An alternative to thermal oxidation is catalytic oxidation of VOCs, which runs at much lower temperatures — about 500–900 ºF. A regenerative catalytic oxidizer (RCO) uses the same operating principle as RTO, but consumes substantially less auxiliary fuel. The authors have found that in many situations, RTOs can be retrofitted to RCOs. Energy savings after such a retrofit can quickly justify the costs for the catalysts and installation. This article discusses basic RTO and RCO technology with an emphasis on thermal efficiency and energy balance.
Faced with increased workloads and time and budget constraints that often restrict external training support, many chemical process operators are forced to get the most out of their heat transfer system with less help. This article offers recommendations for how to carry out proactive maintenance on heat-transfer fluids, to maximize their useful life and minimize problems associated with fluid degradation, such as excessive downtime for unplanned maintenance when the heat transfer system has become unsafe or is no longer able to carry heat in a reliable manner.... http://www.che.com/processing_and_handling/thermal_and_energy_mgmt/heat_transfer_media/Maximizing-Heat-Transfer-Fluid-Longevity_5322.html
Cooling water systems that rely on cooling towers are a critical component at chemical process industries (CPI) facilities. However, during operation, these open recirculating systems concentrate the contaminants in the makeup water, and as a result, scale formation and biological fouling can occur. To manage this problem, all cooling water systems require proper chemistry control and monitoring. Unless prevented, corrosion and the build up of scale and microbial fouling can impact cooling efficiency and in extreme cases even lead to unit shutdown. This article examines some of the fundamental concepts and treatment options that should be considered to keep open, recirculating cooling systems clean.... http://www.che.com/processing_and_handling/thermal_and_energy_mgmt/heat_exchangers_condensers_and_coolers/Keeping-Cooling-Water-Clean_5005.html