http://www.che.com Chemical Engineering en-us 2013 Sat, 25 May 2013 11:07:08 EDT Question:  What standard, guideline or regulation should I use to create a cybersecurity program, or should I wait until a standard is finalized? Answer:  Waiting until a cybersecurity standard is explicitly selected, accepted and enforced is a mistake for two very good reasons.  First, a security program is much more social and cultural than technical. One thing we’ve learned... http://www.che.com/only_on_che/ask_the_experts/process_automation_and_wireless/8050.html Thu, 19 May 2011 0:00:00 EDT Question:  Besides rotary, fluidized-bed, and flash dryers, what other types of dryers can remove moisture and other volatile compounds from bulk solids? Answer:  For many applications, an efficient and cost-effective alternative is to dry the bulk solid in a silo equipped with heat exchangers or modified to permit injection of a gas. Compared to other dryers, drying silos have several advantages:... http://www.che.com/only_on_che/ask_the_experts/solids_processing/7903.html Mon, 25 Apr 2011 0:00:00 EDT Question: How do rain, snow, ice and fog impact wireless performance? Answer: In the process of distributing wireless to a geographic area, it is often necessary to place transceivers outdoors. In doing so, a prudent designer understands that one cannot afford to overlook the effects of the environment on... http://www.che.com/only_on_che/ask_the_experts/process_automation_and_wireless/6409.html Tue, 22 Feb 2011 0:00:00 EST Question:  Should we convert from manual dumping of sacks to discharging from bulk bags?    Answer: Dry, bulk chemicals have long been purchased in 50-lb (23-kg) paper and plastic sacks for several reasons. In volumes smaller than rail and truckloads, sacks were often the only packaging in... http://www.che.com/only_on_che/ask_the_experts/solids_processing/6160.html Mon, 1 Nov 2010 0:00:00 EDT Answer: The IEC 62591 (WirelessHART) standard was designed for both control and monitoring from the very beginning.  However, users wanted four key pillars in place before putting theory into action. Proof of comprehensive wireless system security, redundant systems, faster device scan rates, and proven field experience were required before customers considered wireless to be “ready” for control.... http://www.che.com/only_on_che/ask_the_experts/process_automation_and_wireless/6092.html Mon, 25 Oct 2010 0:00:00 EDT Question: How are hydrocarbons best removed from water? Answer:  First, the type of hydrocarbons present must be identified. Typically, the hydrocarbons in question are in the form of oil or an oil-like substance. In that case, the miscibility of oil will have a major influence on the process used. If... http://www.che.com/only_on_che/ask_the_experts/water_treatment_and_reuse/6017.html Tue, 28 Sep 2010 0:00:00 EDT Question:  What is driving the trend toward increased water reuse and how is membrane technology addressing this? Furthermore, what does the future hold for water reuse? Answer: Meeting water demands and ensuring a plentiful supply of water for future generations is a top-of-mind issue for the water... http://www.che.com/only_on_che/ask_the_experts/water_treatment_and_reuse/5759.html Thu, 10 Jun 2010 0:00:00 EDT Question: What is the RF spectrum and what considerations regarding it do we need to take as we expand our implementation of wireless networks?... http://www.che.com/only_on_che/ask_the_experts/process_automation_and_wireless/5688.html Mon, 24 May 2010 0:00:00 EDT Question:  What can we do to prevent caking? When our powders are packaged into bags at our plant, they appear to be free of agglomerates.  However, our customers report that when the bags are opened at their facilities, they observe an excessive amount of caked material.  This results in rework and potential losses in sales.  We suspect that moisture is the cause, but our bags include a vapor barrier, and our records show that we are indeed producing dry materials.... http://www.che.com/only_on_che/ask_the_experts/solids_processing/5600.html Mon, 26 Apr 2010 0:00:00 EDT Question: Stricter wastewater regulatory environments and water availability continue to drive water reuse and recycle in the chemical and petrochemical industries globally.  What should companies consider when evaluating water reuse as part of the manufacturing and wastewater process?... http://www.che.com/only_on_che/ask_the_experts/water_treatment_and_reuse/5536.html Tue, 23 Mar 2010 0:00:00 EDT