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2007
Modular Mini-Plants: A New Paradigm
Shashank Shah
Modular design principles are well known, but have found only niche applications in the Chemical industry. This article outlines an innovative methodology, whereby plant and process design may be conducted in parallel using components with pre-...
A Simple Approach to Vapor Pressure Prediction
Andrew J. DeDoes, Matthew D. Goetz, Michael J. Misovich
This method reproduces the vapor pressure predictions of the Soave-Redlich-Kwong and Peng-Robinson equation of state with a simple Antoine equation that uses constants derived from critical properties and the acentric factor.
A Smarter Way to Detect Fugitive Emissions
Gerald Parkinson
Scanning with an optical imaging camera is a faster, cheaper method of finding leaks in a maze of process equipment.
Dividing-Wall Columns Find Greater Appeal
Gerald Parkinson
Conceived more than seven decades ago, dividing-wall columns are now only gaining widespread acceptance. The reasons— the drive to save energy and advances in computer technology that have overcome the burden of doing complex column internal designs.
A Renewable Route to Propylene Glycol
Suzanne Shelley
Rapid expansion in biodiesel production has spurred a bumper crop of competing processes to turn byproduct glycerin into propylene glycol.
Conducting Polymers: A Bridge Across the Bionic Interface
Geoffrey M. Spinks, Gordon G. Wallace
Inherently conducting polymers (ICPs) exhibit a variety of dynamic behaviors that make them an exciting platform for a new generation of bionic devices.
Deciphering the Mechanisms of Therapeutic Protein Production
Christoph L. Bausch, Daniel W. Allison, Kevin J. Kayser, Matthew V. Caple, Trissa Borgschulte
Demand for therapeutic recombinant proteins will eventually exceed current production capabilities. This is a major driver in further understanding Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell biology, which is the cell line of choice for producing these...
The G-Value for Agitator Design: Time to Retire It?
Gregory T. Benz
This commonly used number does not correctly address the influence of viscosity, and has no relationship to performance parameters such as fluid velocity and blend time. This article recommends actual measures of agitator performance that should be...
Controlling Emissions During Cold Furnace Startup
Charles E. Baukal Jr., Jianhui Hong, Richard T. Waibel, Wes Bussman
High carbon monoxide emissions from a furnace while its temperature is being ramped up can exceed permit limits if appropriate measures are not taken. Here are a few suggestions.
Avoid Common Pitfalls When Using Henry's Law
Allan H. Harvey, Francis L. Smith
Here is practical guidance on the use of Henry's law in engineering calculations and how to account for the temperature dependence of the Henry's constant— which is often ignored but which can be crucial for accurate process design.
Improve Catalytic Oxidizer Operation
John C. Bonacci
A catalyst guard bed is a simple, low-cost modification that reduces catalyst-replacement costs, saves natural gas and cuts energy expenses.
Selecting Nickel Alloys for Corrosive Applications
Paul Crook
Nickel and its alloys offer resistance to attack by a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis and salts, making these materials suitable for may CPI applications.
Avoid Problems in Process Water Systems
Marilyn W. Blaschke, Roger D. Metzler
Prevent corrosion, emulsification and fouling by implementing these operational and chemical measures.
Streamlining the Validation Process
Robert Mackey, Tim Flanigan
Today, validation is no longer an afterthought for the design and construction of a new or renovated process or facility. It is, in fact, recognized as an integral part of the total project. Fully integrated services are now available to ensure a...
Predesign for Pollution Prevention and Control
Gael D. Ulrich, Palligarnai T. Vasudevan
A plant's intrinsic cleanliness is determined during the predesign stage. This article provides guidance for making critical decisions during preliminary design.
Succeed in the Workplace
Stan Sebastian
This top 10 list covers things you may never have been told about the real world.
Is Your Cold Lime Softener Effective?
Loraine Huchler
If your plant's utility system is experiencing problems, the culprit may be the clarifier. Understanding how to diagnose and correct off-spec clarifier operation will allow downstream units to function more efficiently and reliably.
Determine the Efficiency of Air-Pollution Control Devices
Lewis S. Buchanan
Forbatch processes, use a surrogate feed stream to simulate the inlet conditions necessary for stack testing to demonstrate compliance.
Addendum to Realistically Predict Capacity and Pressure Drop for Packed Columns -- Original Paper as presented at the 2007 Spring National Meeting
GPDC Interpolation: Use, Misuse and Updates
