Engineering Basics

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Effectively Use Abatement Curves to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

A mitigation cost curve chart can help illustrate the cost-effectiveness of different emission reduction strategies. A list of 14 projects to combat greenhouse gas emissions can...
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Energy Saver: Tips for Effective Steam Trap Maintenance

Prioritizing the design, use and maintenance of steam traps can reduce energy costs while optimizing operations and overall efficiency.
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The Dynamics of Pneumatic Conveyors in Chemical Processing: Flow, Control and Reliability

Sept. 6, 2023
An overview of the different types of pneumatic conveyors, how they work and application-specific considerations.
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Energy Saver: Benchmark Energy Efficiency Using R-Curve Method

By understanding this curve, engineers can benchmark, design and operate chemical plants more efficiently, maximizing heat transfer while considering factors such as energy consumption...
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Vacuum Innovations in Chemical Plants: Ejectors vs. Liquid-Ring Pumps

A look at one plant’s shift from vacuum ejectors to a centralized liquid ring-pump system.
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Continuing Education: Trade Show Tune-Up

After years of hibernation, spring is here, and it’s time again for in-person events. Here are some tips on making the most of your travel experience.
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Close-up Look at T-Junction Mixing for Gases

In the right conditions, a simple T-junction mixer can be an effective way to mix gases. Here, we look at the many variations.
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Energy Saver: Get More Efficiency Via Pinch Analysis

This basic primer covers the history of the pinch analysis methodology and how it’s used to determine energy-saving opportunities for a process unit.
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Assess the Pros, Cons and Best Practices of Butterfly Valves

Feb. 27, 2023
Valves should be operated within the recommended limits, and frequently maintained for reliable fluid service
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Fluid Handling: Pushing the Limit With Graphite Seals

Feb. 13, 2023
High-temperature chemical processing applications require new approaches to valve-stem packing.
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How to Identify and Address a Water Hammer Event

Jan. 23, 2023
Prevent costly damage and downtime with these preventive and mitigation strategies
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How to Keep VOCs in Check With Vent Condensers

Jan. 6, 2023
A closer look at design options and sizing considerations for spiral tube vent condensers.
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Choose the Correct Air Compressor

Nov. 9, 2022
When selecting an air compressor, focusing on the energy bill for the current unit and potential savings can lead to a suboptimum choice. Instead, users should keep five key points...
Surpress Steam System Surprises

Suppress Steam System Surprises

Oct. 21, 2022
A number of factors can contribute to boiler issues
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Rethink Your Control Valve Servicing

The right approach can cut turnaround time and effort considerably while maintaining reliability
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Fluid Handling: Don’t Push Piping Flow Too High

Understanding velocity limits to prevent erosion and corrosion is crucial
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Don’t Err With Instrument Air Systems

May 23, 2022
Compressors and air dryers are among the elements demanding careful attention
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Understand The Basics Of Piping Stress Analysis

May 7, 2022
Such an evaluation plays a key part in preventing potential failures
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Piping Tips: Use Your Head With Headers

Carefully consider the consequences of configuration on flow distribution
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Avoid Vacuum-Pump-Sizing Pitfalls

Feb. 14, 2022
A variety of under-appreciated factors can cause havoc
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Select The Right Valves For Adsorption Processes

March 9, 2020
High cycling necessitates extra attention to tight shutoff and robust design
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6 Tips To Effectively Remove Contaminants From Compressed Air

June 11, 2019
Consider these common myths and tips for filtration that also minimize leakage
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Powder Handling: Beware of Blending Myths

But first determine if blending really is required
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Select the Right Centrifugal Compressor

Dec. 22, 2014
Hermetically sealed direct-driven units offer economic and technical advantages
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Understand Energy Management Basics

June 20, 2012
Five key activities can help reduce energy use.