http://www.che.com Chemical Engineering en-us 2013 Fri, 24 May 2013 9:56:19 EDT This article describes some options for determining the value of upgrading. The narrative and illustrations presented here highlight some methodologies that are available to reliability professionals who are ready to de-emphasize purely intuitive approaches, in favor of simple yet effective numerical pathways.... http://www.che.com/processing_and_handling/operations_and_maintenance/10087.html Tue, 1 Jan 2013 0:00:00 EST There is a temptation that steam design engineers find difficult to resist — to put condensate from high-pressure (HP) steam mains directly into the low-pressure (LP), pumped condensate-return (CR) mains. After all, the CR main is so convenient — it is generally laid right next to the outgoing... http://www.che.com/processing_and_handling/operations_and_maintenance/9551.html Wed, 1 Aug 2012 0:00:00 EDT Lubricants in rotating machines reduce friction and wear, dissipate heat, protect surfaces, keep out foreign contaminants and remove wear particles. Commonly used liquid lubricants fall into two main categories: Mineral (petroleum-based) oils and synthetic oils. When selecting lubricants for pumps, compressors and other types of rotating machinery, close consideration must be given to the operating characteristics of the machinery and the performance characteristics of the lubricant options. This article provides practical guidance for selecting the most appropriate lubricant for the job.... http://www.che.com/processing_and_handling/operations_and_maintenance/8840.html Sun, 1 Jan 2012 0:00:00 EST For decades, plant-wide oil-mist systems have been used to lubricate rolling-element bearings in high-speed applications throughout the petrochemicals, textiles, pharmaceuticals, mining and other chemical process industries (CPI). Applications range from small motors to large rotating cylinders and a variety of fluid movers. Plant-wide oil-mist systems provide a centralized way to supply lubricating oil to all such components, and often eliminate the need for frequent maintenance and corrective action. Follow these tips to select the best system.  ... http://www.che.com/processing_and_handling/operations_and_maintenance/8615.html Tue, 1 Nov 2011 0:00:00 EDT Distillation columns are often workhorses in the chemical process industries (CPI), and at times, it is necessary to physically inspect the interior of a column. This article demonstrates what an inspection can reveal, by sharing the experience of actual fractionation-tower inspections in a petroleum refinery. The points mentioned are intended to provide guidance to future tower inspectors, so that they can focus on extremely important and relevant points that will directly impact the operation of distillation columns.... http://www.che.com/processing_and_handling/operations_and_maintenance/8214.html Fri, 1 Jul 2011 0:00:00 EDT Good troubleshooting skills are invaluable in chemical engineering practice. While their value is clearly gleaned from the impact they have on plant performance, it is also a reflection of the intangible process of learning them. Last month, at the AIChE Spring meeting in Chicago, Ruth Sands, former CE... http://www.che.com/processing_and_handling/operations_and_maintenance/7742.html Fri, 1 Apr 2011 0:00:00 EDT The conventional language of equipment components — vibration — transmits relevant information that varies based on the type of machinery or asset system and the conditions these components are experiencing. Learning to decipher vibration data properly can help operators to properly assess the condition of their machinery, gauge equipment performance and plan for whatever actions are needed to address problems that may have arisen.... http://www.che.com/processing_and_handling/operations_and_maintenance/6294.html Sat, 1 Jan 2011 0:00:00 EST The massive buildup of new petrochemical capacity in the Middle East and Asia has been well documented, and its effect on future supply-demand much discussed. But a look at the average ages of plants in different regions in the years that follow this capacity buildup, prompts new conclusions on just how... http://www.che.com/processing_and_handling/operations_and_maintenance/5447.html Mon, 1 Feb 2010 0:00:00 EST Most chemical engineers involved with operating large chemical process facilities have encountered the following challenge: Several large engineering contractors built the facility in multiple phases, using different computer-software models. Retrieving drawings or data in both digital and non-digital form... http://www.che.com/processing_and_handling/operations_and_maintenance/5326.html Tue, 1 Dec 2009 0:00:00 EST 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/operations_and_maintenance/5005.html Sat, 1 Aug 2009 0:00:00 EDT