Over…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Equipment Finance Industry Reports New Business Volume Up
  
  ACC Responds To Administration’s Announcement On Tariffs
  
  Trade Wars Create Collateral Casualties
  
  Chemical Activity Remains Soft In August
- Training
  Avoid Problems When Problem-Solving
  
  Rely on common sense as well as imagination.
  
  The problem had plagued the plant since the 1970s: vessels were designed to ASME code but didn’t have code stamps. A true pedant — i.e., nitpicker — would have declared in a panic, “We must shut down the plant immediately!” Instead, the…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Interview Tips: Keep These Questions To Yourself!
  
  EFCE Seeks Nominees for Award
  
  2018 Salary Survey: Hiring And Salaries Steam Ahead
  
  Simulator Training Extends Its Role
Environmental Protection
- Water/Wastewater|
  Compliance: CDR Rule Shows Room for Improvement
  
  An audit recommends implementing policies for conducting data quality checks
  
  This summer, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report titled “EPA’s Chemical Data Reporting Rule Largely Implemented as Intended, but Opportunities for Improvement Exist.” The OIG conducted…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  How would you rate your site’s concern about its water supply?
  
  Dampen Water Woes
  
  Desalination Membrane Boasts High Flux
  
  EPA Clarifies Chemical Review Process
- Air|
  Report: Harvey Triggered Large-Scale Air Pollution
  
  The Environmental Integrity Project determines that Hurricane Harvey was responsible for 8.3 million pounds of unauthorized air pollution late last summer.
  
  The havoc caused by Hurricane Harvey wasn’t limited to floodwater damage when the catastrophic storm slammed into Houston last summer. The Environmental Integrity Project concludes, based on state data, that Harvey was responsible for 8.3 million pounds of unauthorized air pollution, according to an article from Phys.org.The majority of the large-scale air pollution reportedly resulted from refineries and chemical plants suddenly shutting down when the storm hit – a situation that could have been averted if the companies had prepared for a planned shutdown, which releases less pollution, according to the Environmental Integrity Project report. Because pollution reporting requirements were suspended in the aftermath of the storm,…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  EPA Clarifies Chemical Review Process
  
  EPA Covers Confidential Chemicals
  
  What Happens To REACH Post-Brexit?
  
  Partnering Promotes Environmental Progress
- Ground
  Compliance: CDR Rule Shows Room for Improvement
  
  An audit recommends implementing policies for conducting data quality checks
  
  This summer, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report titled “EPA’s Chemical Data Reporting Rule Largely Implemented as Intended, but Opportunities for Improvement Exist.” The OIG conducted…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  EPA Clarifies Chemical Review Process
  
  EPA Covers Confidential Chemicals
  
  What Happens To REACH Post-Brexit?
  
  Partnering Promotes Environmental Progress
Safety/Security
- Cyber Security|
  Honeywell Services Address Cyber Security Skills Gap
  
  Honeywell CyberVantage helps customers identify security weaknesses.
  
  Honeywell adds new cybersecurity consulting services designed to help industrial and critical infrastructure customers identify and eliminate dangerous security weaknesses. The Honeywell CyberVantage Security Consulting Services portfolio now includes Penetration Testing, providing active “white-hat” hackers who exploit customer defenses in order to fix them. It also offers System Hardening to reduce software vulnerabilities and assist customers in safely complying with global Center for Internet Security (CIS) industry benchmarks.Delivered by consultants with expertise in both operational technology (OT) and industrial cybersecurity, the services help organizations lower the risk and possible impact of security incidents and improve…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Introductory E-Learning Programs Focus On Safety, Compliance
  
  Aveva Partnership Aims To Strengthen Cyber Security
  
  Process Safety Suite Creates Real-Time View Of Risk
  
  ISA And Open Group Work Toward Cyber Security Goals
- Fire/Explosion Protection|
  Take Key Steps Against Combustible Dust Hazards
  
  Having a sound mechanical integrity program in place is crucial
  
  Effectively Managing fire and explosion hazards posed by combustible dust can be a challenging task. After all, this requires not only a detailed understanding of the fuel/combustible material (dust) but also an understanding of the process…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  CSB Takes On A New Meaning
  
  Quick Poll: Management-Of-Change Procedures
  
  New Publication Defines Risk Management for Overpressure
  
  Deftly Diagnose a Dust Collector
- Physical Security|
  CSB Takes On A New Meaning
  
  Agency that investigates accidents faces formidable issues
  
  Most safety professionals in the American chemical industry likely support the work of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board or Chemical Safety Board — CSB — as it calls itself. After all, the mission of the small, independent…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Attack Physical Security Threats
  
  Survey: Production Takes Priority Over Safety In Some Cases
  
  Is Process Safety Stuck In A Rut?
  
  Address Wireless Network Vulnerabilities
- Risk assessment
  Interview Tips: Keep These Questions To Yourself!
  
  You can’t probe into certain crucial points during an employment interview
  
  A horrible experience — that’s what this trip to a plant to interview for a job turned out to be. The plane was stranded at the gate in Minneapolis for an hour and a half while the airline looked for a pilot and mechanic. Then, when I finally…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Disaster Planning: Weather The Extremes
  
  Path for Process Safety Emerges
  
  Make Hazard Analyses Better
  
  Successfully Reduce Process Safety Events — Part 2
Utilities/Energy
- Air|
  Detect Compressed Air Leaks Via Ultrasound
  
  An ultrasonic compressed-air leak survey can show tremendous payback and energy savings without a significant capital expenditure.
  
  Contrary to what some might think, compressed air is not free. In fact, for the energy it takes to produce it to what is generated as a result, it is often considered the most expensive utility in a typical manufacturing facility. To add to the problem, the U.S. DOE notes that more than 50% of all compressed air systems have energy-efficiency problems. Air compressor experts have also estimated that as much as 30% of compressed air generated is lost via leaks in the compressed air system.Often, when a compressed air system struggles to meet current demands on the system, spare compressors are rented and used as backups or an additional compressor is installed. Both strategies are expensive, and depending on the size of the compressors…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  5 Compressed Air Innovations Save Money
  
  Video Explores Stainless Steel Performance In Cooling Towers
  
  Deter Difficulties with Instrument Air Dryers
  
  Utilities: Maximize Your Air Supply
- Electricity|
  Deftly Deal with Distillation Performance
  
  Several issues contribute to water hammer and leakage of condensate
  
  Jake recently had graduated college and started his first job. His new company assigned him to one of its large sites. There, Jack, a senior engineer who had been at the site his entire career, would mentor Jake.One of the areas both were responsible for was a methanol distillation or finishing process. Methanol, created in previous steps, was pumped to this final refining area to produce product for customers. Because it was a very low-pressure distillation process, the temperature of the steam and condensate in the reboiler also were low. Earlier in the process, heat recovered from the reformers generated steam. Then, the steam was let down through several stages of power generation to provide the boil-up for the distillation operation.
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  AkzoNobel, Partners Study Renewable Energy Opportunities In Sweden
  
  Energy Harvester: Temperature Swings Power Sensors
  
  Researchers Declare “Carbon Neutral” Wood Worse Than Coal
  
  Energy Saver: Is Online Performance Testing Accurate?
- Heat transfer fluids|
  Energy Hog Restricts Plant Production Rates
  
  A seemingly minor change causes a major problem
  
  The plant was operating at less than 30% production, but the refrigeration system still was at capacity and barely keeping up. What was going on?When product demand dropped, the East Plant was shut down and the West Plant began operating at reduced rates. Yet, the massive refrigeration plant was having a hard time meeting the lower refrigeration demand, partially due to equipment failures; however, there was more to it than that. Jake had been called to the plant to help with troubleshooting the situation.Jake met with Joe, the staff engineer responsible for the refrigeration plant. Its available capacity was more than required but still the plant couldn’t keep up with production demands. The refrigeration system consisted of a batch…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Deftly Deal with Distillation Performance
  
  43rd Honeywell Users Group Americas Showcases New Technologies
  
  Refrigerants: What Kind of Fouling is That?
  
  Crane Releases Updated Flow Of Fluids Technical Guide
- Water/steam|
  How would you rate your site’s concern about its water supply?
  
  Take our quick poll now.
  
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Plants Zero In On Wastewater Discharges
  
  Dampen Water Woes
  
  Wastewater Work Wins Membrane Award
  
  Poll Results: Steam-Trap Monitoring And Maintenance
- Vacuum systems
  Properly Select Vacuum Pump Motors
  
  Go beyond rated power to find the real energy consumption
  
  Plant designers frequently opt for the lowest possible rated power of drive motors, e.g., when selecting vacuum pumps. However, the kilowatt specification on the nameplate doesn’t tell very much about the real energy consumption of the device in…
  Full Story
  
  Recent
  
  Energy Saver: Is Online Performance Testing Accurate?
  
  Continuous Vacuum Filtration Enhances Zinc Oxide Process
  
  HEI Releases Updated Standards For Air Cooled Condensers
  
  Dashboards Improve Energy Efficiency

Newsletters
Subscribe

Automation
Processing Equipment
Asset Management
Environmental Protection
Safety/Security
Utilities/Energy

Home|
Technical Resources|
News|
Columns & Blogs|
eNewsletters & Magazine|
Products & Vendors|
Fun

Log in to ChemicalProcessing.com

Gain full access to our blogs, wikis and members-only content.

Password

Remember me next time?

I've lost my password

Not a Chemical Processing Insider yet?

Membership to ChemicalProcessing.com will give you a leg up in tapping expert insight on the chemical industry. By becoming a CP Insider you will gain instant and exclusive access to:

Just-posted content
Digital Edition Library
Salary Survey
Readers' Choice Awards

Chemical Processing

About

General Information
Contact Us
Subscription Services
Editorial Guidelines
Vaaler Award Information
Media Kit
Editorial Calendar

Content

Editorial Columns and Blogs
News
- Industry News
- Vendor News
Ask the Experts Forum
Process Puzzler
Cartoon Gallery
Online Polls
White Papers
Special Reports
eHandbooks
Webinars
Videos
Podcasts
Products
Reliability-Centered Maintenance

Magazine

Meet the Editors
Meet the Editorial Board
Current Issue
Issue Archive
eNewsletters
Supplier Source Guide

Stay Connected

My Account
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
RSS Feeds

P: 630-467-1300 | 1501 E. Woodfield Road, Suite 400N, Schaumburg, IL 60173

PutmanMedia®