Links and resources to help you make the most of Chemtech 2011.
Make the most of your time: attend our parallel events at the same venue as the Chemtech World Expo 2011.
Industry Insights
Ecological Plasticizer for Outstanding Performance in NBR
Posted on 29 January, 2010 | Tags: Green Additives
Phthalates have been identified as one of the Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) that may have serious effects on the environment. Inclusion of substances in this list may result in legal obligations for raw material suppliers. Substitution of phthalate-based plasticizers with environment friendly products is of great interest to the manufacturers.
Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is used in articles that come into contact with oils, fuels and solvents because of its good chemical and physical resistance with such materials. Typical applications of NBR include hoses, gaskets, diaphragms, seals and conveyor belts. With the help of plasticizers, the viscosity, tackiness, cold flex behavior and extrusion properties of NBR compounds are optimized so as to achieve the desired properties. Phthalates have historically been the plasticizers of choice. However, new environmental and ecological legislation has now restricted the use of certain types of plasticizers in targeted applications in Europe. In some NBR compounds, the phthalate based plasticizer DEHP (Di-2-ethylhexylphthalate; formerly known as DOP) is used typically; especially to manufacture soft articles that require higher loading levels of plasticizers (for example, roll covers of low Shore hardness). Difficulties with Phthalates In August, 2008, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), which includes the plasticizer DEHP. The substances identified on this list may have very serious effects on humans and the environment. Substances on this list may subsequently become subject to authorization by the European Commission, and inclusion of a substance on this list may result in legal
High-performance Alternative to Traditional Coatings
Posted on 29 January, 2010 | Tags: Energy Efficiency
In aerospace and power generation, aggressive targets have been set for reduced co2 and nitrogen oxide emissions from gas turbines. This poses huge challenges for improved engine sealing efficiencies through the correct use of materials technology for abradable-blade sealing systems.
Current abrasive tip technology available in the market place is based primarily on the use of cubic boron nitride abrasive particles which are bonded to the blade tip in an oxidation and creep resistant matrix alloy, using proprietary alloy deposition technology. Cubic boron nitride is one of the hardest materials known, next to diamond and is an excellent abrasive material. However, it has one drawback; it oxidises rapidly when exposed to temperatures above 900°c and lasts less than 100 hours in the average turbine environment. Several alternative abrasives to cubic boron nitride were investigated in the eu funded abratip program (Advanced abradables and tip coatings for gas turbines), with participation from sulzer innotec, sulzer metco and several aerospace oems. Reliable coating materialsThe only candidate which exhibited equivalent cutting performance against ceramic abradables was silicon carbide, which has excellent high temperature oxidation resistance in comparison to cubic boron nitride. However, it too has an inherent thermodynamic instability when brought in contact with turbine blade nickel based alloys. It will react with these alloys at high temperature and disintegrate. R&D activities continued to develop an effective silicon carbide abrasive solution that could be provided to OEMs for their blade tipping needs.
Fluoropolymer-Lined Piping & Components: Critical Success Factors in Chemical handling
Posted on 29 January, 2010 | Tags: Pipes and Components Linings for Corrosion Protection
Fluoropolymer-lined systems have proved to be economical and useful alternatives to metallic alloy piping in many applications such as corrosive solvents in Chloroalkali plants, Pesticides, Pharmaceuticals and paper & Pulp. This paper deals with information on the successful long termn use of lined piping for corrosion mitigation, product purity and non-stick applications
The chemical process industry faces a continued and growing need for the containment of corrosive or harmful products. Since Dr. Roy Plunckett of Dupont discovered the first generation of fluoropolymers in 1938 their exceptional chemical resistance and high temperature performance have found use as linings for vessels, piping, valves, hoses and expansion joints. Under the brand name "Teflon®". Fluoropolymer-lined systems have proved to be cost effective alternatives to metallic alloy piping in many applications Such as corrosive solvents in Chloroalkali plants, Pesticides, Pharmaceuticals and paper & Pulp. Indeed, there are applications where fluoropolymers alone will stand up to the chemicals. Dupont Company has the additional advantage of successfully using these materials in their own chemical plants for over 50 years. Features of Fluoropolymer Lined PipingPlastic-lined piping combines a structurally sound metallic shell with a corrosion-resistant plastic liner. Liners are inserted into a metallic pipe and flared over the flange faces. Pipes are connected to each other through a bolted flange connection. Gaskets are not required initially but are used if the joint is disconnected for some reason. Standard pipe sizes of 1" through 12" are available off the shelf. Larger sizes are typically available as special order.The most common plastic liners
Demanding Applications Made Easier
Posted on 29 January, 2010 | Tags: Special Valves
Conventional valves are perfectly fine for use in applications with clean media. But when it comes to demanding tasks with media containing solid particles, the special pinch valve is often the best solution.
Engineers and machinists often opt for the conventional solution when it comes to valves for demanding tasks that need to be solved quickly and ideally in the best possible way. A good example of this is processes requiring the transport of abrasive and corrosive media in pipes. Such processes need to work optimally with as little maintenance as possible. And conventional valves are often chosen because they make the design phase easier. However, every now and then these choices prove not to be the best ones. According to Scanrox A/S, that imports Larox pinch valves to Denmark, the Danish production companies and industries handling solids and slurries typify this situation. The heart of the matter is that Larox Valve's installation dimensions are different to those of conventional ball, slide and butterfly valves and these have to be replace. As a rule the cheapest and simplest functional alternative is installed, which can lead to expensive rebuild at a later date. In general one could say that conventional valves are designed for clean media and the Larox Valves for everything else. Modern pinch valves like Larox Valves enable major resource savings as a result of superior functionality and longer service life.
Avoid Premature Failure Of Pumps and Equipments in Corrosive Environments.
Posted on 29 January, 2010 | Tags: Equipment Design
Based on the practical experience, development of new design systems using new materials of construction is of great importance for corrosive and erosive chemical plants. A proactive approach can lead to avoid premature failure of equipments, pumps and piping systems and production loss. This further improves the environment and profitability of industries. The paper highlights new ideas that have been incorporated at design or erection stage of the chemical and process industries that have prevented premature failure of equipments, pumps and piping systems.
Pumps and Piping Systems handle liquids in almost all process industries to and fro and through heights and lengths during the process. Processes require the pumps even to perform and handle high flow rates even during extreme operating conditions of high pressure and temperature. In addition, pumps are subjected to highly corrosive environments that often result in premature failure of pumps and piping systems. It has been observed that premature failure or breakdown of pump and piping systems takes place because of erosion attack, corrosion and / or cavitations (impingement attack). Proper design and selection of material of construction can help overcome these problems. Selection of Material of ConstructionChemically inert materials are used as construction materials for corrosive and erosive industrial applications in phosphatic fertilizer plants, especially in phosphoric acid and other corrosive acid plants. Performance of these materials has been satisfactory in the harsh environmental conditions and premature failure of plant and piping systems have been prevented. Some of these materials are Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) and Composites, Alloy Steel, Rubber lined Steel, PVC/ CPVC, Polypropylene and Special higher resistant alloys (CD4MCU, DURIMET 20, HASTEALLOY-C, SANICRO-28 and H V 9 etc.). Ultra high Molecular Weight Poly Ethylene has
Chemtech Foundation will, for the 25th time, bring together the entire cross-section of India’s Chemical and Process Industry from Suppliers to Sellers to Manufacturers across Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Fertilizers and other Process Industries. Attend and experience world-class conferences, great networking opportunities, and state-of-the-art technology exhibits from national and international players.
23-26 Feb 2011,
at the Bombay Exhibition Center,
NSE Complex, Goregaon,
Mumbai, India
Meet and network with the Who’s Who of India’s Chemical and Process Industry
Latest Readings from the Chemical Engineering World Team
Advanced Processes Analytical Solutions Anticorrosive Linings Asset Management Beyond Fault Tolerance Brand Management Cake and Non cake filters Captive Power Case Study Chemical Tank Linings Corporate Social Responsibility Cover Story CPVC Curtain Raiser Dinshaw Filtration Systems
