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Lasers Shine Light On Chemical Reactions
2006-12-09 04:48:01
Upton, NY - Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory have been using a high-resolution laser technique to learn how molecules absorb light and fall apart during photodissociation reactions - chemical decomposition reactions triggered by light. Studying the atomic-level details of such reactions allows scientists to test and refine theories of chemical reactions, and may help them in their quest to use light to control reaction outcomes. "Despite much research in this field, there remain many unanswered details at the frontier of our understanding about chemical bond-breaking following light absorption," said chemist Greg Hall, leader of the Brookhaven research team. A paper by Hall's group describing new experimental and theoretical results has been identified as a "hot article" by the journal Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, and is now available online. Read more.
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7 Tips On How To Minimize Powder Catalyst Loss
2006-12-07 10:46:01
Powder Cat alyst such as hydrogenation catalyst, which has particle size range between 100 ? 200 mesh and contains certain precious metal (e.g Palladium, Platinum), should be handled carefully. It is very expensive and as one of production cost drivers in a chemical plant.Usually such catalyst should be regenerated in several steps in order to keep its activity. Common regeneration steps used are treatment (solvent washing, steaming and drying), calcination, reduction and drying. Each step has an process efficiency and catalyst loss will be higher when the step number increase.We have seven tips on how to minimize powder catalyst loss during handling and regeneration that we have practiced in our chemical plant operation. The regeneration system and procedure may differ, but you may apply some of the tips at your plant site whenever possible.1. Prepare special hopper and hopper wagon for each catalyst type if you handle more than one type and each catalyst taken out from each regener...
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Online Unit Conversion Tools
2006-12-06 16:44:02
Be able to convert from one unit to another unit is very essential in chemical engineering as well as in other engineering disciplines. Unit conversion is required both in chemical plant operation and its design. It is a fundamental study in chemical engineering.Mastering unit conversion principles is a basic skill that should have by every chemical engineer. However, for several units with which he or she rarely uses in daily job may refer him or her to a handbook. Wow?sound boring!But?we have a good news from the internet. Now, there are many website providing unit conversion tools online. That?s good and very simple. Here are some website you may try to convert any kind of unit.http://www.onlineconversion.comhttp: //www.unitconversion.orghttp://www.digita ldutch.com/unitconverterhttp://www.conver t-me.com/enhttp://www.sciencemadesimple.c om/conversions.htmlhttp://www.unit-conver sion.info/
More About: Tools , Tool , Online , Sion , Line

1000 Volts Electricity in Action
2006-12-06 16:44:02
Arco Voltaico-1000 Volts Electric ity Watch 1000 Volts Electric Current on action! What do you think about that?
More About: Action , City , Tricity

?Case Study: Ultrafiltration, Demineralization, PCC And NCC
2006-12-02 16:41:02
CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals Company Limited (CSPC) made petrochemicals history in China by building and operating a USD 4.3 billion petrochemicals complex in Daya Bay, Huizhou Municipality, Guangdong Province. It is the largest capital investment for a Sino-foreign joint venture project to date in the People's Republic of China. The joint venture partners are Shell Nanhai BV, a member of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies and CNOOC Petrochemicals Investment Limited (CPIL). CPIL is owned by China National Offshore Oil Corporation(CNOOC) and Guangdong Investment & Development Company, an investment company authorized by the People?s Government of Guangdo.Read more.SOURCE: Aquatech International Corporation
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Choosing The Right Color Measuring Instrument
2006-12-02 16:41:02
In today's global economy, with its increased competition, speed to market requirements and demand for lower cost of goods, higher quality standards, efficient, accurate color production matters more than ever. That means the spectrophotometer is more important than ever.The color data a spectrophotometer captures means everything, often making the literal difference between profit and loss for your product line. This editorial backgrounder from Datacolor asks the questions and gets the answers to help with "Choosing The Right Color Measuring Instrument : How The Latest Innovations In Datacolor Spectrophotometers Yield Bottom-Line Benefits"...Read more.
More About: Men , Suri , Ring

Don't Use Wooden palette For Hydrogen Peroxide
2006-12-02 16:41:02
Do you stock hydrogen peroxide at your plant site? Use only palette made of plastic for stocking hydrogen peroxide. Please see the picture. This is real life experience on hydrogen peroxide decomposition on a wooden palette. When hydrogen peroxide packaging leaks, it will start to decompose and may introduce fire.
More About: Hydrogen , Wood , Pale , Hydro , Drogen

Flow Switch and Cooling Water Quality
2006-11-26 21:15:03
Cooling water services cooling needs for a compressor. Cooling water keeps cylinder temperature, discharge gas temperature at an allowable temperature ranges. In a recriprocal compressor, cooling water flow is controlled by a flow switch. Flow switch sets up minimum cooling water flow for the compressor. Flow switch will work if required minimum cooling water flow rate is not supplied, and stop the compressor operation in order to prevent the compressor from mechanical failure. Keeping cooling water quality becomes an important factor. Sludge, slime, dirt and other foreign matters come into cooling water during plant operation and accumulate in piping line. For a small pipe size such as 1/2 or 3/4 inch, such contamination may reduced cooling water flow high enough. If cooling water quality goes bad, discharge temperature of gas will build up day by day. Another visual indication that show bad quality of cooling water is sight glass that attached to cooling water line. Slime growth ...
More About: Cool , Water , Switch , Cooling , Quality

Lean Production In Chemical Processing Plant
2006-11-22 14:48:02
Lean production or manufacturing is a concept of management that focuses on reduction of seven common wastes in an organization. A chemical processing plant as a form of organization may also practice this concept thoroughly in its all activities. These seven common wastes are over-production, waiting time, transportation, processing, inventory, motion and scrap in manufactured product or any type of business. This concept identifies activities or processes that do not add value to customers.There are six common methods of lean production. Kaizen, 5S, Total Product ive Maintenance (TPM), One-Piece Flow Production System, Just In Time Production (Kanban) and Six Sigma.Do you have experiences on how to practice one of the lean production methods in chemical plant activities?
More About: Lean , Sing , Proc

Introduction To Aluminum Hydroxide
2006-11-17 08:09:02
Aluminum hydroxide with chemical fomula of Al(OH)3, is inorganic chemical compounds that usually used in production of aluminum salts (e.g alunimun sulfate, aluminum fluoride, etc), glass and glass products, toothpaste, coating and pharmaceutical products. Aluminum hydroxide is also called by aluminum trihydrate.Aluminum hydroxide can be produced from reaction between bauxite and strong acid, and through precipitation of sodium aluminate solution neutralized with carbon dioxide. Australia and India are two countries of producers of aluminum hydroxide in the world.
More About: Introduction , Aluminum , Hydro , Intro , Lumi

Control Valve Maintenance
2006-11-14 07:48:01
Many chemical plants do not realize that maintenance of control valve can make their performance better. Good control valve maintenance will introduce better process control, reliable plant operation, reduce maintenance cost and better safety condition.
More About: Main , Maintenance , Control , Valve , Tena

Advantages of Structured Packing
2006-11-08 19:09:03
After replacing ceramic intalock sadle packing to Aluminum structured packing in the vacuum distillation tower, the distillation operation of hydrogen peroxide-water improved. Here are some of the advantages that have introduced by this replacement of the column packing.1. Decreasing steam consumption for heating by 6%.2. Decreasing product loss by 10 times!3. Requires less purified water reflux, only 50% from the original flow rate.4. Introduce lower pressure drop across the packing, by which lowering steam and cooling water requirement for vacuum system.5. No pipe line clogging caused by damaged ceramic packing. Producing more reliable operation.6. Produce higher purity of product.
More About: King , Packing , Structure , Pack , Advanta

Chilled Cooling Water Tips
2006-11-06 00:54:02
Chilled cooling water can serve a lower temperature of cooling water. It may operate at 18degC or below. Because of operate at a lower temperature, oxygen may dissolve in higher concentration compared with in cooling water. Then, a higher concentration of corrosion inhibitor is needed. For example if you apply nitrite-based corrosion inhibitor you will face with nitrate bacteria that will convert nitrite into nitrate. This may occur when you need fresh make up water to chilled water tank.To avoid such bacteria contamination, you may add anti-bacteria into the make up water prior to transfer to chilled water tank. Then, you can charge the corrosion inhibitor to the tank. Of course, you should do this batchwise. But, it is safe for the corrosion inhibitor and save you money.
More About: Tips , Cool , Water , Hill , Chill

Facilities of Hydrogen Peroxide Storage Tank
2006-11-06 00:54:02
If you have a plan to install a storage tank for hydrogen peroxide, you should also consider installing its basic supporting facilities. Those facilities are devoted both for supporting operational activities and safety matter. At least a hydrogen peroxide should be completed with:1. Manholes, one at the top of the tank and one on shell of the tank. Top manhole is used for inspecting tank condition during operation. Manhole on the shell is used when the hydrogen peroxide tank will be opened for regular clean up.2. A level indicator or level gauge.3. A flame arrester ot vent line, which is equipped with a screen (filter) on the vent nozzle4. A temperature indicator or temperature gauge.5. A demineralized water feeding line into the tank. It is used for dilution of concentrated hydrogen peroxide and for safety, when a big decomposition occours.6. Tank shading. This is to avoid excessive heating by sunshine during daytime (summer season).7. A spray water (industrial water), to keep the...
More About: Storage , Hydrogen , Rage , Stor

The Silent Killer
2006-11-06 00:54:02
Nitrogen is a very common gas in chemical plant. One of the use of Nitrogen is for substituting a flammable gas or solvent from a vessel, reactor or any kind of plant facilities. Nitrogen is odorless, and make it a silent killer. Many of chemical plant workers do not realize this fact. When open a vessel, tank or reactor, we should always ensure that there is enough oxygen. Flammable gas or solvent may not exist in the equipment, but Nitrogen exists. Air blowing must be done before entering the closed equipment to blow out Nitrogen from there, and deliver enough oxygen for the workers. If you hesitate, wear an air respirator.
More About: Killer , Silent , Kill , Lent

Checker Plate
2006-11-06 00:54:02
This morning I walked through each floor at plant site. I found that an area at the corner of a vertical heat exchanger, water was trapped. I looked around that area and could not found any water drain line. It will make the checker plate corrosion. There should be a new drain line or connection to drain line.
More About: Check , Plat , Hecker , Late , Checker

Catalyst Calcination
2006-11-06 00:54:02
Calcination is applied to get high catalyst activity. After calcination, catalyst is usually reduced by using a certain reducing agent. The whole process of catalyst regeneration may consist of treatment (with solvent, steam and nitrogen), calcination, reduction and drying. An example of application of this regeneration process is for regenerating dehydrogenation catalyst.
More About: Cat , Cata , Nation , Calc , Cina

The Importance of Line Check
2006-11-06 00:54:02
Line check is determination on valves or control valves status, i.e. opened, throttle or closed. Good line check before plant start up and after shut down hold an very important role. Start up will not successfully done and unsafe shut down will occurs. Line check at least have to be done by two operators using an updated P&ID. And final check with the supervisor will be excellent.Revise the P&ID soon as soon possible when there is a change in piping layout, additional valves, or any change in plant facility.
More About: Port , Check , Line , Import

Polyethylene Can Test
2006-11-06 00:54:02
Polyethylene Can (PE Can) or jerry can is a common packaging type used for industrial chemicals. Polyethylene Can may have several common capacities, 30 kg, 35 kg or 50 kg. When you will start using Polyethylene Can for your own use, you have to ensure that the Polyethylene Can has passed a test standard, such as Annex 1, IMDG-IMO, 1997. The test consists of drop test, leakproofness test, internal pressure test and stacking test.
More About: Test , Poly , Lene

Don?t Forget To Test It!
2006-11-06 00:54:02
Preventive or corrective maintenance on processing equipment should always be followed up by testing it. For example when we open a pressure vessel, do not forget to conduct hydrostatic or pneumatic pressure test. This is to ensure no leakage from gasket, seal, or any connections to the equipment. Use manufacturer standard or manual when performing the test
More About: Test , Forge

Control Valve Opening
2006-11-06 00:54:02
Two years ago, we had a plant trouble. A liquid over flew from a tower into gas line when a panel operator tried to introduce nitrogen gas into the tower prior to catalyst charge. Nitrogen gas flow is controlled by a pneumatic control valve. He made wrong operation on the control valve during switching gas flow from self-circulation to gas feeding to the tower. He continued to increase control valve opening because he saw no flow indication even though the opening was near 60%. He forgot that when he opened the control valve the gas came into the tower.
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Valve Erosion
2006-11-06 00:54:02
There are two cyclones in our plant site. The cyclones separate dehydrogenated catalyst from liquid mixtures. The mixture forms a slurry, with catalyst concentration about 100 g/l. Because of over design, the bottom valves of both cyclones should be throttled for about 30 degree. But the valves has been eroded by the catalyst slurry, and forced the plant operation to be stopped. We have tried to overcome this problem by lowering catalyst concentration and made a plan to install a reducer at the bottom pipes of the cyclones instead of valves throttling.
More About: Eros , Sion , Valve

Flammable and Combustible Liquids
2006-11-06 00:54:02
National Fire Protection Association has classified that flammable liquids are defined as liquids having closed cup flash points below 100degF (37.8degC) and vapor pressures not exceeding 40 psia (2.76 bar). Comb ust ible liquids are defined as liquids having closed cup flash points at or above 100degF (37.8degC).
More About: Bust , Liquid , Liquids

Basic Concept of Fire Loss Control
2006-11-06 00:54:02
There are five basic concepts of fire loss control, Management (Safety management), Construction (Building structure), Occupancy (Occupancy, Process), Protection (Fire protection) and Exposure (Fire exposure).Management is related with safety management organization and regulations, safety education and training, self-inspection system, etc.Construction is related with proper layout of factory facilities, fire resistance of buildings, fire separation, etc.Occupancy is related with such area as fire load reduction (house keeping, stock control, etc), control of ignition sources, maintenance of equipments, etc.Protection is related with installation and maintenance of fire fighting equipment and fire alarm systems, cooperation with a public fir department, etc.Exposure is related with preventive measures against external exposure, e.g. fire, arson, storm, flood, earthquake, etc,
More About: Basic , Loss , Control , Once

Concept and Unit of Pressure
2006-11-06 00:54:02
In chemical plant operations, pressure measurements are usually stated in Gauge Press ure (G). So it is very important to fully understand the basic concept of pressure. There are three kinds of pressure units, namely absolute pressure, differential pressure and gauge pressure. Absolute pressure takes as its basis zero pressure of a pure vacuum. Differential pressure is the difference between two pressures. Gauge pressure is the difference between an absolute pressure and the actual atmospheric pressure.Gauge pressure has a positive value if the absolute pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure and has a negative value it the absolute pressure is smaller than atmospheric pressure. Negative pressure may no longer be used as a term of a dimension, but only as a qualitative term for a relative condition. Negative value exists in the suction line.
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Canned Pump Installation
2006-11-06 00:54:02
When we plan to install a new canned pump, we should consider some important factors that will be affected pump performance operation:1. Confirm that the pump specification meets the operation requirements.2. You have already provided a standardized foundation for the pump.3. Install the pump as near as possible with the tank suction, to have bigger NPSH available.4. Let the pump free from pipe stress or weight.5. Provide enough space around the pump for pump maintenance and disassembling work.6. Make sure to install valve at the suction and discharge line, a suction pump strainer if the pumping liquid contain foreign material, at least a pressure gauge at the pump discharge line and a sample line with needle valve if necessary. Even no foreign material during normal operation exist, it had better to install a temporary suction strainer until we can confirm that no foreign material left.
More About: Tall , Cann , Anne , Pump , Alla