October 2016

October
2016
www.chemengonline.com
Piping Codes
page 42
Coupler
Technologies
Ethics Survey
Results
Process Simulator
Data Extraction
Facts at Your
Fingertips:
Agglomeration
Focus on
Compressors,
Fans and Blowers
Chemical
Safety Act
Modeling and
Simulation
Cybersecurity
Circle 01 on p. 78 or go to adlinks.chemengonline.com/61500-01
October 2016
Volume 123 | no. 10
Cover Story
42
Piping Codes: What the CPI Engineer Should Know

An overview of the codes and standards that are most pertinent to chemical
processing facilities
In the News
7
14
Chementator
Purify p-xylene without the heat; This ceramic membrane converts
natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons; This new dual-pressure HNO3
process is commercially available; Catalytic process converts
sorted waste into aromatic compounds; Control biofouling with I2
vapor disinfection; and more
Business News
BASF expands global production capacity of Ultrason
polyarylsulfone; Solvay starts up hydrogen peroxide plant in
China; Arkema to expand specialty polyamides production in
China; Chemours finalizes sale of Clean and Disinfect business to
Lanxess; Albemarle to acquire lithium assets in China; and more
16
Newsfront Ethics Survey Results: Your Responses

Responses from the 2015 CE ethics survey range from hopeful to cynical, and
both similarities and differences emerge when compared to earlier surveys
20
Newsfront Chemical Safety: A Challenging Road

Ahead Passage of the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act has created a long
and challenging road ahead for U.S. EPA rulemaking
24
Newsfront Modeling and Simulation Go Beyond

Design More intuitive software allows new users to address optimization and
complex tasks
42
16
Technical and Practical

40
Facts at your Fingertips Agglomeration Processes

This one-page reference provides information on agitation and compression
methods of agglomeration and their mechanisms
41
Technology Profile Aluminum Chloride Production

This process description outlines a pathway for manufacturing the Lewis acid
aluminum chloride from aluminum metal and chlorine
54
Feature Report Coupler Technologies for Secure

Chemical Handling Significant improvement in reducing fluid loss,
optimizing flow paths and easing operation are among the advancements in
next-generation coupler technologies
60
24
54
Engineering Practice Cybersecurity: You Cannot

Secure What You Cannot See Follow this guidance to
understand todays cybersecurity risk landscape and take the necessary steps
to create a sound industrial control system cybersecurity program, including the
development of a comprehensive, in-depth cyber-asset inventory
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM
OCTOBER 2016
66
Engineering Practice Using Excel VBA for ProcessSimulator Data Extraction Engineers can make better use of the
results of process simulations by automatically exporting data into heat-and
material-balance tables in Microsoft Excel
Equipment and Services

29
Focus on Compressors, Fans and Blowers

This variable-speed drive for compressors pays for itself; This gas-compression
package has many configuration options; This temperature sensor withstands
harsh conditions; Fans to meet a diverse array of industrial applications; Highpower modular drives improve reliability, cut costs; and more
66
33
New Products
This pneumatic pump controller offers power flexibility; Remove debris from fluids
with these upstream gasket strainers; A jacketed reaction system with fast
vessel changes; Cloth-media filtration in a more compact footprint; and more
I-1
Show Preview: K 2016

K 2016, the international trade fair for plastics and rubber, will take place in
Dsseldorf, Germany from Octoberber 1926. Described here is a selection of
products scheduled to be displayed at the show
29
Departments
33
Editors Page Working remotely

Telecommuting has gained momentum in recent years. Whether done full or
part time, working remotely offers both advantages and challenges
80
Economic Indicators
71
75
76
77
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Telecommuting
Working remotely, whether part or full time, has gained momentum in
recent years. A report by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM; www.shrm.org) on 2016 Employee Benefits Survey1
says that 60% of organizations in the U.S. allow their employees to
telecommute. This is a threefold increase over 20 years ago in
1996, only 20% of organizations reportedly allowed telecommuting.
Of course, in that span of time, technology in mobile communications
has advanced tremendously, making working from remote offices
more feasible. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS;
www.bls.gov) American Time Use Survey2 indicate that in 2015,
35% of workers in professional and related occupations and 38% of
those in management, business and financial operations, did some
or all of their work from home. Some jobs obviously cannot be done
remotely, but for those that can, the decision to do so brings about a
number of changes from the traditional workplace.
Advantages and challenges
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Working remotely
A few of the pros of working from remote locations include: the ability
of a company to hire and retain talented employees from a wider geographical pool; greater satisfaction from employees who want a better
work/life balance; and the ability to keep operations going when an
office may be closed due to extreme circumstances (as happened to
our own offices during Superstorm Sandy). Some of the challenges
include: potential feelings of isolation of employees; creating boundaries between home and work time; and effective communication.
Telecommuting is not for everyone. Those who are likely to be most
comfortable and successful with it are employees who have reached a
certain level of competency in their jobs, and who are self-starters with
self discipline. Pro-active communication is key. Emails are effective and
very convenient for day-to-day correspondence, particularly when working across time zones. Periodic phone calls and virtual
meetings can facilitate communication and help to alleviate possible feelings of isolation. And, occasional
meetings in-person are a great way to help develop
team spirit and to have some of the water cooler
type exchanges that may be otherwise missing.
Dorothy Lozowski, Editor in Chief

1. www.shrm.org/about-shrm/press-room/press-releases/pages/
telecommuting-up-over-past-20-years.aspx; accessed 9-17-2016
2. www.bls.gov/news.release/atus.nr0.htm; accessed 9-17-2016
OCTOBER 2016
Chementator
Purify p-xylene without the heat
urrent commercial technologies

for separating and purifying p-xylene an important precursor for
polyesters and plastics from hydrocarbon mixtures involve phase-change
techniques that require large amounts
of thermal energy. Recently, a research
team from Georgia Institute of Technology (Ga. Tech; Atlanta.; www.gatech.edu)
and Exxon Mobil Corp. (Irving, Tex.; www.
exxonmobil.com) demonstrated the separation of p-xylene at room temperature using
organic-solvent reverse-osmosis (OSRO;
diagram). Since it requires no thermal input,
the OSRO method has the potential to significantly reduce the amount of energy required for p-xylene purification.
Although reverse osmosis has been used
for decades in water desalination, this is said
to be its first application for the separation of
hydrocarbon mixtures. The keystone of the
OSRO technology is the complex structure
of the membrane. First, a hollow-fiber membrane (HFM) is constructed from a commercially available polymer. Then, the HFM is
chemically modified with crosslinking molecules, which protect the membranes mechanical properties. The fiber is next carbonized using a pyrolysis step, which converts
the structure into a carbon molecular-sieve
HFM. The molecular sieve has large pores,
Exxon Mobil
Apply pressure
Carbon molecular sieve membrane
Hydrocarbon mixture
Para-xylene
building blocks
which provide mechanical integrity without

impeding mass transport. These larger pores
eventually terminate into a 30-nm membrane
layer with extremely small (less than 1 nm)
micropores. It is here, at the micropore level,
that the individual isomers of xylene can be
isolated. At the laboratory scale, using just a
single HFM, researchers enriched a hydrocarbon stream to over 80% p-xylene.
The membranes carbon-based structure imbues stability under the high pressure (approximately 125 bars) required for
reverse osmosis. Furthermore, the carbon
fibers are inert in the presence of xylene
mixtures and also allow for the pore sizes
to be precisely tuned for molecular selectivity. Going forward, the team will continue to
add more fibers to test OSRO, and will also
seek to separate hydrocarbon streams of
varying purity.
This ceramic membrane converts natural gas to

liquid hydrocarbons
onverting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons can theoretically be accomplished at high temperatures
with the help of zeolite catalysts,
but the reaction is hindered by two major
factors. The conversion to products is thermodynamically limited, and coke formation
on the zeolite surface rapidly decreases catalyst activity.
Now, technology involving a ceramicmembrane reactor offers a pathway around
these obstacles. Along with scientists from
the University of Oslo and the Institute of
Chemical Technology in Valencia, Spain,
engineered ceramics maker CoorsTek Inc.
(Golden, Colo.; www.coorstek.com) has
developed a reactor that integrates an ionconducting membrane to shift the thermodynamic equilibrium of the reaction and drive
the process toward increased product formation without generating CO2.
The membrane is a proton-conducting
ceramic material with electrodes similar to
a solid-oxide fuel cell, explains Per Vestre,
managing director of CoorsTek Membrane

Sciences. It provides a means of removing hydrogen from the reaction and thus
shifting the thermodynamic equilibrium
toward formation of aromatic rings as reaction products. The CoorsTek reactor
is also designed to allow oxygen to be
injected across the membrane surface to
remove carbon deposits, thus preventing
coke buildup from killing catalyst activity,
Vestre says.
Heated natural gas flows into the reactor, where it encounters shape-selective
zeolite catalysts. As methane molecules are
activated at catalyst active sites and products begin to form, hydrogen is transported
across the solid ceramic membrane. Protons recombine as H2 on the other side.
Copper electrodes on the reaction side of
the membrane and nickel electrodes on the
hydrogen-permeate side aid the hydrogen
transport process.
Further details of the process are described in the August 5 issue of Science.
Edited by:
Gerald Ondrey
MAKING CO FROM CO2

Professor Rhosuke Suzuki at Hokkaido University
(Sapporo City, Japan; www.
eng.hokudai.ac.jp)
has
developed a molten-salt
electrolysis process that
can produce CO from high
temperature CO2 present
in the fluegas of industrial
furnaces. The process uses
a molten salt containing
CaCl2-CaO melt as a media
and a solid-state electrolyte,
containing 8 mol% YZrO2 in
Y2O3, as the anode. Operating at temperatures of 800
to 1,000C, the electrolyzer
decomposes CO2 into CO,
with a conversion efficiency
of 88.2% (at 1,000C). The
CO forms by the decomposition of carbonate ions,
which coexist with the CaO
as CO2 is bubbled into the
melt. Suzuki believes the
process provides a way to
utilize the CO2 generated
from industries having hot
fluegases, such as steel and
cement production, nonferrous metal smelting and
waste incineration.
ELECTROLYSIS
Toshiba
Corp.
(Tokyo,
Japan; www.toshiba.co.jp)
has recently started up Japan's largest alkaline waterelectrolysis system, which
produces
approximately
100 Nm3/h of hydrogen
sufficient for fueling two fuelcell-powered cars. Conventional water electrolysis uses
an acidic electrolyte and
requires precious metals for
the electrodes. With alkaline
electrolysis, less expensive
metal oxides can be used,
making it more economical
for scaleup to large systems.
Toshiba had previously
demonstrated and tested a
smaller version of the system
as part of the "Regional Cooperation and Low-Carbon
Hydrogen Technology Demonstration Project," funded
(Continues on p. 8)
Note: For more information, circle the 56-digit number on p. 78, or use the website designation.
OCTOBER 2016
by Japans Ministry of the

Environment. Installed in the
Shoro Dam in Shiranuka-cho,
Shiranuka-gun, Hokkaido, the
system produces approximately 35 Nm3/h of hydrogen
for a small community.
CO2 TO CO
The research group of professor Yoshinori Naruta at Chubu
University
(Kasugai
City,
www3.chubu.ac.jp) has developed an iron-based photoelectrocatalyst that efficiently and
selectively converts CO2 into
CO. The bio-inspired catalyst
a binuclear Ni/Fe carbonmonoxide
dehydrogenase
(CODH) has shown a 93%
selectivity for CO in the reduction of CO2 at the anode of an
electrochemical cell operating
with artificial sunlight for 6 h.
The researchers used several co-facial porphyrin dimers
with different substituents
as suitable ligands for holding two Fe ions with suitable
Fe-Fe separation to efficiently
and selectively promote CO2
to CO conversion with high
turnover frequencies.
WASTE-FREE WAFERS
Silicon wafers are essential
building blocks for the solarenergy industry, but their
manufacture often results in a
great deal of wasted materials,
from scrap silicon to singleuse cutting and sawing tools.
A new production technique,
dubbed Direct Wafer from
1366 Technologies Inc. (Bedford, Mass.; www.1366tech.
com), enables Si wafer manufacture without the waste that
(Continues on p. 10)
This new, dual-pressure HNO3 process is

commercially available
ast month, Weath- Air

Liquid ammonia
erly Inc., a wholly
owned
subsidAmmonia
Air compression
iary of KBR Inc.
vaporization
(Houston; www.kbr.com)
introduced its new dualMixing and
oxidation reaction
pressure nitric acid (DPNA)
technology, which enables
Process heat
economically viable proN20 abatement
recovery
duction of HNO3 in large
scale [over 1,000 metric
LP weak acid
Power recovery
Platinum recovery
tons per day (m.t./d)], as
condensing
part of large fertilizer-production complexes. The
NOx gas
NOx abatement
compression
technology was launched
at the 2016 AN-NA (AmHP weak acid
monium Nitrate Nitric
condensing
Tail gas
Acid) conference (Septemexhaust
ber 1623; Eindhoven, the
Netherlands).
In the DPNA process
(diagram), ammonia is
Water
Absorption
first oxidized with air over
a platinum catalyst at
high temperature and low
Nitric acid
pressure (LP). The product of the LP oxidation is
passed through a heat exchanger to recover heat-recovery design. Tail gas exits the sysa major portion of the heat. The process gas tem at 620C, compared to the lower (490C)
is cooled and oxidized further in a LP cooler temperature of alternative DPNA processes.
condenser, where NO, NO2, O2 and water This enables more efficient recovery of heat
combine to form dilute HNO3. Some of the that is subsequently used to generate energy
reaction energy is recovered and used to re- to power up the system. As a result, the new
heat the tail gas. The LP process gas is then process offers an operating cost advantage
compressed in the NOx-gas compressor, over competing technologies of $45/ton of
and fed to high-pressure (HP) cooler con- nitric acid produced, says KBR.
denser and absorber to form product HNO3
The DPNA process also utilizes Weath(68%). Tail gas from the absorber is reheated erlys vertical reactor a compact, proven
to 1,150C and used to drive a hot-gas ex- design widely used in mono-pressure HNO3
pander to generate power for the air com- plants that requires less steel and piping
pressor and NOx-gas compressors.
than traditional plants. That means capital
Weatherlys DPNA process is said to deliver costs for Weatherly plants are 510% less
lower operating costs with its more efficient than competing designs, says KBR.
Engineering bacteria to make muconic acid
esearchers at the Agency for

Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR; Singapore;
www.a-star.edu.sg), led by
Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, have provided
another step toward replacing petrochemicals with renewable resources in
the manufacture of synthetic fibers and
plastics. The team has genetically modified Escherichia coli bacteria to produce
muconic acid from glucose. Muconic
acid is a commercially important raw
material used in pharmaceuticals, functional resins and agrochemicals, and is
8
also a precursor of adipic acid, used to

manufacture nylon.
Jonnalagadda says bacteria do not
naturally produce the required substances in significant quantities, so the
trick is to persuade these bacteria to
become mini manufacturing plants for
chemicals required by industry. The
A*STAR team inserted three genes
into E. coli to establish the metabolic
pathway that produces muconic acid.
The challenge was to cause the
bacteria to divert more glucose toward the desired products, JonnalCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
agadda says. The team had to control

the combined activity of foreign and
native genes to prevent the accumulation of metabolic intermediaries as well
as optimize the efficiency of muconic
acid production. Computer simulation
was used to study the metabolism of
the genetically engineered bacteria,
and for deciding on the required genetic changes.
The team is now looking at other
ways to improve the efficiency of muconic acid production. We are at an
early stage, says Jonnalagadda.
OCTOBER 2016
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is intrinsic to typical wafer-production

processes. In a process similar to floatglass manufacturing, the Direct Wafer
technology directly and continuously
grows wafers from molten Si, rather
than slicing the wafers from a cast ingot,
explains Frank van Mierlo, 1366 Technologies CEO.
The technology was first demonstrated using tin as a model material, and
1366 built its first full-scale furnace to produce industry-standard wafers in 2011.
The company currently operates three
wafer production lines in a pilot plant, but
is working with authorities in New York to
open a commercial-scale production facility. Si wafers produced via Direct Wafer
have been deployed in solar modules in
the U.S. and Germany, and the company
recently shipped 100,000 wafers for an
installation in Japan.
The Direct Wafer process has also
opened the door for the creation of more
efficient and complex wafers. Through
precise control of the wafer-growing
process, 1366 Technologies has recently demonstrated the ability to manipulate the wafers structure, creating
three-dimensional features on the surface. We can do something that would
never be possible with sawing, which is
make the wafer thicker at the edges,
says van Mierlo. Cracks always start at
the edges, and wafers can break during
manufacturing processes, he explains.
Traditional wafers are of a single thickness throughout, while these advanced
(Continues on p. 11)
Catalytic process converts sorted waste into

aromatic compounds
he rising cost of landfilling trash

creates a strong incentive to utilize
the waste for saleable products.
A recently piloted process is an
example: the process can convert municipal solid waste (MSW) into a narrow
range of valuable aromatic compounds.
It depends on a two-component catalyst
capable of first generating alcohols from
synthesis gas (syngas), and then converting those to aromatic hydrocarbons.
The process was first developed
by Mark White, professor emeritus at
Mississippi State University (Starkville,
Miss.; www.msstate.edu), and has
been licensed for commercialization to
Epurga LLC (Baton Rouge, La.; www.
epurga.com).
An initial gasification step converts
sorted trash or wood construction debris (or both) into syngas. After cleaning,
the syngas is fed into a high-pressure
(70 bars) reactor, where it passes over
a catalyst consisting of molybdenum
oxide (MoO3) embedded inside a zeolite material (H-ZSM-5). The MoO3 promotes conversion of syngas into alcohols, such as ethanol and propanol. The
zeolite promotes reactions converting
them into aromatic compounds, while
the pore structure restricts the molecular weight (MW) distribution to ~78160
g/mol. Major products include toluene,

xylenes and trimethyl benzene feedstocks for polystyrene, polyurethanes,
polyesters and other polymers.
In addition to providing a source of
bio-based aromatic species, the process offers lower operating costs than
Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) processes, says
Michael Harrelson, CEO of Epurga, by
overcoming some of F-Ts main limitations. By keeping the product size range
narrow, the Epurga process eliminates
the need for subsequent cracking operations to break the high-MW waxes into
lower-MW species, as in F-T.
Also, because F-T synthesis requires
H2-rich feed gas, a water-gas shift unit
operation is carried out to achieve the desired H2-to-CO ratio (most gasifiers produce equal amounts of the two gases).
In the Epurga process, MoO3 also acts
as a water-gas shift catalyst, operating in
the same temperature range as the alcohol synthesis and avoiding the need for a
separate water-gas shift step.
Epurga is building a plant to convert MSW into 200 ton/d of aromatic
products on the banks of the Mississippi River in Port of Cates Landing,
Tenn., and is looking for customers to
purchase the MSW-derived aromatics,
Harrelson says.
A Japanese consortium begins a five-year, large-scale

carbon-capture project
oshiba Corp. (www.toshiba.

co.jp), Mizuho Information &
Research Institute, Inc. (MHIR;
both Tokyo, Japan; www.
mizuho-ir.co.jp) and 11 other industrial
and academic partners have been selected to carry out a five-year project,
Demonstration of Sustainable CCS
Technology Project, sponsored by
Japans Ministry of the Environment
(Tokyo; www.env.go.jp).
Toshiba will construct a carbon
capture facility (diagram), a $120-million investment designed to capture
more than 500 ton/d of CO2 about
half of its daily emissions from the
48-MW Mikawa Power Plant, which is
operated by Toshiba subsidiary Sigma
Power Ariake Co. in Omuta, Fukuoka
prefecture. The Mikawa Power Plant
is now being retrofitted to accommodate both coal- and biomass-fired
power generation. When the dem10
Mikawa thermal power plant

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Boiler
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Fuel
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Steam
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CO2 capture demonstration plant
onstration facility is completed in

2020, it will become the worlds first
biomass-fired power plant equipped
with large-scale carbon capture, acCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
cording to Toshiba.
The consortium will evaluate the
technologys performance, cost and
environmental impacts.
OCTOBER 2016
Control biofouling with I2-vapor disinfection
patented technology for infusing

bubbles of elemental iodine into
fluid or air can reduce microbial
counts and potentially eliminate
surface biofilms. Originally developed to remove biofilms from water lines in the dental
industry, the technology is being used as a
method for preventing biofouling on heatexchanger surfaces.
Developed by I2 Air Fluid Innovation Inc.,
Huntington Station, N.Y., (www.i2airfluidinnovation.com), the technology uses compressed air to strip iodine vapor from iodinecoated resin beads. The process generates
nanoscale bubbles with elemental iodine at
the surface in a liquid layer. When the bubbles come into contact with microbes, the
I2 oxidizes amino acids in the cell wall of the
microbe, killing it.
Among the advantages of this technology over other disinfectant methods are
that it is not affected as greatly by organic
matter in the water and works in a wider
variety of water conditions, explains Michael Radicone, founder of I2 Air Fluid Innovation. University test results indicate
drastic (log 7) and rapid (less than 90 s)

microbial reductions says Radicone.
Douglas Call, a researcher at Washington State University who has tested the
I2 vapor technology, says it performs exceptionally well against free-floating and
biofilm-associated bacteria, and appears
applicable for a range of activities, including drinking water treatment and reducing
bacterial contamination in wastewater."
The technology has been licensed to
Heat Transfer Research Inc. (HTRI; Navasota, Tex.; www.htri.net) for use on heat
exchangers, and is being tested in a number of other applications involving biofouling and biofilms. The I2 infusion technology
is housed in an 18 18-in. device that
can be mounted onto a heat exchanger,
where it requires 78 g/mo of elemental iodine. A cartridge can be switched out easily when more iodine is required, Radicone
says. Using I2 Vapor Infusion can reduce
the need for biocides and reduce fluid
residues and chemical and storage costs,
while also decreasing heat-exchanger
maintenance requirements.
wafers are of targeted

thickness at only the most
vulnerable points to prevent breakage.
NEW COATING
A new spray-on, superhydrophobic
material
has been developed by
scientists from Australian
National University (ANU;
Canberra; www.anu.edu.
au), led by professor Antonio Tricoli. The material
could be used to waterproof mobile phones,
prevent ice from forming
in aircraft or protect boat
hulls against corrosion.
Up to now, applications
of highly water-repellent
surfaces have been limited by the poor mechanical and chemical stability
of the fine hierarchical textures required.
The ANU scientists have
created the new coating
by combining two poly(Continues on p. 12)
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mers, polyurethane and

PMMA poly(methyl
methacrylate) like
two interwoven fishing
nets made of different
materials. The key innovation is that this
transparent coating is
able to stabilize very
fragile nanomaterials resulting in ultra-durable
nanotextures with numerous real-world applications, Tricoli says.
The coating exhibits great resistance to
abrasion,
maintaining superhydrophobic
water contact angles
and a self-cleaning effect with sliding angles
below 10 deg for up to
120 continuous abrasion cycles. It also has
excellent chemical and
photo stability. According to Tricoli, several
companies have already
expressed interest in the
new material.
This coating makes glass into a solar panel
layered coating that acts as an organic semiconductor material allows

building windows to generate electricity from direct, indirect, shaded,
diffused and reflected sunlight, as well as from
artificial light. Developer SolarWindow Technologies Inc. (Columbia, Md.; www.solarwindow.com) has designed and developed the
system for ease-of-manufacturing, says John
Conklin, CEO of SolarWindow. Our organic
semiconductor material can be adapted for
application with many types of existing coating technologies, including spraying, rolling,
and other application processes, he explains.
The SolarWindow coating consists of an
organic polymer layer that contains lightharvesting organic molecules, along with elements of other species, sandwiched between
electrically conducting layers. As each layer is
coated onto the glass surface, it undergoes a
curing step at ambient conditions. When finished, light can be absorbed by the organic
coating, while the conducting layers govern
a one-way flow of electrons using a proprietary Intra-Connection System that creates
a discreet pattern of microscopic channels.
These channels allow for the efficient transport of electricity within SolarWindow toward
the surface of the glass. From there, the companys invisible wire technology uses microscopic conductors to convey electrons from
the surface of the window to the wiring system of a building.
The organic layer can be tuned for color,
says Conklin, so that the coating remains
transparent to light in the visible wavelength
range, while harvesting other wavelengths
of light necessary to generating electricity,
he says.
Tall urban buildings have a small amount
of roof space for conventional solar panels,
but possess a large area of vertical real estate that can be used to generate electricity,
Conklin points out. We are looking to offset
3050% of a skyscrapers energy demand
with this technology, he adds, and our
modeled time to payback for the investment
falls within one year.
The company is currently in a product development phase, and hopes to begin commercial-scale production of coated glass for
n
windows by the end of 2017.
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14
Plant Watch
BASF expands global production
capacity of Ultrason polyarylsulfone
September 8, 2016 BASF SE (Ludwigshafen,
Germany; www.basf.com) will set up an additional
production line for Ultrason polyarylsulfone
at its site in Yeosu, Korea. The new line will
start up at the end of 2017, adding production
capacity of 6,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr)
and bringing BASFs total capacity of Ultrason
to 24,000 m.t./yr.
Solvay starts up hydrogen
peroxide plant in China
September 6, 2016 Solvay S.A. (Brussels,
Belgium; www.solvay.com) has started
hydrogen peroxide production at its new plant
in Zhenjiang, China. This plant has a capacity
of 60,000 m.t./yr. The plant is the first in China
to use Solvays peroxide technology.
is expected to be operational by the end of

2016. The plant will have capacity to produce
330,000 m.t./yr of ammonium nitrate.
Prayon to license phosphoric-acid
technology for two new plants in Egypt
August 22, 2016 Prayon Group (Engis,
Belgium; www.prayon.com) will provide licenses
and technical guidance for two new phosphoric
acid plants to be built in Egypt as part of the
NCIC Ain Sokhna Fertilizer Complex. The
plants are expected to reach completion in
2018, and each plant will have a capacity of
600 m.t./d of phosphoric acid.
BASF opens construction

chemicals plant in Sri Lanka
August 22, 2016 BASF has opened its
first production plant in Sri Lanka, which
will produce standard and custom-made
performance-based construction chemicals,
including concrete admixtures products. The
Arkema to expand specialty
production plant is strategically located in the
polyamides production in China
September 6, 2016 Arkema (Colombes, Lindel Estate at Sapugaskande, Sri Lanka,
France; www.arkema.com) will expand specialty just outside Colombo.
polyamides production at its Zhangjiagang
site in China by increasing its compounding Mergers & Acquisitions
capacities. In 2017, the company will bring Air Liquide finalizes divestiture of select
onstream two production lines to manufacture U.S. assets to Matheson Tri-Gas
September 8, 2016 Air Liquide (Paris, France;
polyamide 11 in addition to polyamide 10.
www.airliquide.com) has divested certain U.S.
assets to Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc. (Basking
Sadara starts up Saudi Arabias
Ridge, N.J.; www.mathesongas.com). The
first mixed-feed cracker
August 29, 2016 Sadara Chemical Co. transaction, valued at $781 million, includes
(Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; www.sadara.com) the sale of eighteen air separation units; two
announced the startup of its mixed-feed cracker nitrous-oxide production facilities; and four
(MFC), the only one of its kind in Saudi Arabia. liquid carbon-dioxide production facilities,
The MFC is made up of 12 furnaces; of these, including two dry-ice production facilities.
seven will be used to crack ethane (gas), while
the remaining five will be used to crack naphtha Sabic to divest Polymershapes
(liquid). Three of the five liquid furnaces are business to U.S. investment firm
designed so that they can switch between September 8, 2016 Sabic (Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia; www.sabic.com) has entered into
gas and liquid feedstock.
a share-purchase agreement to divest its
Polymershapes distribution business to
AkzoNobel breaks ground on powder
Blackfriars Corp., a privately held investment
coatings plant in Mumbai
August 29, 2016 Akzo Nobel N.V. (Amsterdam, company in the U.S. The transaction remains
the Netherlands; www.akzonobel.com) has subject to customary closing conditions and
started construction on its new 9-million is expected to be completed during the fourth
powder coatings plant in Mumbai, India, which quarter of 2016.
is slated for startup in late 2017. The new facility
will complement AkzoNobels existing plant Tesoro to acquire renewable
fuels producer Virent
in Bangalore.
September 7, 2016 Tesoro Corp. (San
Antonio, Tex.; www.tsocorp.com) has agreed to
Yara opens worlds first
acquire renewable fuels and chemicals company
modular ammonium nitrate plant
August 26, 2016 Yara International ASA Virent, Inc. (Madison, Wis.; www.virent.com).
(Oslo, Norway; www.yara.com) has officially Tesoro will operate Virent as a wholly owned
opened the worlds first modular ammonium subsidiary. Included in the acquisition are
nitrate plant. The plant is located in Western existing collaboration agreements, licenses,
Australia, northeast of Perth. The plant is intellectual property portfolio and pilot and
currently in the commissioning phase, and demonstration facilities.
OCTOBER 2016
Zachry acquires Clean Harbors

Catalyst Services business
September 6, 2016 Zachry Group (San Antonio, Tex.;
www.zachrygroup.com) has acquired Catalyst Services
from Clean Harbors (Norwell, Mass.; www.cleanharbors.
com). Catalyst Services is an international specialist in
catalyst change-out services.
Chemours finalizes sale of
Clean and Disinfect business to Lanxess
September 1, 2016 The Chemours Co. (Wilmington, Del.;
www.chemours.com) has completed the sale of its Clean
and Disinfect business to Lanxess AG (Cologne, Germany;
www.lanxess.com) for approximately $230 million. The
Clean and Disinfect business includes a set of oxidationchemistry businesses with a portfolio organized into three
primary categories: disinfectants, Oxone and chlorine dioxide.
Jacobs acquires sulfuric acid
converter technology from Bayer
August 31, 2016 Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (Pasadena,
Calif.; www.jacobs.com) has acquired the patent rights for
Bayqik quasi-isothermal sulfuric acid converter technology
from Bayer AG (Leverkusen, Germany; www.bayer.com).
Bayqik technology enables more efficient conversion of
process gas with high SO2 concentrations.
Albemarle to acquire lithium hydroxide
and lithium carbonate assets in China
August 23, 2016 Albemarle Corp. (Baton Rouge, La.;
www.albemarle.com) will acquire the lithium-hydroxide
and lithium-carbonate conversion assets and supporting
business functions currently operated by Jiangxi Jiangli New
Materials Science and Technology Co. The transaction is
expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2017.
Showa Denko and JX Nippon buy
LyondellBasells stake in PP JV
August 23, 2016 Showa Denko K.K. (Tokyo, Japan; www.
sdk.co.jp) and JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corp. have agreed
to purchase LyondellBasells (Rotterdam, the Netherlands;
www.lyondellbasell.com) 50% stake in SunAllomer Ltd.,
a joint venture (JV) company among the three parties
focused on polypropylene (PP) materials.
Teijin to acquire DuPonts stake
in Asian polyester-film JVs
August 22, 2016 Teijin Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan; www.
teijin.com) will acquire the interests owned by DuPont
(Wilmington, Del.; www.dupont.com) in the companies
film-business JVs in Japan and Indonesia. The ventures
Teijin DuPont Films Japan Ltd. and P.T.Indonesia Teijin
Dupont Films were formed in 2000 when Teijin and DuPont
integrated their polyester film businesses.
Emerson to acquire Pentairs
Valves & Controls business for $3.15 billion
August 19, 2016 Emerson (St. Louis, Mo.; www.
emerson.com) has signed an agreement to purchase the
Valves & Controls business of Pentair plc (Manchester,
U.K.; www.pentair.com) for $3.15 billion. The acquisition
is expected to close in the next six months, subject to
regulatory approvals.
Mary Page Bailey
OCTOBER 2016
15
Newsfront
Ethics Survey Results:

Your Responses
Responses from 2015 CE ethics survey range from hopeful to cynical, and both similarities and
differences emerge when compared to earlier surveys
IN BRIEF
GENERAL QUESTIONS
RESULTS
ETHICS-RELATED
SCENARIOS
IN READERS OWN
WORDS
n October 2015, Chemical Engineering conducted a survey among chemical process industries (CPI) professionals about workplace ethics and ethical
culture (Chem. Eng., October 2015, pp.
5055). The survey asked a series of general questions about ethics culture in the
CPI workplace and presented a number of
hypothetical situations in chemical manufacturing in which ethics would play a role.
This followup article reports results from that
survey. In some cases, the questions and
ethics scenarios repeated those found in
earlier ethics surveys (see Chem. Eng., April
2007, pp. 5053 and Chem. Eng., October
2007, pp. 6067). Thank you to those who
provided responses and input for the survey.
General questions results

In response to the question In the past 610
years, have people become more ethical,
less ethical or remained the same?, 46%
of the almost 700 respondents said people
have become less ethical than in the past,
while 15% said more ethical (38.4% said
people have remained the same). When the
same question was asked in 2007, a smaller
portion (42.8%) of respondents said people
were less ethical, and a larger share said
more ethical (21%). In 1980, the total was
41% of respondents saying people were less
ethical, and 16.6% saying more ethical.
When questioned about whether they had
done something that would be considered
unethical, 91% of survey respondents said
no, compared to 87.5% in 2007. However,
for the question of whether respondents
knew anyone at their company who had
done something unethical, only 60.6% said
no (39.4% reported yes) in the 2015 sur16
vey. In the 2007 survey, it was 63.7% saying

no (36.3% yes).
The following are additional results from
the general questions:
CE readers were also asked whether
they felt punished in some way for making
an ethically sound, but unpopular, decision.
In 2015, 34.4% said yes, compared to
29.7% in the 2007 survey.
Question no. 6 in the survey asked how
respondents would rate various groups
within their workplace, including upper-level
managers, technical staff, human resources
and administrative staff. The results indicate
that respondents felt upper management at
their workplace had average ethics, while
technical staff was generally rated as having
above average ethics.
Question no. 7 asked respondents to say
how much they agreed or disagreed with
the statement Ethical decision-making is
always good for business. Over 68% of
respondents chose Strongly agree, and
20% chose Somewhat agree. Somewhat
disagree came in at only 3.7%, and strongly
disagree was 0.6%. The 2007 results for the
same question were the following: 57.8%
strongly agree; 29.3% agree; 6.8% neutral;
4.8% disagree; 1.3%.
Question no. 8 inquired about to what
extent respondents agreed with the statement Social responsibility and ethics are
symbiotically related. The results for 2015
were the following: Strongly agree = 55.9%;
somewhat agree = 27.2%; neither agree nor
disagree = 10.5%; somewhat disagree =
3.7%; strongly disagree = 2.6%. For 2007,
the results were: 66.1% strongly agree;
24.3 agree; 6.5 neutral; 1% disagree; 2.1%
strongly agree.
OCTOBER 2016
TABLE 1. SURVEY RESULTS SUMMARY

Case / question
Case 1 (Just a pinch of poison)
1980 data
61% said response 1 (report findings, but recommend additive not
be used); 20% said other
54.2% said response 1 (inform government authorities, even though no
harm resulted)
not available
Case 2 (To err is human)
Case 3 (The missing gasket)

Case 4 (Insider information)
2007 data
77% responded with answer 1
2015 data
91% responded with answer 1
65.2% said answer 1
77% said answer 1
69.4% said response #2 (order new gasket and

postpone tests); 18.4% said other
47.4% said response 2
15% said response 4 (anonymously inform OSHA
about the knowledge revealed regarding the surprise inspection)
83% said response 2
41% less ethical

37% same
16.6% more ethical
not available
42.8% less ethical

36% same
21% more ethical
87.5% said no
12.5% said yes
46% less ethical

38.4% same
15% more ethical
91% said no
8% said yes
not available
63.7% said no
36.3% said yes
60.6% said no
39.4% said yes
not available
70.3% said no
29.7 said yes
65.6% said no
34.4% said yes
not available
64.9% said no
35.1% said yes
72.3% said no
27.7% said yes
51.2% said response 2 (dont say

anything, so consequences of
inspection lead to changes in plant
safety practices)
General questions
Q1 (In the last 610 years, do you
think people have generally become
more or less ethical?)
Q2 (Have you ever done something
unethical at work that could, or did,
have a harmful effect?)
Q3 (Do you know of anyone at your
company that has done something
you consider unethical?)
Q4 (Have you ever felt punished for
making an ethical, but unpopular,
decision in your workplace?)
Q5 (Do pressures at work ever cause
you to seriously think of doing something ethically wrong?)
Ethics-related scenarios
The 2015 CE ethics survey also
presented readers with several ethically charged situations and inquired
about how they would react in such
instances (see Table 1). The first four
of the scenarios were repeated from
the earlier CE surveys, and results
are compared to those from previous
years. The second set of four situations were new to last years survey.
Case 1. A Pinch of Poison (A serendipitous discovery indicates that a
minute amount of tin and lead salts,
recognized poisons, can stabilize
a product and increase profits). A
wide majority of respondents (91%
in 2015) said that they would report
the findings on the potential profits,
but recommend that the additive not
be used at all, despite the fact that
the levels are as low as what might
be expected to leach out of soldered
seams of cans.
Case 2. To Err is Human (Cyanidecontaining water is dumped illegally
into the sewer system, but no apparent harm results). The most common
course of action chosen in the 2015
was to follow the law and report the
incident to authorities (77%) and risk
fines and discipline, even though no
harm resulted. The total choosing
this option was higher than what was
reported in previous surveys.
Case 3. Missing Gasket (An operator must decide whether or not to

go against policy to reuse a critical
gasket in order to meet a test deadline). In this case, 83% of respondents said they would elect to postpone the pilot test until a new gasket
can be obtained, although doing
so would jeopardize the companys
chances of winning a bid.
Case 4. Insider Information (An
engineer learns of an impending surprise OSHA inspection in a confidential conversation). The most common
response (54.5%) for this case was to
keep the information private, and potentially subject the company to several changes in safety practice, rather
than warn the plants safety manager
of the surprise safety inspection.
Case 5. Vendor Incentives (from
Michael Pritchard at the Center for
the Study of Ethics in Society at the
Western Michigan University. The
case involves an engineer in a situation in which they could help the relative of a vendor he knows and get a
cheap place to stay for his vacation,
but would violate company policy
about accepting incentives). The
responses were the following: 63%
said they would discuss the situation
with company management and let
them decide; 31.2% said they would
cancel their vacation plans to avoid
OCTOBER 2016
54.5% said response 2;

18% said response 4
accepting the incentive; 5.8% said

they would go through with the vacation plans anyway.
Case 6. Internal Dissent (from Michael Pritchard; The scenario involves an engineer who is faced with
the choice of following the orders of
a superior, even though it would require falsifying a report). A high number of respondents (89%) said they
would refuse to write the report on
the grounds that it would be falsification, going against the bosss orders.
Eleven percent said they would write
the report as their superior asked.
Case 7. Getting Acquainted (from
Michael Pritchard; This case involves
a valve for a caustic tank that was
mistakenly left open, resulting in the
loss of caustic. Would you assign
blame to a childhood friend who
works under you, or acknowledge
responsibility yourself?). In this question, 87.5% of respondents said they
would acknowledge responsibility to
their supervisor for leaving the valve
open, while only 12.4% said they
would identify their friend as the one
who left the valve open.
Case 8. Chemical Waste Handling
(from Michael Pritchard; The case involves a choice about moving leaking drums to prevent environmental
problems despite a law prohibiting
transport of chemical waste). Most
17
respondents (69.3%) said they

would tell the waste manager that
they would inform superiors of the illegal act despite its potential to avoid
environmental problems. Over 25%
said they would recommend that the
waste manager not move the drums,
but allow him to go through with the
plan. Four and a half percent said
they would allow the waste manager
to to go ahead with his plan, but not
help. Only 1% of respondents said
they would help the waste manager
carry out his plan to move the drums
illegally and potentially avoid any environmental problems.
In readers own words

As part of the 2015 CE ethics survey,
respondents were invited to offer
open-ended, freeform comments
on the current ethical culture within
their industry sector. The following is
a sample of the reader comments.
On the general ethics culture . . .
I believe that ethics are being gradually redefined to accommodate
popular practices. I fear that societal
impacts may be significant.
Ethics can be a subjective issue.
It needs to come from within and
can not be enforced on people.
The desire for some to get ahead
or look good causes them to act
unethically and then defend it by explaining that everyone else does it.
[Ethics] has too low a profile and
visibility in the workplace.
As a society, we have divorced
ourselves from any metric or standard of correctness. To fill the vacuum . . . folks have begun building
their own, with varied degrees of
success or ridiculousness . . . and
[have] spawned two generations of
people who dont recognize, or cater
to, any standard at all.
Ethics is seldom brought up in this
industry. The focus tends to fall on
safety and environment, with ethics
often being overlooked or ignored.
Political interference is normally
the cause of most unethical decisions/acts. Our leaders have to seriously get over this problem.
I believe that the vast majority of
people try to live and work with high
ethics. Unfortunately, ethical lapses
receive lots of press, which probably
makes the situation appear worse
18
than it really is. With the high pressures to perform economically, it is

easier to fall into unethical decisions.
We may each have our own interpretation of ethics and social responsibility, which complicates matters.
I think the most of the young generations learn less and less about
ethics in their careers. Universities do
not pay enough attention to the ethics in their curricula.
On the influence of money on ethics . . . Economics drives all the decisions in my company. My company
lobbies regulators for regulations that
minimizes the impact on them at the
cost of negative impacts on the safety
of workers, harm to the environment
and the potential health or environmental impact to the surrounding
communities. This is done even if
there is evidence that more strict
regulations are needed to minimize
the impact on human health and the
environment. In my experience, as
long as we remain legally compliant,
our company could care less about
how they are impacting others. They
use compliance with the law to tout
their commitment to worker safety,
social responsibility and their desire
to protect the environment.
With the current state of the economy, it is easy for some people to look
at short-term profits and put ethics
on the side. We should always look at
the long term instead and make the
correct and ethical decision now.
More ethics equals less money.
Pressure from Wall Street for an
organization to make money, almost
at any cost, is significantly contributing to this unethical behavior.
The present focus on cost is creating an environment that may impair ethical and social behaviors.
Money and the bottom line
drives business nowadays, not ethics or social responsibility.
Profit and business drives most
decisions, and ethical dilemmas crop
up as a result of cost-saving initiatives resulting in poor decisions being
made by management not equipped
to make these decisions. This results
in accidents, added health and safety
risk and bad morale.
Tough times make it more difficult
for people to do the right thing.
Money drives most unethical deCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
cisions. Just look at the current VW

diesel emissions scandal.
On ethics and business culture . . .
There are so many pressures in todays business climate that I feel that
management and companies today
do what they can to survive, but this
unfortunately results in some lessthan-ethical decisions at times.
Don't get caught appears, unfortunately, to continue to be the ethical theme of American business.
The chemical industry is generally
more ethical than financial, entertainment, transportation/automotive
businesses and far more ethical than
any branch of government.
Business culture is very much
amoral, by policy and by nature, with
only the goodness of most individuals within organizations sustaining
ethical standards.
Ethical culture in an industry is intimately linked to the ethical culture
of society. Honest industrial leaders
are left on the sidelines by unethical
upstarts who form nexus with politicians. In other cases, pressures for
performance result in unethical practices, which can result in consequences for companies. Hence, the
only way to enforce ethical practices
is strong audits and severe punishments, and an ethical political environment is this utopia?
Company leaders should do exactly that: lead by example by doing
what is right and ethical, even if it
means losing business. Unfortunately many of our government and
senior officials dont see things the
same way. This leads to an overall
degeneration in society and ethical
behavior by seemingly condoning
non-ethical and corrupt practices.
If you have to have ethics training
for your employees, you are hiring
the wrong people.
Management talks the talk, but
does not always walk the walk on
ethics. Corporate politics and power
gamesmanship trumps the message
on how important ethical behavior is
to the company.
There is a conflict of interest between social and environmental ethics and big business, since large
competitive companies motto is
profits, no matter what. n
Scott Jenkins
OCTOBER 2016
Are You into Modeling?

Become the Ultimate Engineer.
Super Model.
Successful businesses need a super model.

Innovative, accurate and intuitive process
design software.
For more information and to download a

free trial ofHoneywells UniSim Design, visit
www.hwll.co/SuperModel
2016 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.
Newsfront
Chemical Safety:
A Challenging Road Ahead
Passage of the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act has created a long and challenging road ahead
for U.S. EPA rulemaking
IN BRIEF
STAKEHOLDER INPUT
EPA ACTION
INITIAL RISK
ASSESSMENTS
TSCA WORK PLAN
CHEMICALS
20
n June 22, 2016, the Frank R.

Lautenberg Chemical Safety for
the 21st Century Act (LCSA) was
signed into law with great fanfare
as the successor to, and replacement for,
the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA),
which had not been updated since 1976.
Among other provisions, the new law establishes a mandatory requirement for the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA;
Washington, D.C.; www.epa.gov) to evaluate the safety risks associated with existing
chemicals, creates a risk-based standard for
determining whether the use of a chemical
poses an unreasonable risk and lays the
groundwork for a consistent source of funding for EPA to carry out its responsibilities
under the law.
Although the law has enjoyed widespread
support from many stakeholders, the details of how the law will be implemented are
presenting a host of challenges, both philosophical and logistical, for the EPA and for
industry. Among these challenges are how
to conduct chemical safety evaluations, how
to prioritize the chemicals up for review, and
what fees will be assessed to chemical manufacturers. Developments over the last few
months have moved toward resolving some

of the questions, but a long and challenging
road remains ahead.
EPA has a big job in front of it, says Steve
Owens, a principal with the law firm Squire
Patton Boggs (Phoenix, Ariz.; www.squirepattonboggs.com), and a former EPA assistant administrator, but virtually all of the
stakeholders have been supportive so far,
and [EPA] has handled it well to this point.
So far, everybody has been on their best
behavior with the rollout of this law, but it is
still early in the process, and there could be
a lot of friction in the rulemaking process,
Owens says. There are four major rulemakings that need to be accomplished in one
year, and that is very difficult to do, even
under ideal circumstances, he explains.
Lawsuits, Congressional action, or other unforeseen developments related to an election-year transition to a new administration
could hinder the effort.
Stakeholder input
In an environment of stubborn partisan opposition, the LCSA was a rare piece of legislation that enjoyed widespread support
from both U.S. political parties, as well as
from industry groups. The American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.
americanchemistry.com), an industry organization that supports the law, says Thanks
to the LSCA, Americas manufacturers will
have the regulatory certainty they need to
innovate, grow, create jobs and win in the
global marketplace at the same time that
public health and the environment benefit
from strong risk-based protections.
Chemical producers are on board. Mark
Silvey, senior manager for corporate and
government affairs at PPG (Pittsburgh, Pa.;
www.ppg.com) says passage of the [LCSA]
. . . has secured a much-needed overhaul of
our nation's chemical laws. The modernized
chemical safety law puts the protection of
OCTOBER 2016
human and environmental health and

safety first, while also enabling America to retain its place as the world's
leading innovator, he adds.
Environmental groups have also
been generally supportive of the
laws intent to strengthen EPAs authority to evaluate chemicals on a
safety basis, and improving the existing TSCA law, which many have
viewed as weak. However, some
groups, including the public health
advocacy organization Environmental Working Group (EWG; Washington, D.C.; www.ewg.org), think the
law doesnt go far enough.
While it acknowledges that the law
makes significant improvements over
the previous TSCA law, the EWG argues that the law does not provide
EPA with the resources or clear legal
authority to quickly review and, if
needed, ban dangerous chemicals
linked to cancer and other serious
health problems.
Whether or not the law succeeds in
its intent will be determined largely by
how the rules and regulations associ-
ated with the law are developed, and

the process of collecting stakeholder
input for those rules is well underway.
ACC says it wants to ensure that the
rules developed under the LCSA are
written in a way that encourages
effective and efficient implementation of the nations updated national
chemical regulatory system.
The EWG calls the rulemaking
process for the LCSA an unprecedented opportunity to perform
robust risk evaluations and promulgate strong regulations to protect
all Americans from the most toxic
chemicals in our society.
EPA action
Immediately after the June passage, the EPA issued its First Year
Implementation Plan for the LCSA.
EPA says it intends the plan to be a
roadmap of major activities EPA will
focus on during the initial year of implementation, but stressed that the
plan would be a living document
that is subject to further development over time.
In an effort to engage stakeholders

early in the rulemaking process, EPA
held a series of stakeholder meetings in Washington in August. One
of the meetings dealt with determining which chemicals EPA would get
initial risk evaluations by the agency.
Another meeting focused on the
agencys general process and criteria
for identifying high-priority chemicals
for risk evaluation and how to prioritize other chemicals in the future.
ACC says A draft prioritization
rule must: clearly define the criteria
for designating high and low priority chemicals based on hazard and
exposure potential, conditions of
use and other factors; provide timeframes for EPA to complete its work
and for manufacturers to provide
information to the Agency; outline
a prioritization methodology that allows for the incorporation of new exposure tools and methods over time;
and, include ample opportunities for
stakeholders to provide comments
and information to the Agency.
The third stakeholder meeting had
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VOL.
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FEBRUA
40
Written for engineers, by engineers

More and more, business in the Chemical Process Industries
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To subscribe or learn more about membership, please visit
www.chemengonline.com/subscribe
22
OCTOBER 2016
TCSA WORK PLAN CHEMICALS

Acetaldehyde
Acrylonitrile
tert-Amyl methyl ether
Pigment Violet 29
Antimony and antimony compounds
Arsenic and Arsenic compounds
Asbestos and asbestos-like fibers
Barium carbonate
Benzenamine
Benzene
Bisphenol-A
1-Bromopropane
1,3-Butadiene
Pigment yellow 83
Pigment yellow 65
4-sec-Butyl-2,6-di-tert-butylphenol
Cadmium and cadmium compounds
Carbon tetrachloride
Chromium and chromium compounds
Cobalt and cobalt compounds
Creosotes
Cyanide compounds (dissociable)
Decabromodiphenyl ethers
Dibutyl phthalate
o- and p-Dichlorobenzene
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine
3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine dihydrochloride
1,1- 1,2- and trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
1,2-Dichloropropane
Dicyclohexyl phthalate
Di-ethylhexyl phthalate
Di-isobutyl phthalate
Di-isodecyl phthalate
Di-isononyl phthalate
1,2-Dimethoxyethane
2-Dimethylaminoethanol
di-n-Octyl phthalate
1,4-Dioxane
Ethanone,
1-(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro2,3,5,5-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)
Ethylbenzene
Ethylene dibromide
bis(2-Ethylhexyl) adipate
2-Ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate
bis(2-Ethylhexyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrabromophthalate
Formaldehyde
2,5-Furandione
Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)
Hexachlorobutadiene
1-Hexadecanol
1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta []-2-benzopyran (HHCB)
2-Hydroxy-4-(octyloxy) benzophenone
Lead and lead compounds
Long-chain chlorinated paraffins (C1820)
Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (C14
C17)
Methylene chloride
4,4'-Methylene bis(2-chloroaniline)
4,4'-(1-Methylethylidene)bis[2,6-dibromophenol] (TBBPA)
N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)
Molybdenum and Mb compounds
Naphthalene
Pigment red 52
Nickel and Ni compounds
N-Nitroso-diphenylamine
Nonylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates
(NP/NPEs)
Octamethylcyclotetra-siloxane (D4)
4-tert-Octylphenol(4-(1,1,3,3tetramethylbutyl)-phenol)
p,p'-Oxybis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide)
p,p'-Oxybis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide)
Phosphoric acid triphenyl ester (TPP)
Phthalic anhydride
Styrene
Tetrachloroethylene
Tribromoethane
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Trichloroethylene
Triglycidyl isocyanurate
Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate
2,4,6-Tris(-tert-butyl)phenol
Vinyl chloride
m-, p-, and o-Xylene
to do with the collection of fees to

help defray the cost of implementing provisions of the law and fees for
the costs of industry-requested risk
evaluations. EPA acknowledges the
importance of completing a rule on
fees in a timely manner.
Public comment periods for those
three topics closed in late August,
and many groups did submit comments. The agency is now reviewing
those comments in preparation for
its draft rules in those three areas.
for Chemical Assessments, a list of

90 chemicals known to pose health
risks and that the agency intends
to consider for a risk assessment.
The list was generated by considering factors that include a chemicals
potential for reproductive or developmental effects, possible neurotoxic or carcinogenic effects, and
its ability to persist, bioaccumulate
and be toxic.
The TSCA Work Plan list includes
a wide range of chemical types, including compounds of heavy metals, such as cadmium, nickel and
arsenic, as well as solvents, such
as benzene, toluene and xylenes
and common monomers, such as
vinyl chloride and styrene (see box).
The work plan list of 90 chemicals
includes four for which EPA has
completed risk assessments under
the previous legislation: antimony
trioxide (a synergist for halogenated
flame retardants), trichloroethylene, dichloromethane and HHCB
(1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8,hexamethylcyclopenta[]-2benzopyran; a fragrance ingredient).
For those four, previously governed
under Section 6 of the TSCA law,
EPA plans to publish rules on limiting those chemicals. EPA also has
about eight additional chemicals in
ongoing safety risk assessments.
Outside organizations have also
weighed in on where the agency
should start. For example, in July,
the EWG published what it feels are
the ten highest-priority chemicals for
safety risk assessments. The list includes asbestos, bisphenol-A (along
with its brominated form), phthalates, two classes of flame retardants
(chlorinated phosphate flame retardants and brominated flame retardants), tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene), bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate
(DEHA), and p-dichlorobenzene. n
Scott Jenkins
Initial risk assessments

One of the major decisions for the
EPA will involve which chemicals
will be the subject of the first safety
evaluations under the LCSA. As
part of its implementation plan for
LCSA, EPA will publish a list of ten
chemicals on which it will conduct
risk assessments, and formally initiate those studies. The list of the first
ten chemicals, which EPA plans to
reveal by mid-December, may be influenced by stakeholder comment,
but will be drawn from a larger list
established before the passage of
LCSA. In 2014, EPA published a
2014 update to its TSCA Workplan
OCTOBER 2016
References
1. EPA, TSCA updated workplan 2014. www.epa.gov/
sites/production/files/2015-01/documents/tsca_work_
plan_chemicals_2014_update-final.pdf
2. EPA, Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act First-Year
Implementation Plan, www.epa.gov/assessing-andmanaging-chemicals-under-tsca/frank-r-lautenbergchemical-safety-21st-century-act-2
3. Walker, B. and Benesh, M., 10 Chemicals EPA
Should Act on Now, Environmental Working Group, July
2016, www.ewg.org/research/under-new-safety-law20-toxic-chemicals-epa-should-act-now
23
Newsfront
Modeling and Simulation

Go Beyond Design
More intuitive software allows new users to address optimization and complex tasks
Honeywell Process Solutions
IN BRIEF
SIMPLIFIED SOFTWARE
EXPERIMENTING WITH
PARAMETERS
MORE COMPLEX
CAPABILITIES
ON THE FOREFRONT
24
odeling and simulation software is finding

more use in chemical
processing facilities
because software vendors are
making it easier to use and, therefore, more accessible to a wider
range of personnel, while also
adding more complex capabilities
for more detailed and specialized
applications. As a result, the latest
modeling and simulation packages are being employed not only
for process design and detailed
engineering projects, but also for
modeling and simulating the plant FIGURE 1. Honeywell Process Solutions first-principles modeling platform is
lifecycle, from design through op- offered under the UniSim brand and is used in UniSim Design Suite and UniSim Competency Suite
erations, as well as optimization,
making modeling and simulation tools easier
de-bottlenecking and revamping tasks.
What were seeing is the need for the to use. It benefits the organization if many
chemical engineering, engineering and disciplines and employees have some level
chemistry disciplines to work together in of simulation skill so they can use the softorder for the facility to be at its most cost ef- ware to solve smaller-scale, day-to-day isfective. Barriers are coming down, so sharing sues that can come up, says Steve Brown,
of data and information must be improved, executive vice president and chief operating
while at the same time, the economic model officer with Chemstations (Houston; www.
must be considered, because in this down- chemstations.com). For example, someturned market, theres no room for waste, times you just need to know the dewpoint of
says Michael Doyle, director and principal a mixture so that you dont drop below it in
scientist with Dassault Systemes Biovia (San a line in the plant, he says. Simulators are
Diego, Calif.; www.3ds.com). So regarding great for this type of calculation because they
modeling and simulation software, theres a have a database of properties, mixture rules
need to have a model that goes all the way and phase-equilibrium calculation methods,
down to understand the chemistry and then so rather than doing a back-of-envelope
all way up to understand the business eco- calculation, someone who is not a simulanomics, because they are co-dependent. If tion guru can do this quickly and easily using
you have the wrong chemistry in the begin- the software the company already owns. Its
ning or are running the plant in a non-optimal what we call democratization of simulation.
To aid in this effort, solution providers, such
way and it results in inefficiencies, wasted
materials or low-quality product, that affects as Chemstations, are making the packages
the economics of the plant. Todays model- as easy to use as possible. Brown says the
ing and simulation software packages have latest release of Chemstations Chemcad 7
includes an overhaul of the graphical interto be able to manage all that.
face that allows it to be as user-friendly and
Simplified software
intuitive as possible, while also making sure it
One of the ways software providers are help- has a similar feel to, and the ability to connect
ing processors achieve these goals is by with, the other tools chemical processors are
OCTOBER 2016
Honeywell Process Solutions
FIGURE 2. The improvements and advancements in modeling and simulation software tend to focus on
improving the user experience, in terms of accuracy and performance
already using. It was a major driving

force to do a large-scale overhaul of
our interface, using more modern libraries and paying close attention to
what todays chemical processing

computing landscape looks like.
Other simulation vendors, such
as Honeywell Process Solutions
OCTOBER 2016
(Houston; www.honeywellprocess.
com), the provider of UniSim (Figure 1), are including features that
make the software easier to use
by more members of the facility, including tools to disassemble large
simulation models into smaller
parts so that they can be worked
on and studied independently while
being easily reassembled back to
a large, integrated model; tools to
import data in various formats directly into the simulation model environment; user alerts to highlight
when equipment size is incorrect
and when operating conditions
are non-normal, says John Roffel,
product director, simulation and
competency with Honeywell. Other
features include visualization capabilities to enhance user experience,
such as a graphical depiction of
pump curves and operating performance, he says (Figure 2).
The development of the application
(app) culture is also having a significant impact on simplifying modeling
and simulation, says Mark Matzopou-
25
Dassault Systemes Biovia
los, marketing director with Process

Systems Enterprise (PSE; London,
England; www.psenterprise.com).
The mobile technology world is finally filtering through to the process
industry, with end users being provided with capabilities to easily generate apps that hide the complexity
of the underlying model from users.
Often, the latter are non-modeling
users operators, operations and
planning, purchasing and R&D personnel who simply need to perform a specific calculation without
worrying about the underlying physics and chemistry.
As a result, he says, PSE is working with major customers to roll
out an app capability that will allow
them to generate an app from any
of gPROMs (the companys modeling and simulation product) model
large or small, simple or complex
for distribution to selected users
within the organization.
And, simulation provider Comsol
(Boston, Mass.; www.comsol.com),
also offers support for custom app
development in the latest version of
its LiveLink for Solidworks software
geometry. The latest release of Comsol Multiphysics provides simulation
experts with capabilities for building
custom simulation applications. The
software integrates highly productive
model building, app design and the
deployment tools that allow simulation apps to be easily run by users
anywhere. About 50 new app examples are included in the Application
Libraries, including membrane dialysis, water treatment, thermoelectric
cooling, heat exchangers, pressure
vessels and more.
The offering of apps means that
chemical engineers who want to
make a change to optimize production can use these simple apps to
look at what happens if they change
this parameter or that one, explains
Ed Fontes, chief technology officer
with Comsol. The value comes in
having the tool accessible to perform
quick calculations, check the status,
look at and share the results of potential changes.
He continues: Whether you are
using process simulation software
that can model the whole plant or
packages that are more detailed for
26
FIGURE 3. Materials Studio is a complete modeling and simulation environment designed to allow researchers in materials science and chemistry to predict and understand the relationships of a materials
atomic and molecular structure with its properties and behavior
the design of a specific process or

process step in the plant, having an
app with a very simple user interface
allows more people to study, understand and optimize the process.
Experimenting with parameters

The ability to easily model and
simulate is essential for quickly optimizing a plant or process when parameters must change, says Comsols Fontes. In many continuous
processes, manufactures have to
change production parameters according to raw material prices, utility
cost or increases and decreases in
production yield. Simplified modeling and simulation tools can be
used for that.
Biovias Doyle agrees that easierto-use, integrated modeling and
simulation software allows processors to experiment with changing
parameters and find and implement
the most efficient scenario before
making actual changes. For example, in the [petroleum] refining industry, the incoming chemical feed may
change dramatically based on oil
prices, availability and quality, which
necessitates changes that may
upset the limits on the chemistry of
the process and the stability of the
process, he says. However, Doyle
adds, processors can use simulation tools like Bovias Materials Studio (Figure 3) to understand a range
of possible chemistries and possible
reactions that might occur when
something in the process changes.
Optimizing a process via this type
of modern environment allows processors to build the best-case scenario for operating the plant, even
under changing conditions.
More complex capabilities

While improved interfaces, features
and the introduction of apps are putting simulation tools in the hands of
more personnel in an effort to optimize the ever-changing chemical facility, the addition of complex capabilities also allows processors to perform
more detailed tasks, generating improvements in operational efficiencies.
First-generation process engineering simulations were based
upon hand-generated calculations
and Microsoft Excel spreadsheets
that were based upon basic engineering design and empirical data,
says Ravindra Aglave, director,
chemical process, with CD-adapco
(Melville, N.Y.; www.cd-adapco.
com). As time progressed, he continues, the second generation of
process simulation included flow
OCTOBER 2016
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CD-adapco
FIGURE 4. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

simulation is used to answer the numerous mixing
challenges that cannot be solved by analytical or
experimental methods. An automated process via
a virtual product-development tool called Admixtus
is available. Admixtus seamlessly integrates with
STAR-CCM+
sheets that were made into software

tools that people could use to obtain more details regarding material
properties and to investigate various situations. And now we have
the third generation where looking
at design from a larger perspective isnt sufficient anymore, says
Aglave. Users want to get down
into the details to see how they can
improve detailed parts of the process to improve efficiencies, reduce
waste, increase quality, and so on.
What used to be specialized capabilities are now becoming commonplace because more people want to
use the technology to perform more
difficult tasks.
Along those lines, CD-adapco
has added AdMixtus to its flagship
product, Star CCM+ (Figure 4).
Mixing is a key process in almost
every chemical plant, but simulation
has not been employed here much
because its a difficult process to
simulate, says Aglave. But with
the release of this tool, engineers
who are involved with mixing processes but dont necessarily use
simulation, can gain expertise in a
short period of time. They can use
the power that comes from this simulation tool to improve their mixing
processes and overall production
efficiency, as a result.
AspenTech (Bedford, Mass.; www.
aspentech.com), too, has added
more complex capabilities to its
Aspen Plus product. Users can de28
sign a distillation column scheme

with Aspen Distillation Synthesis,
which allows them to model a distillation in Aspen Plus and use Aspen
Rate-Based Distillation for rigorous
design, providing more accurate simulations. The models can be used to
increase efficiency, because we can
use these models to start identifying,
in realtime, the issues that might be
causing bottlenecking. This makes
the operator aware of what is causing the column to perform badly and
helps engineers make changes in
column design that will save money
and avoid potential problems going
forward, says Matt Holland, vice
president of chemicals with AspenTech. And analytically, the software
can be used to detect a pattern of
data or a series of events and issue
an alarm so that operators can act
when they recognize potential errors
in the process.
The use of state-estimation for
self-tuning online models is another recent addition, says PSEs
Matzopoulos. One of the challenges of operational models used
for monitoring or optimization is
that, after a while, they may not represent the actual state of the plant
very well, he says. Heat exchangers foul, catalyst deactivates and its
very difficult to take this into account
in a predictive model. State estimation techniques couple the plant
model and plant data, exploiting any
redundancy in plant measurement
and taking into account the uncertainties in both, to effectively selftune the plant model.
He says a key application for PSE
is in olefins, in particular ethylene
yield and coking prediction. PSEs
gCracker Online incorporates the
latest in state-estimation technology
to perform accurate yield prediction
and prediction of coking, which has
an effect on many aspects of the
plant economics.
On the forefront
In a similar fashion, software providers, such as AspenTech, with experience in chemical and other process
industries, are beginning to use data
from their own experience and expertise to build even more detailed
pattern recognition into the simulation and modeling products.

With our current analytical package, we can capture the data and
then use advanced techniques to see
if the same situation has occurred
before and determine the likely outcome. If we see some consistency,
we can start using that pattern or
trend to effectively start alarming,
explains Holland. This means that
instead of basing alarms on just one
pressure or temperature plot within
the users facility, we are basing them
on patterns of recognized behavior.
This type of pattern recognition capability is going to be a very powerful
feature going forward.
Chemstations Brown says his
company is currently working on a
major game-changer in the world
of first-principle simulation. In reality, very few people use first-principle
simulation tools for major optimization projects because it is relatively
slow to run for this purpose, says
Brown. He adds that when running
optimization scenarios, the software
must be fast because it may need to
run tens of thousands of times to find
the optimum solution, which takes a
long time and is expensive.
To address the speed of firstprinciple simulation tools, such as
Chemcad, he says they are working on a complete rewrite of the
calculation code base and are taking advantage of parallel processing. This means that instead of
using just one core of the users
computer, we are going to be able
to spread the workload across as
many cores as are available, which
will speed the process considerably, explains Brown.
We are seeing orders-of-magnitude faster execution of really big
optimization problems. This puts us
into the realm of being as fast as an
equation-based solving system, but
the advantage of first-principle simulators is that we offer a great graphical interface thats easy and faster to
use than equation-based systems.
This means that large-scope,
large-scale optimization problems
can be handled with first-principle
simulation products, says Brown. n
Joy LePree
OCTOBER 2016
Focus
Compressors, Fans and

Blowers
This variable-speed drive for
compressors pays for itself
This gas-compression package

has many configuration options
The Vorecon (photo) is a variablespeed planetary gear that is used to

control the speed of compressors,
fans and pumps. The Vorecon combines reliable a mechnanical design
with hydrodynamic power transmission, which is wear-free. This allows
the device to achieve a mean time
between failures (MTBF) of 48 years,
says the company. By allowing the
driven machine to operate at the
speed required by the process, the
Vorecon is said to allow for tremendous energy savings compared to
throttle or bypass-control systems,
helping to amortize its cost in just a
few years of service. The unit is comprised of a speed-control system,
gearbox and oil supply, and this design requires roughly 68% less installation space compared to comparable electronic variable-speed-drives.
This reduces infrastructure costs,
particularly in offshore installations.
Voith Turbo GmbH, Crailsheim,
Germany
www.voith.com
The C-Series 7044 Gas Compression

package (photo) is the latest addition to the companys line of naturalgas compression products, which
are designed for wellhead, gas-gathering, flare-elimination, processing,
inlet and other applications. This preengineered system can be configured
with more than 60 options, including
advanced emissions-control systems,
to meet most regulatory requirements,
says the manufacturer. The package is built on heavy-duty steel skids
and can be used in an array of natural gas applications, generally above
5 psig inlet pressure and up to 1,300
psig discharge pressure. Exterran
Control turbomachinery
overspeed to reduce faults
The FlexSILon TMC solution, operating on the fully redundant HIMax
platform, is an integrated safety system that combines all components
needed to achieve full automation of
turbines and compressors in a single
system. It provides a cost-effective
alternative to using components
from different manufacturers, according to the company. The solution
provides overspeed protection for
SIL 3 and meets API 670 while improving safety and flexibility, says the company. Turbomachinery operators benefit from reduced engineering, reduced
cabinet space, simple wiring and one
single communication system (reducing the risk of faults). Hima Paul Hil-
debrandt GmbH, Bruehl, Germany

www.hima.com
Voith Turbo
Holdings, Houston
www.exterran.com
This temperature sensor

withstands harsh conditions
The Model TF37 screw-in thermometer with connection lead is designed
for mobile compressors, hydraulics
and air-conditioning systems. The
cable connection decouples the measuring point and connection point. This
design makes the temperature sensor
resistant to vibration, shock, temperature and pressure fluctuations. The
connection lead of the model TF37
is made from PVC, PTFE or silicone,
while the transition point to the thermowell is both dust-proof and waterproof (with ingress protection meeting
IP65 or IP66/67 standards, according
to the company). This compact thermometer provides a measuring range
from 50 to 260C and can be delivered with all common measuring elements. Wika Alexander Wiegand
Hima Paul Hildebrandt
Exterran Holdings
SE & Co. KG, Klingenberg, Germany

www.wika.de
Fans to meet a diverse array

of industrial applications
This company offers a wide range of
fans for serving industrial boilers, gas
turbine installations, and heat-recovery
Note: For more information, circle the 3-digit number on p. 78, or use the website designation.
OCTOBER 2016
29
steam generators in combined-cycle

installations. Direct-drive fans, including the popular industry-standard AF
line of cast aluminum medium-pressure blowers, nine types of backwardly
inclined fans, and turbo pressure
blowers and industrial exhausters.
Also available are dual skid-mounted
fan assemblies (photo), including two
fans connected to a common diverter
damper mounted on a common unitary channel sub-base. This design
provides one fan for everyday operation and one fan to serve as a standby
unit, says the company. Non-standard
packages can be customized to meet
the site-specific needs of the application. Howden American Fan Co.,
Howden American Fan
Cincinnati, Ohio
www.americanfan.com
This compressed-air system is

energy efficient and quiet
The Boge C 16 F(D) is a new oilinjection, cooled-screw compressor
that claims to have the highest volume
of free-air delivery in the 11-kW compressor range. With the addition of a
high-end IE3 motor, a virtually noisefree intake filter, and a robust cast-iron
casing, this product is both energy
efficient and quiet. This allows users
to install it in close proximity to work
spaces. It has integrated frequencyconverter features that help users
meet a wide range of compressed-air
demands. Boge America, Powder
Emerson Industrial Automation
Spring, Ga.
www.usa.boge.com
Kaeser Kompressoren
30
This company has recently extended

its range of high-power modular
drives. Both its Unidrive M and Powerdrive F300 variable-speed drives
are now available in the larger frame
size 11, providing a flexible method
of building compact, reliable highpower solutions, says the company.
Unidrive M (photo) can control asynchronous and permanent-magnet motors in systems up to 2.8 MW (4,200
hp). The new frame 11 is a 250-kW
(400 hp) module that allows system
builders to create high-power solutions
with the smallest number of components, keeping both footprint and cost
to a minimum, says the manufacturer.
Compared to competitor products,
Unidrive M differentiates itself with extremely fast current-control algorithms
tomation, Control Techniques Ltd.,

Newtown, U.K.
www.emersonindustrial.com
Simulation software enables

critical design decisions
STAR-CCM+ V11.04 (photo) is part
of the Siemens Simcenter Porfolio, a
comprehensive suite of simulation and
test solutions for predictive engineering
analytics. The purpose of the Simcenter portfolio is to help users develop
digital twins that can predict realworld behavior of products and address complex engineering challenges.
The latest STAR-CCM+ software provides enhanced modeling capabilities
(including expanded multiphase simulation capabilities), improved simulation workflows, and reductions in
overall time-to-solution (thanks in part
to increased accuracy, automatic timestep adjustment for transient runs, and
improved steady-state fluid-film simulations), in engineering applications as
varied as turbomachinery, oil-and-gas,
aerospace, electric machines, transformers and plasma devices and more,
says the company. CD-adapco,
Houston
www.cd-adapco.com
Portable electric compressors

produce zero emissions
High-power modular drives

improve reliability, cut costs
CD-adapco
and high switching frequencies, as well

as unparalleled torque precision and
power quality, says the manufacturer.
The company also offers a range of
high-powered drive products for compressors, fans and pumps from 90 kW
to 2.8 MW. Emerson Industrial Au-
As an alternative to diesel units, this

company has recently added electricpowered portable compressors (photo)
to its family of M27, M31 and M50
compressors. These portable units are
powered by motors rated at 1525 kW,
and provide flowrates ranging from 2
to 5 m3/min for pressures from 7 to 14
bars. For any site that has an available
power hookup, these machines make
economic sense, says the company,
because electricity is generally less
costly than diesel fuel. An advanced
Sigma Control Smart controller and the
companys patented Anti-Frost Control system ease setup and operation
and provide protection from frost and
corrosion. Both mobile and stationary
versions are available. Kaeser Kom-
pressoren SE, Coburg, Germany

www.kaeser.com
OCTOBER 2016
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Measurement Guide for Replacement Seals
Steam Tracer Lines and Traps
Positive Displacement Pumps
Low-Pressure Measurement for Control Valves
Creating Installed Gain Graphs
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Heat Transfer: System Design II
Adsorption
Flowmeter Selection
Specialty Metals
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24670
Compressed-air units new

filter cuts pressure
Atlas Copco Compressors
The UD+ two-in-one coalescing compressed-air filters (photo) combine two

filtration processes into one product.
They offer capacities of 19 to 16,950
std. ft3/min, and reduce pressure drop
by 40% compared to competing alternatives that rely on pleated filters to
remove aerosol and particulate matter, says the company. The design
uses wrapped-filter technology, which
combines an innovative glass-fiber filter media package wrapped around
a filter core. And these systems boast
greater reliability compared to traditional pleated filters, which are prone
to cracking, says the manufacturer.
Atlas Copco Compressors LLC,
The new triple-seal HD943 and

HDL943 Oil-Free Reciprocating Gas
Compressors feature a double-distance piece designed with three individual sets of packing, to maintain
product purity and prevent oil migration. The non-lubricated (oil-free) design of these compressors includes
two distance-piece compartments
between the compressors cylinder and crankcase. External ports at
the top and bottom of the chambers
can be used for purging, pressurizing or venting. Blackmer, Grand
This companys permanent-magnet

direct-drive, high-speed turbo technology train and converter packages are
designed for many industrial, marine
and wind applications, and are available with speeds up to 15,000 rpm.
The solid rotor-induction motor uses
non-laminated rotor construction.
This solid-rotor technology allows the
mechanical gearbox to be eliminated
for improved speed control, and stiff
construction improves stability and
balance. By integrating an electrical
motor with the load machinery, space
and weight needs are reduced, and the
unit scales easily to higher powers and
speed ranges, says the company.
Rapids, Mich.
www.blackmer.com
The Switch, Helsinki, Finland

www.theswitch.com
Fans and blowers withstand

extreme high temperatures
Blowers feature clean, oil-free,

maintenance-free operation
This companys high-temperature,

custom-engineered fans and blowers
(photo) are able to meet the demanding operational challenges of temperatures up to 2,000F, which makes them
suitable for air circulation in refineries,
ovens, kilns and furnaces, steel and
glass production, and petrochemical
refining applications. Garden City
All Rotron blowers use advanced

regenerative air technology that ensures proper air pressure and vacuum without the high energy and
maintenance costs associated with
larger, multi-stage or positive-airdisplacement blowers and compressors. They can achieve maximum air
flows of 1,800 std. ft3/min, pressures
to 9 psig, and vacuum to 14 in. Hg.
These three-phase, 1-hp or greater
regenerative blowers are available in
three standard types: DR blowers for
industrial use, CP chemical processing blowers, and EN environmental
blowers. Ametek Dynamic Fluid
Solutions, Kent, Ohio
n
www.ametek.com
Suzanne Shelley
These compressors provide

maximum leakage control
Garden City Fan
Fan, Fairfield, Ohio

www.americanfan.com
Rotary-screw air compressors

have variable-speed drive
Ingersoll Rand
32
Ingersoll Rand, Davidson, N.C.

www.ingersollrandproducts.com
High-speed turbo motors use

an advanced drive-train design
Stockholm, Sweden
www.atlascopco.com
The Switch
ergy costs by up to 35% and increase

reliability, says the company. The
RS30n and RS37n VSD models use
totally enclosed, fan-cooled (TEFC)
motors and Xc-Series controllers,
which have customizable units of measure and built-in sequencing for up to
four compressors. The controllers
communicate directly to the inverter
drive to determine the running speed of
the air end. By limiting in-rush current
during startup, minimizing peak power
charges and lowering overall energy
usage, both models decrease energy
use during startup, which can draw
up to 800% of the full load current.
The latest models in the Next Generation R-Series compressors (photo) incorporate advances in variable-speed
drive (VSD) technology to increase air
flow output by up to 15%, reduce enCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
OCTOBER 2016
New Products
This pneumatic pump controller
offers power flexibility
The recently enhanced CycleFlo
pneumatic pump controller (photo) is
designed to control pump speed and
run time to deliver precise batching,
metering and dosing of fluids at low
and high pressures and flowrates.
Featuring 32 batch presets and an
intuitive programming interface, the
CycleFlo controller ensures specific
and repeatable fluid batches. Significant enhancements have been made
to the controller in the area of power
availability; previously, the company
offered two CycleFlo units, each operating on a different input power. The
new CycleFlo controller has the functionality of two units in one, operating
on 100 to 240 V a.c. input power. The
microprocessor-based unit can control pumps locally or in a remote location. When operating remotely, timers
and pH controllers send signals to the
CycleFlo controller to start and stop
the pumping cycle once a preset volume of product has been dispensed
Graco Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.
www.graco.com
A jacketed reaction system

with fast vessel changes
The Orb Pilot (photo) is a user-friendly,
floor-standing scaleup jacketed reactor that is designed to provide flexible
and cost-effective pilot-scale batch
chemistry. Available in a choice of single and vacuum-jacketed vessels in
sizes ranging from 10 to 50 L on a single system with a number of optional
accessories and stirring options, the
system can be customized to meet
exact requirements. Engineered to
withstand temperatures from 40 to
235C, the reactor system features a
rapid oil-drain mechanism that offers
fast vessel changes, while a springloaded base avoids the need for
frame adjustments to accommodate
different vessels or thermal expansion.
Syrris, Royston, U.K.
www.syrris.com
These metal filter cloths

have precise pore sizes
As is the case for all MiniMesh S metal
filter cloths, the pore size of MiniMesh
RPD HiFlo-S metal filter cloth can be
calculated precisely in advance and
adapted to the respective requirements. These precision pores can

achieve extremely high cut-points
and dimensional stability, says the
manufacturer. Previous filter cloths
with small pore sizes lead to reduced
flowrates and significant pressure loss
in the production process. Due to the
new three-dimensional cloth structure, the open surface over an area
is significantly increased. For a given
pore size, the flowrate is more than
doubled compared to conventional
woven-metal filter media, says the
company. In addition, the flow conditions are optimized and turbulence
around the filter cloth is effectively
avoided. Haver & Boecker OHG,
Drahtweberei und Maschinenfabrik,
Oelde, Germany
www.haverboecker.com
Graco
Remove debris from fluids with

these upstream gasket strainers
This companys line of strainer gaskets
remove particulate matter and debris
from process fluids. They are suitable
for standard flanged connections and
can be inserted upstream from sensitive and costly processing equipment.
The gaskets may be deployed as a
single filter or as a graduated system
of several strainers that consume less
space and at a lower cost than other
methods, such as filtration cartridges.
The strainer gaskets are offered in a
variety of gasket materials and thicknesses. Stainless-steel plain mesh
weave is standard, in 20, 40, 50, 60
or 100 mesh, or dual layers are also
available. Other configurable options
include the following: non-standard
sizes including rectangular designs;
optional tab for gasket installation
and location identification; and inner
diameters ranging from 1.2 to 30 in.
Garlock, Palmyra, N.Y.
www.garlock.com
Syrris
Aqua-Aerobic Systems
Cloth-media filtration in a
more compact footprint
The AquaPrime cloth-media filtration
system (photo) utilizes a disk configuration and the OptiFiber cloth filtration
media to effectively filter screened,
de-gritted, raw sewage. The proven
technology easily handles significantly
higher solids loading rates compared
to secondary clarified effluent (by a
OCTOBER 2016
33
factor of 3 to 5) with the added ability

to sustain a low total-suspended-solids
concentration, says the manufacturer.
Furthermore, the AquaPrime system
operates in less than 10% of the footprint of conventional primary settling
basins and offers the added advantage
of improving gas production (energy
harvesting) in the anaerobic digestion
system due to significant reduction in
organic materials. The cloth-media filtration system produces consistent
effluent under variable influent conditions that are typical in both primarytreatment and wet-weather applications. Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.,
Loves Park, Ill.
www.aqua-aerobic.com
Larson Electronics
Emerson Process Management
Cashco
Synavax
34
This sanitary vent

offers setpoint flexibility
The Model 1100 sanitary vent (photo)

is a stainless-steel sanitary vent designed to operate at multiple setpoints
as a breather valve to avoid vacuum or
overpressurization inside a tank or piping system. This unit comes with a true
sanitary blanketing connection and is
designed so that it can be used with
this companys VCI Model 1088 sanitary blanketing valve. Available in 2-,
3-, 4- and 6-in. sizes, the Model 1100
is offered 316 or 304 stainless steel.
The weather screen, which prevents
debris from entering the tank, is also
constructed of stainless steel. Pressure
setpoints can range from 0.43 to 3.42
psi, while the vacuum setpoint range
is 0.069 to 0.385 psi, depending on
Configurable visual and audible
the size of the unit. Cashco, Inc.,
indication of processing status
The EPL-TL-1X10W-C-PA LED sig- Ellsworth, Kan.
nal light (photo) is equipped with an www.cashco.com
audible horn and approved for use in
hazardous environments where ex- New assessment service
plosive and flammable gases, vapors for parts management
and dusts exist or have the potential This companys Parts Fingerprint serto exist. This explosion-proof signal vice captures equipment configurastack light is designed for processing- tions, audits parts stores, and develops
status indications in manufacturing recommendations and replacement
facilities. The signal light is equipped strategies to reduce production risk
with a single 10-W LED lamp that pro- and find cost efficiencies. The serduces an optional color output of red, vice can help users reduce the risk of
blue, green, amber, purple or white. production loss due to non-available
Larson Electronics, Kemp, Tex.
parts, and to cut costs by identifying
www.larsonelectronics.com
and addressing potential weaknesses
in the parts supply chain. Industry
trends such as lean manufacturing,
Energy harvester simplifies
compressed product lifecycles and the
wireless technology adoption
This company has adopted advanced prevalence of third-party parts supplithermal-energy harvesting as a power ers have driven companies to find new
source for its wireless products. Power ways to maintain required part invenPuck thermoelectric energy harvest- tories to sustain production demands.
ers (photo) convert ambient heat According to the company, customers
commonly released in industrial pro- may underestimate their critical spare
cesses into electricity for powering parts needs by as much as 60%, and
Rosemount wireless transmitters. Per- many users have no visibility into espetuas Power Puck energy-harvesting calating production risks due to parts
solution is especially advantageous to inventory deficits. Parts Fingerprint
wireless devices in power-intensive ap- aims to address these issues. ABB,
plications, where a conventional power Zurich, Switzerland
module may require replacements www.abb.com
more frequently. The Power Puck thermoelectric energy harvester provides Spray-on insulation that
continuous, reliable power for the life of also prevents corrosion
the transmitter and includes an intrin- Heat Shield EPX-H2O (photo) is a twosically safe power module for backup part water-based reactive prepolymer
power. Emerson Process Manage- that provides thermal insulation and
corrosion prevention for a wide variment, Shakopee, Minn.
ety of industrial applications. Designed
www.emersonprocess.com
OCTOBER 2016
to withstand harsh conditions and

provide a spray-on application with
no cladding or covering needed, the
coating has the ability to reduce hot
surface temperatures to a safe touch
range in a thin layer. It also has excellent splash resistance to chemicals,
and is resistant to a number of harsh
chemicals, including 98% sulfuric
acid, ammonia, bleach, bases and
fuels. Furthermore, Heat Shield EPXH2O is also hydrophobic and resistance to mold growth. The patented
product can be used on surfaces up
to 400F. Synavax, Denver, Colo.
www.synavax.com
a considerable increase in efficiency

due to reduced starting and running
torque. There is no limitation of speed
or pressure when measured against
the standard stator, and the axial
mobility of the elastomer leads to a
prolonged service lifetime. Replacement of the stator costs less than
with traditional stator designs and
is more environmentally friendly because the housing can be reused.
Netzsch Pumps North America, LLC,
Exton, Pa.
pumps.netzsch.com
This stator system has

reusable housing
A number of enhancements have

been made to the Lancom 4 Portable Gas Analyzer (photo) to improve
usability. Now available as a free
download, Lancom 4s data-acquisition software, Insight, allows users
to interface their analyzer with a PC
for remote control and data logging.
Insight offers graphing and analysis
tools for data visualization and reporting purposes, providing easier access
The new iFD-Stator 2.0 (photo) features a two-part, reusable stator

housing and replaceable stator, and
is compatible with all NEMO NM Series progressing cavity pumps. According to the manufacturer, the iFD
Stator 2.0 delivers reduced pulsation
and improved fluid flow compared to
conventional stator design, as well as
Netzsch Pumps North America
This portable gas analyzer

has been enhanced
Ametek Land
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OCTOBER 2016
35
Fullbrook Systems
to data. Communications between Insight and the users PC require a USBRS232 interface converter, which is
now supplied with every Lancom 4 for
quick and easy setup. In addition, Lancom 4 now includes Wake and Sleep
functions, allowing measurements and
data logs to be recorded over an extended period. The Lancom 4 fluegas
analyzer can be used for checking or
testing a boiler system or pollutant
process, and can monitor up to 9 different gases, 17 measurement parameters, and has the ability to data log up
to 250,000 records. Ametek Land,
Dronfield, U.K.
www.landinst.com
Vacuum dispersion system

requires less handling & cleaning
The Vacuum Dispersion and Mixing System manufactured by VMAGetzmann GmbH is now available
from this company. This range of
Dispermat CHS Vacuum Systems is
ideal for small batches and sample
production where vacuum is required.
The Dispermat CHS vacuum sys-
tem offers users exceptional versatility because it is designed to accept

single-wall pails, buckets, non-standard and even users own containers. This means that materials can
be processed without the need for
dedicated vacuum containers, significantly reducing the time associated
with handling and cleaning. The Dispermat CHS30 (photo) accepts 30-L
containers, but is also available for
container volumes up to 60 L. An explosion-proof ATEX-certified version
is also available. Fullbrook Systems
Ltd., Hemel Hempstead, U.K.
www.fullbrooksytems.com
A lean approach to
paperless manufacturing
In August, this company launched Version 6.1 of its Simatic IT eBR software
(photo, p. 37), which is at the heart of
its Manufacturing Operation Management for the life science industries.
The new Version enables users to easily implement paperless manufacturing
solutions by offering two main features:
A new web-based MBR (Master Batch
CHEMICAL PROCESSING SOLUTIONS

Complete process control for every aspect of your chemical operation.
The Model 1049 Secure-Gard is a
pilot-operated vent valve intended
for installation on atmospheric and
low-pressure storage tanks, vapor
recovery systems, and process
systems.
The Model 1078 Vacu-Gard is a

pilot-operated valve, speciically
designed to reduce blanketing
gas losses on low-pressure
storage tanks.
The Model 521 is a sliding stem,

globe style, bellows sealed,
pneumatically actuated control valve
designed for maximum corrosion
resistance in pure chemical service.
For immediate access to our

product resource iles, visit
www.cashco.com/chem
www.cashco com
Innovative Solutions
Cashco, Inc. P.O. Box 6, Ellsworth, KS 67439-0006 Ph. (785) 472-4461, Fax: (785) 472-3539
36
OCTOBER 2016
Siemens AG
mented at pilot and GMP production

scales. Sartorius Stedim Biotech,
Gttingen, Germany
www.sartorius-stedim.com
A new heat exchanger for

LPG/E cargo condensers
Record) module, which facilitates the

management of key process parameters, and native integration with the
companys automation layer, Simatic
PCS 7 process control system and
human-machine-interface (HMI) systems. The new version reduces the
work involved in engineering and operation, helps users to enforce standardization and makes for a more
transparent production process,
thereby shortening the time to market, says the company. Siemens
Alfa Laval
AG, Munich, Germany
www.siemens.com
DuroShell (photo) is a specially engineered plate-and-shell heat exchanger with unique design capaThe first fully integrated
bilities. Already used in the offshore
upstream biotech platform
oil-and-gas industry, it is now being
introduced for demanding marine
duties such as LPG/E (liquefied propane gas and ethane) cargo reliquefaction. An innovative construction
and a patented roller-coaster plate
pattern make DuroShell significantly
more robust, allowing it to condense
cargo with a higher ethane content.
DuroShell withstands pressures up
to 35 bars when titanium plates are
used, along with temperatures as
low as 198C. Alfa Laval AB,
Lund, Sweden
www.alfalaval.com
Sartorius Stedim Biotech
This fully integrated technology platform (photo) combines an expression

system with equipment and process
control for the rapid development and
scaleup of robust, high-titer commercial manufacturing processes. By
leveraging this upstream technology
platform, biopharmaceutical manufacturers will be able to reach the clinic
in 14 months, says the company. The
system accelerates clone selection
and scales up readily to Biostat STR
single-use bioreactors, which biomanufacturers have successfully imple-
Two new sizes of mag-drive

centrifugal pumps
Tapflo
This companys centrifugal magnetic-drive pump range is now being

supplemented with two new sizes
PROVEN
PERFORMANCE
ROTOFORM
GRANULATION
FOR PETROCHEMICALS
AND OLEOCHEMICALS
High productivity solidi cation of

products as di erent as resins, hot
melts, waxes, fat chemicals and
caprolactam has made Rotoform the
granulation system of choice for
chemical processors the world over.
Whatever your solidi cation
requirements, choose Rotoform for
reliable, proven performance and a
premium quality end product.
High productivity
on-stream factor of 96%
Proven Rotoform technology
nearly 2000 systems installed
in 30+ years
Complete process lines or
retro t of existing equipment
Global service / spare parts supply
Sandvik Process Systems

Division of Sandvik Materials Technology Deutschland GmbH
Salierstr. 35, 70736 Fellbach, Germany
Tel: +49 711 5105-0 Fax: +49 711 5105-152
info.spsde@sandvik.com
www.processsystems.sandvik.com
OCTOBER 2016
37
Scott Safety
CTM40 and CTM50 (photo, p. 37).

The new pumps offer a wide spectrum
of application with heads going up to
21 m and flowrates up to 29 m3/h. All
CTM pumps are available with BSP
thread, flange or hose connections.
The pumps can be used for chemically
corrosive and toxic liquids, as well as
for clean and thin liquids, such as pure
chemicals, acids and alkalis, because
the wetted components are non-metallic, injection-molded thermoplastics
that offer excellent corrosion resistance. Tapflo AB, Kunglv, Sweden
www.tapflo.com
This respirator has

realtime airflow control
Duraflow is a lightweight and ergonomically designed Powered Air Respirator (photo) with realtime airflow
control technology. The new solution
gives complete wearer assurance of
respiratory protection to focus on the
job rather than the protective equipment itself, in a multitude of hazardous
situations and industries. Duraflows
automatic-monitoring features ensure
the airflow rate is maintained at precisely the correct level to afford protection for the user. Visual and audible
diagnostics alert the user of any drop
in airflow below the required level or
when the battery needs re-charging.
Duraflow is compatible with the companys headtops, filters and accessories. Scott Safety, Skelmersdale,
Lancashire, U.K.
www.scottsafety.com
New release of this ERP

software focused on R&D
Premier 10.7 is the latest release of this
companys enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. This most recent
release gives special focus to research
and development (R&D) functionality
and usability. The R&D functionality enables users to easily develop and experiment in a sandbox environment
without interfering with live production.
Users can leverage existing cost history while quickly adding new items
for R&D purposes only, while also supporting simplified conversion of R&D
items into the live production environ-
38
OCTOBER 2016
ment. A cost update routine allows

R&D to maintain accurate item costs
based on current costs from the live
production environment, and new
and future item costs can be updated
for quoting purposes. Process Pro,
St. Cloud, Minn.
www.processproerp.com
STATE-OF-THE-ART
MIXING TECHNOLOGY
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These fork sensors

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self-contained through-beam sensors (photo) that incorporate a 316L
stainless-steel housing that is able
to withstand exposure to aggressive
cleaning solutions, coolants and lubricants. The protection provided by
the housing makes these sensors
suitable for the food and beverage,
packaging, metalworking and pharmaceutical industries. These sensors are available in 50- and 80-mm
widths, and feature normally open
and normally closed outputs that
allow for easy integration into control
schemes. The sensors are equipped
with power infrared light sources, as
well as LEDs for power and switching indication in the connector.
Balluff Inc., Florence Ky.
www.baluff.us
New radar level transmitters for

challenging tank installations
Two new models of level transmitter Type 2290 and 2291 (photo)
have been designed for use in
challenging tank applications where
other contacting or non-contacting
measuring principles face limitations.
Type 2290 is a compact non-contact
radar level transmitter that is available in a variety of materials to resist
very corrosive environments. With its
tank mapping function, it is easy to
block out objects like internal pipes,
welding seams, stirrers or heating
elements. Type 2291 is a guidedradar level transmitter that provides

measurement even in very turbulent
process vessels. The radar signal is
sent down the probe assembly, eliminating the interferences caused by
low dielectric liquids, heavy fuming,
slightly conductive foams or internal
tank obstructions. Both transmitters
are suited for applications in harsh
environments, and communication
can be either via HART or analog.
GF Piping Systems Ltd., Schaffhausen, Switzerland
www.gfps.com
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solutions. New software releases
available with the Symphonite portfolio include the following: Refinery and Petrochemical Modeling
System (RPMS R510), which enables users to optimize profitability
and reduce planning cycle times;
Capacity and Distribution Planner
(CDP R230), which improves production and inventory forecasting;
and Production Accounting and
Reconciliation (PAR2000), which
introduces an integrated graphical
workflow with an enhanced statistical solver. Honeywell Process
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www.honeywellprocess.com
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Your fast lane to

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OCTOBER 2016
39
Facts At Your Fingertips

Agglomeration Processes
Department Editor: Scott Jenkins
gglomeration is a natural phenomenon in which solid particles stick to each other or to

surfaces. When unwanted, agglomeration can cause problems, such
as caking, buildup or lumping, but it
is also an important particle-size enlargement process widely used in the
chemical process industries (CPI) to
help overcome challenges, including
segregation, difficult flow, low bulk
density and others. Agglomeration
can also help control particle-size
distribution and reduce potentially
hazardous aspects of the solids, such
as dust. This one-page reference provides information on agitation, compression and sintering methods of
agglomeration and their mechanisms.
Agglomeration methods to enlarge
particulate solids can be broadly
broken down into three general categories: agglomeration by agitation
(sometimes referred to as wet agglomeration or tumble/growth agglomeration; pressure (compaction)
agglomeration, and agglomeration
using heat (sintering).
Wet agglomeration
Wet agglomeration processes combine powder, liquid (usually water)
and, if necessary, a binder to impart
shear to form agglomerates. Processing equipment may include rotating drums, disc or pan agglomerators, pin or ribbon mixers or fluidized
beds. Agglomeration can be induced
by a solvent or slurry atomized onto
the bed of particles, or by the controlled sintering or partial melting of a
binder component of the feed (Figure
1). Next, moist particles join together
to form so-called green agglomerates. Drying or curing takes place in
a final stage. The wet agglomerates
are created by first forming nuclei that
then grow into larger aggregates by
layering or coalescence. In some cases, nucleation and aggregate growth
take place in two separate pieces of
equipment that are operated in series.
Nucleation gives rise to seed particles, which are formed when several
individual particles adhere to each
other. The nucleation stage can be
40
time-consuming because the seed

agglomerates are weakly bonded
and readily disintegrate back into individual particles. Eventually, larger
aggregates are formed when small
agglomerates coalesce or individual
particles adhere to larger agglomerates. Once larger agglomerates are
created, growth becomes accelerated as the increased mass and higher kinetic energy of agglomerates
cause them to pick up individual particles more rapidly and incorporate
them onto their surfaces. The relative rates of size enlargement (nucleation, coalescence and layering) and
size reduction (attrition and consolidation) establish the final particle size
along with the materials tendency to
wick moisture from its core to outer
layers. The optimal amount of liquid
added to a powder the amount
that gives the resultant agglomerates their greatest integrity and resistance to breakage is typically
4090% of its liquid saturation. The
liquid saturation is the fraction of total void space that can be filled with
the liquid. When water (or another
liquid) is added to a dry bulk solid,
liquid bridges will begin to form at
contact points between particles.
This is known as the pendular stage
of saturation. All free moisture is attracted to the interfaces between the
solid particles by capillary effects,
and surface tension draws the particles together. As saturation levels
are increased, the funicular stage is
eventually reached where all internal
solid surfaces become surrounded
by liquid. At this point, the mixture
becomes more fluid-like, tensional
forces disappear, and the agglomerates become weaker. When the
powder becomes fully saturated,
it reaches its capillary state, and at
higher moisture levels, the system
begins to behave as a slurry.
Compaction agglomeration
Pressure agglomeration works by applying external forces to dry particulate solids to form enlarged particles.
Continuous sheets of solid material are
produced, as in roll pressing, or some
Growth
Wetting
Granule properties affected

include size, bulk density,
attrition, dispersion, flowability
Breakage
Consolidation
FIGURE 1. In wet agglomeration, a wetting step

leads to nucleation and particle growth
solid form is made, such as a briquette or tablet. Continuous sheets or

strands may either break down in subsequent handling to form a granulated
material, or the material may be further
processed through a variety of chopping, spheronizing or forced screening
methods. A key factor in compression
agglomeration is the level of force applied. Compaction processes range
from confined compression devices,
such as tabletting, briquetting machines and ram extrusion to unconfined devices, such as roll presses and
a variety of pellet mills.
Heat sintering
In agglomeration using heat (sintering),
atoms and molecules begin to migrate
across the interface where particles
touch each other. This happens at a
certain elevated temperature, which
is different for various materials. While
still in solid state, diffused matter forms
bridge-like structures between the surfaces, which solidify upon cooling. In
the post-treatment of agglomerates,
this phenomenon produces strong
permanent bonds or specific final
properties in parts that may have been
manufactured by virtually any of the
other agglomeration techniques. n
Editors note: Portions of this column have been adapted
from the following articles: Mehos, G. and Kozicki, C., Consider Wet Agglomeration to Improve Powder Flow, Chem.
Eng., January 2011, pp. 4649; and Ennis, B.J., Agglomeration Technology: Mechanisms, Chem. Eng., March
2010, pp. 3439. Additional references include the following: Sochon, R.P.J and Salman, A.D., Particle Growth and
Agglomeration Processes, chapter in Chemical Engineering
and Chemical Process Technology, Vol. II, Encyclopedia of
Life Support Systems; and Pietsch, W., What is Agglomeration?, Power and Bulk Solids, Feb. 27, 2008.
OCTOBER 2016
Technology Profile
Aluminum Chloride Production
By Intratec Solutions
luminum chloride (AlCl3) is

among the most widely used
Lewis acids in industry, and is
also one of the most powerful. The compound is employed as a
catalyst in the manufacture of a multitude of organic chemicals produced
by several different reaction mechanisms, including isomerization, alkylation and polymerization.
The main applications of AlCl3 are
in the production of ethylbenzene and
dyes. AlCl3 catalyzes the ethylation of
benzene with ethylene to yield ethylbenzene, which, in turn, is used in the
production of styrene. In the dyestuffs
industry, AlCl3 is used as a catalyst in
the production of anthraquinone and
its derivatives, as well as in the production of pigments.
The process
The following paragraphs describe a
conventional process for anhydrous
AlCl3 production from aluminum metal and chlorine. Figure 1 presents a
simplified flow diagram of the process.
Reaction. The reaction takes place in
ceramic-lined, tube-shaped reactors
containing molten aluminum. Chlorine gas is injected below the surface
of the molten aluminum pool, leading
to the formation of aluminum chloride vapor in a highly exothermic and
practically instantaneous reaction.
The reaction occurs at 670850C.
The temperature is maintained in this
range by controlling the feedrates of
chlorine and aluminum and by cooling
the reactor walls with water.
The AlCl3 vapor from the reactors is
fed to air-cooled condensers, which are
vertical cylinders with conical bottoms.
Aluminum,
chlorine
Metal
chlorination
Chlorine, carbon
monoxide,
alumina
Catalytic
chlorination
Chlorination
Aluminum,
hydrogen chloride
n Raw material n Pathway n Main product
FIGURE 2. Several possible production pathways exist for AlCl3
As the AlCl3 vapor comes into contact

with the condenser walls, it loses its
heat of sublimation, and is deposited
on the walls. The deposited solid AlCl3
is withdrawn from the condenser walls
at regular intervals, and subsequently
conveyed to holding silos.
Crushing and sizing. AlCl3 crystals
from the holding silos are crushed and
sized by sieving under a dry-air atmosphere. After sizing, the AlCl3 product
is obtained.
Scrubber. The condensing, crushing
and sizing operations, as well as storage facilities, are designed to avoid
the entrance of moist atmospheric air.
To achieve this, a vent system linked
to those pieces of equipment directs
the offgas (containing unreacted chlorine and uncondensed gases) to a
caustic scrubber. The scrubbed gas is
vented to the atmosphere, while the
scrubbers bottom stream is treated
as wastewater.
AlCl3 pathways
Initially, aluminum chloride was produced on a commercial scale from

calcined bauxite and coke. New routes
have emerged, however, that present
advantages over the bauxite process.
The advantages are derived from a re-
duced occurrence of reactor corrosion

and from the production of a higherpurity product. Currently, the most important raw materials for AlCl3 production are either aluminum metal or pure
aluminum oxide. Figure 2 presents different pathways for AlCl3 production.
Economic performance
The total capital investment estimated
to construct a plant based on the process in Figure 1 with capacity to produce 5,000 metric ton per year of AlCl3
in the U.S. is about $8 million (data
from the second quarter of 2013). This
capital investment includes fixed capital, working capital and additional capital requirements.
This column is based on Aluminum Chloride Production Process
Cost Analysis, a report published
by Intratec. It can be found at: www.
intratec.us/analysis/aluminum-chloride-production-cost.
n
Edited by Scott Jenkins
Editors note: The content for this column is supplied by Intratec Solutions LLC (Houston; www.intratec.us) and edited
by Chemical Engineering. The analyses and models presented
are prepared on the basis of publicly available and nonconfidential information. The content represents the opinions
of Intratec only. More information about the methodology for
preparing analysis can be found, along with terms of use, at
www.intratec.us/che.
Caustic soda
make-up
Wastewater
1. Reactor
2. Condenser
3. Holding silo
4. Crusher
5. Sizing equipment
6. Caustic scrubber
7. Cooling tower
CW = Cooling water
2
3
CW
Bauxite, coke,
chlorine
Anhydrous
aluminum chloride
Offgas
Aluminum
scrap
Chlorination
CW
Aluminum
chloride
Chlorine
FIGURE 1. This figure shows a conventional process for the production of AlCl3 from aluminum and chlorine
OCTOBER 2016
41
Piping Codes:
What the CPI Engineer Should Know
An overview of the codes and standards that are most pertinent to chemical processing facilities
William M. Huitt
W. M. Huitt Co.
oving
a
process
fluid from
one stage
of its processing
A BRIEF HISTORY
cycle to the next reCODES AND STANDARDS quires the transfer of
RELEVANT TO THE CPI
fluids between pressure vessels, through
ASME CODES TODAY
pressure piping with
EXTERNAL PIPING
the assistance of
pressure equipment.
PRESSURE VESSELS
Aside from the elASSIGNING PIPING
emental objective of
CODES
making an intermediMODIFICATIONS, REPAIRS ate or finished prod- FIGURE 1. The aftermath of the 1905 explosion and fire at the R.B. Grover Shoe Factory in
Brockton, Mass. The trajectory of the boiler is shown as the red arc
AND RETROFITS
uct, the immediate
goal, and what should be of primary impor- and regulatory demands.
Safety considerations in the design, contance, is to make these fluid transfers, or
the overall handling of such process fluids, struction and operation of a chemical process industries (CPI) facility is not simply a
in a safe and productive manner.
Handling such process fluids (including rhetorical aspect of the design function, it is
utility fluids) presupposes that we select an instead the very essence of the codes and
appropriate material of construction (MOC) standards that affect the safety and wellfor each fluid service; that we properly size being of not only the operations and plant
the piping and components for the needed personnel, but in many cases, the people
flowrate; determine a mechanical-joint pres- who live in the surrounding neighborhoods
sure rating that will safely contain the fluid neighborhoods that are in close proximbeing transferred; and that we design and ity to what could be considered a high-risk
construct pressure vessels and equipment industrial facility. This is where code and
in accordance with accredited consensus regulatory compliance interact with the destandards. Such aspects of fluid handling, sign, engineering and construction activities
in the design and engineering of a chemical of a CPF.
The respective codes and standards affect
processing facility (CPF), is an ever-changing
selective process in which many fluid service everything from the materials and methods
variations may exist, and each fluid may have used in manufacturing the individual compoits own distinct set of requirements. These nents that make up the piping systems in a
requirements can range from construction processing unit to how the piping system is
material compatibility to safe containment engineered and constructed. Given the fact
of the process fluid, and from regulatory that the operation of a CPF is inherently danrequirements to jurisdictional code require- gerous some significantly more than othments. The many variables presented in the ers it was the lessons learned back at the
Look for more Tables and
clarifications in
design of a process system create a chal- turn of the twentieth century from incidents,
the online version
lenge in the effort to achieve quantifiable pro- such as the R. B. Grover Shoe Factory devof this article at
ductivity while meeting all respective code astation (Figure 1) that prompted the need
IN BRIEF
42
OCTOBER 2016
for the development and promulgation of U.S. consensus standards

and government safety regulations.
A brief history
The lessons learned in Massachusetts with the 1905 boiler explosion
in Brockton, only to be accented
the following year by the 1906
boiler explosion in Lynn, dislodged
the complacency of the legislature
in that state to do something about
the issue of unregulated boiler
and pressure vessel design and
construction. Boilers were at that
time, typically housed in areas adjacent to personnel work space. The
complacency at the time stemmed
largely from the politicians and industry experts attempting to chart
a path through the uncharted territory of consensus engineering and
safety regulation.
The step that Massachusetts
took by enacting regulation in 1909
brought the American Soc. of Mechanical Engineering (ASME; New
York, N.Y.; www.asme.org) to the
forefront with the work they had
been doing on what, in 1911, would
become the International Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC). This
effort by ASME culminated in 1915
with the first publication of the BPVC.
With the creation of such engineering societies and the standardization
process that emanated from them,
government was given the means
and resources it needed for initiating safety regulations. The need for
a basis of design and construction,
one that would provide the consistently safe manufacture of pressure
equipment, which was, incidentally,
the impetus for creation of the ASME
in the first place, put them at center
stage in this effort.
ASME was born from the dire
need to create a safe work environment back in the early 1900s,
which to this day guides the basic
precept in the writing of todays
codes and standards and gives
credence to its focus on safety and
integrity of design and construction. That premise leads to the reason for a statement found within the
Introduction of the various ASME
B31 piping codes, which reads,
The Code sets forth engineering
CODES AND STANDARDS RELEVANT TO THE CPI
he entire boiler and pressure vessel package of codes is referred to as the BPVC. This
ensemble of codes is a multiple and distinct set of codes made up of two overarching
codes that include the Boiler Code and the Pressure Vessel Code. The entire package
of codes is further divided into 31 books consisting of some 17,000 pages. But not all of it
pertains to the interest and responsibilities of the CPI engineer. Those sections typically not
of interest to the CPI engineer include: Section III Rules for Construction of Nuclear Facility
Components; Section XI Rules for In-service Inspection of Nuclear Power Plant Components;
and Section XII Transport Tanks. What does pertain to the CPI engineer, with regard to BPVC,
are the following:
Boiler Codes
Those codes specific to the design, construction, and ongoing maintenance of boilers include the following:
Section I Power Boilers: Provides requirements for all methods of construction of
power, electric, and miniature boilers; high temperature water boilers, heat recovery
steam generators, and certain fired pressure vessels to be used in stationary service
Rules pertaining to use of the single ASME certification mark with the V, A, M, PP, S, and
E designators are also included.
Section IV Heating Boilers: Provides requirements for design, fabrication, installation
and inspection of steam heating, hot water heating, hot water supply boilers, and potable water heaters intended for low pressure service that are directly fired by oil, gas,
electricity, coal or other solid or liquid fuels.
Section VI Care and Operation of Heating Boilers: Covers operation guidelines applicable to steel and cast-iron boilers limited to the operating ranges of Section IV Heating
Boilers. Section VI includes guidelines for associated controls and automatic fuel-burning equipment. Also included is a glossary of terms commonly associated with boilers,
controls, and fuel-burning equipment.
Section VII Care of Power Boilers: Provides guidelines to assist those directly responsible for operating, maintaining, and inspecting power boilers. These boilers include
stationary, portable, and traction type boilers, but not locomotive and high-temperature water boilers, nuclear power-plant boilers (see Section XI), heating boilers (see
Section VI), pressure vessels, or marine boilers. Guidelines are also provided for operation of auxiliary equipment and appliances that affect the safe and reliable operation
of power boilers.
Note that Sections IV and VI for Heating Boilers are typically specified for commercial applications rather than for industrial type applications. They are listed here for reference only
and will not be a part of this ongoing discussion.
Pressure Vessel Codes

Code requirements for pressure vessels are captured under Sections VIII and X.
Section VIII Pressure Vessels: The Pressure Vessel Code is made up of three Divisions,
as follows:
Division 1: Provides requirements applicable to the design, fabrication, inspection, testing, and certification of pressure vessels operating at either internal or
external pressures exceeding 15 psig. Such vessels may be fired or unfired. This
pressure may be obtained from an external source or by the application of heat
from a direct or indirect source, or any combination thereof. Specific requirements
apply to several classes of material used in pressure vessel construction, and also
to fabrication methods such as welding, forging and brazing. Division 1 [also] contains mandatory and non-mandatory appendices detailing supplementary design
criteria, nondestructive examination and inspection acceptance standards. Rules
pertaining to the use of the single ASME certification mark with the U, UM and UV
designators are also included.
Division 2: Provides Requirements on materials, design, and nondestructive examination are more rigorous than in Division 1; however, higher design stress intensity values are permitted. These rules may also apply to human occupancy
pressure vessels typically in the diving industry. Rules pertaining to the use of the
single ASME certification mark with the U2 and UV designators are also included.
Division 3: Provides Requirements [that] are applicable to pressure vessels operating at either internal or external pressures generally above 10,000 psi. It does
not establish maximum pressure limits for either Section VIII, Divisions 1 or 2, nor
minimum pressure limits for this Division. Rules pertaining to the use of the single
ASME certification mark with the U3 and UV3 designator are also included.
Section X Fiber Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels: Provides requirements for
construction of a fiber-reinforced plastic pressure vessel (FRP) in conformance with a
Continued on page 44
OCTOBER 2016
43
manufacturers design report. It includes production, processing, fabrication, inspection and testing methods required for the vessel. Section X includes three Classes of
vessel design:
Class I: Class I and Class III qualification through the destructive test of a
prototype
Class II mandatory design rules and acceptance testing by nondestructive

methods
These vessels are not permitted to store, handle or process lethal fluids. Vessel fabrication
is limited to the following processes: bag-molding, centrifugal casting and filament-winding
and contact molding. Rules pertaining to the use of the single ASME certification mark with
the RP designator are also included.
BPV Service Codes

This set of codes augment and support the primary set of codes mentioned above, and are
thereby referred to simply as Service Codes.
Section II Materials: Together the four parts of Section II [as listed below] comprise
a service Code to other BPVC Sections, providing material specifications adequate
for safety in the field of pressure equipment. These specifications contain requirements for chemical and mechanical properties, heat treatment, manufacture, heat and
product analyses, and methods of testing. Part A and Part B specifications are designated by SA or SB numbers, respectively, and are identical with or similar to those
of specifications published by ASTM and other recognized national or international
organizations. Part C specifications are designated by SFA numbers and are derived
from AWS specifications.
Part A Ferrous materials
Part B Nonferrous material
Part C Welding rods, Electrodes, and Filler Metal
Part D Material Properties in both Customary and Metric Units

Section V Nondestructive Examination: requirements and methods for nondestructive examination which are referenced and required by other BPVC Sections. It also
includes manufacturers examination responsibilities, duties of authorized inspectors
and requirements for qualification of personnel, inspection and examination. Examination methods are intended to detect surface and internal discontinuities in materials,
welds, and fabricated parts and components. A glossary of related terms is included.
Section IX Welding, Brazing, and Fusing Qualifications: rules relating to the qualification of welding, brazing, and fusing procedures as required by other BPVC Sections.
It also covers rules relating to the qualification and requalification of welders, brazers,
and welding and brazing operators in order that they may perform welding or brazing in
component manufacture. Welding, brazing and fusing data cover essential and nonessential variables specific to the welding, brazing or fusing process used.
Piping Codes
Piping codes fall under the ASME B31 Code for Pressure Piping Standards Committee.
Some of the various piping codes that fall under the responsibility of the B31 Committee
are the following:
B31.1 Power Piping Section Committee: The first paragraph in the scope of B31.1
reads as follows: Rules for this Code Section have been developed considering the
needs for applications that include piping typically found in electric power generating
stations, in industrial and institutional plants, geothermal heating systems, and central
and district heating and cooling systems. This code continues in great lengths, with
both text and graphics, to describe its jurisdictional scope and boundaries.
B31.3 Process Piping Section Committee: The first paragraph in the scope of B31.3
reads as follows: Rules for the Process Piping Code Section B31.31 have been developed considering piping typically found in petroleum refineries; chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, paper, semiconductor, and cryogenic plants; and related processing plants
and terminals. It goes on to state that, This Code prescribes requirements for materials and components, design, fabrication, assembly, erection, examination, inspection,
and testing of piping. It applies to all fluids including, but not limited to, raw, intermediate, and finished chemicals, petroleum products, gas, steam, air, and water, fluidized
solids, refrigerants and cryogenic fluids.
B31.4 Liquid and Slurry Piping Transportation Systems: This code, prescribes requirements for the design, materials, construction, assembly, inspection, testing, operation, and maintenance of liquid pipeline systems between production fields or facilities,
tank farms, above- or below-ground storage facilities, natural gas processing plants,
refineries, pump stations, ammonia plants, terminals (marine, rail, and truck), and other
delivery and receiving points, as well as pipelines transporting liquids within pump stations, tank farms, and terminals associated with liquid pipeline systems. This Code also
44
requirements deemed necessary

for safe design and construction of
pressure piping.
ASME code today

Presently, there are four U.S. states
and all of the provinces and territories of Canada that have adopted
and require the application and use
of the ASME B31.3 Process Piping
code in the design and construction
of a CPF. This is the only piping code
with a scope and content broad
enough to encompass the wide variety of fluids and operating conditions
found in CPI facilities.
When designing a CPI facility in a
state other than California, Kentucky,
Michigan and Oregon, the four states
that have adopted B31.3, or outside
of Canada, it is suggested by this
author that the B31.3 code be written into the design specifications for
such a facility. Even for a facility that
either has been or is currently in operation, it is essential that requirements
as comprehensive as the B31.3 piping code be an integral part of not
only the design of a new facility, but
an ongoing part of a facilitys maintenance program.
With the myriad of codes and
standards, not to mention government regulations, that apply to the
design and construction of a CPF,
how is it determined which of these
documents apply to the design and
operation of a specific facility? To
begin, we need to identify the various aspects of design, engineering
and construction for which codes
and standards will be needed. That
would include the following:
Boiler design and fabrication
Pressure vessel design & fabrication
Piping design, fabrication and
installation
Piping component design and
pressure ratings
Each of these four categories of
need are addressed in the box starting
on p. 43. Quotes taken from the respective code or standard developer
used in describing these documents
is presented in italics. Some points of
clarification are presented below.
External piping
The Boiler Code, Sections I and VII,
as applicable, will apply to the de-
OCTOBER 2016
Boiler external piping

section I & B31.1
Nonboiler external piping

B31.1 or B31.3
B31.1
B31.3
plant (CUP)
Central utility
or
B31.3
Battery limits
Steam drum
FIGURE 2. Shown here is an example of code jurisdiction and transitioning
the piping covered by this Code

[B31.1] except for that portion defined above [in Para. 100.1.2(A)]
as boiler external piping. The
implication can be made that if
B31.3 is in effect for all piping
except boiler external piping, then
nonboiler external piping can also
be covered by B31.3. These are
code boundary limits that need to
be made explicit and definitive in
procedures, guidelines, scopes
of work and drawings that are
followed by those engineers and
constructors that are designing
and constructing CPI facilities.
With the three boiler terms clarified, we can now discuss code jurisdiction as it relates to steam generation. In doing so we will begin at the
boiler proper, which, as mentioned
above, is the pressure equipment
plus its interconnecting tubing and
components that make up the boiler
package, whether preassembled or
assembled on-site. Both the administrative jurisdiction and technical

responsibility of the boiler proper is
governed by Section I of the Boiler
Code. The boiler external piping
that connects directly to the boiler
proper is an interface or transitional
segment of piping in which the administrative jurisdiction is governed
by the Section I Boiler Code, but
the technical responsibility is owned
by the B31.1 Power Piping Committee. Extent of the boiler external
piping includes the joint connection
made at the boiler proper and extends through the valve or valves as
required by B31.1 Paragraph 122.1.
While the technical responsibility of boiler external piping is governed by B31.1, the piping that connects to the boiler external piping
at a point opposite from that of the
boiler proper connection can either
be accomplished in accordance with
B31.1 or B31.3. If the owner, or their
Central utility plant (CUP)

(Containing steam generation, condensate recovery, chilled water
generation, compressed air generation, and cooling water control and
distribution)
Work on this facility performed under design/build package
B31.3 compliance
Construction boundry match line
B31.1 compliance
Boiler proper section I
CUP pipe rack
sign/build of a CPF only if a boiler

installation or modification is part of
the facility design. ASME B31.3, in
paragraph 300.1.3 Exclusions, subparagraph (b) states that among the
exclusions are, power boilers in accordance with BPV Code Section I
and boiler external piping that is required to conform to B31.1, making
it clear that boiler external piping is
excluded from the scope of B31.3.
Therefore, if the installation or modification of boiler external piping is
part of a project, then the rules and
compliance of the B31.1 Power Piping Code would go into effect, in addition to that of the B31.3 Process
Piping Code for piping other than
boiler external piping.
Boiler external piping is defined
under ASME B31.1, paragraph
100.1.2(A) as follows: Boiler external
piping shall be considered as piping
that begins where the boiler proper
terminates at: (1) the first circumferential joint for welding end connections; or (2) the face of the first flange
in bolted flanged connections; or (3)
the first threaded joint in that type of
connection; and that extends up to
and including the valve or valves required by para. 122.1. The terminal
points themselves are considered
part of the boiler external piping.
In understanding fully the jurisdictional limits, when the installation or
modification of a boiler and its associated boiler external piping is at
play, and the points at which one
safety code ends and another begins, there are two additional terms,
beyond that of boiler external piping defined above, that also need
to be understood. Those terms are
boiler proper and nonboiler external piping. These two terms are defined as follows:
Boiler proper is clarified in the
Preamble of the BPVC Section
I, in which it states that, Superheaters, economizers, and other
pressure parts connected directly
to the boiler without intervening
valves shall be considered as
parts of the boiler proper, and
their construction shall conform to
Section I rules.
Nonboiler external piping, in
accordance with B31.1, paragraph 100.1.2(B), includes all
Plant distribution pipe rack
FIGURE 3. This schematic shows piping code compliance jurisdiction
OCTOBER 2016
45
prescribes requirements for the design, materials, construction, assembly, inspection,

testing, operation, and maintenance of piping transporting aqueous slurries of nonhazardous materials such as coal, mineral ores, concentrates, and other solid materials,
between a slurry processing plant or terminal and a receiving plant or terminal.
B31.5 Refrigeration Piping and Heat Transfer Components: This code covers refrigerant, heat transfer components, and secondary coolant piping for temperatures as
low as 320F (196C), whether erected on the premises or factory assembled. Users
are advised that other piping Code Sections may provide requirements for refrigeration
piping in their respective jurisdictions. This Code does not apply to any self-contained
or unit systems subject to the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories or other nationally recognized testing laboratory. It also does not apply to water piping; piping designed for external or internal gage pressure not exceeding 15 psi (105 kPa) regardless
of size; or pressure vessels, compressors, or pumps. However, B31.5 does include all
connecting refrigerant and secondary coolant piping starting at the first joint adjacent
to such apparatus.
B31.8 Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems Section Committee: This
code, covers gas transmission and distribution piping systems, including gas pipelines, gas compressor stations, gas metering and regulation stations, gas mains, and
service lines up to the outlet of the customers meter set assembly. It includes gas transmission and gathering pipelines, including appurtenances that are installed offshore
for the purpose of transporting gas from production facilities to onshore locations; gas
storage equipment of the closed pipe type that is fabricated or forged from pipe or
fabricated from pipe and fittings; and gas storage lines.
B31.9 Building Services Section Committee: has rules for piping in industrial, institutional, commercial and public buildings, and multi-unit residences, which does not
require the range of sizes, pressures, and temperatures covered in ASMEs B31.1 Code
for Power Piping [or B31.3 Process Piping]. It includes piping systems either in the
building or within the property limits.
B31.12 Hydrogen Piping and Pipelines: This code, is applicable to piping in gaseous
and liquid hydrogen service and to pipelines in gaseous hydrogen service. B31.12
is applicable up to and including the joint connecting the piping to associated pressure
vessels and equipment but not to the vessels and equipment themselves. It is applicable to the location and type of support elements but not to the structure to which the
support elements are attached. It is divided into three parts as follows:
Part GR General Requirements: This part contains requirements applicable

to and referenced by other parts. It contains definitions and requirements for materials, welding, brazing, heat treating, forming, testing, inspection, examination,
operation, and maintenance. It also contains quality system topics common to the
other parts.
Part IP Industrial Piping: This part includes requirements for components,

design, fabrication, assembly, erection, inspection, examination, and testing of
piping.
Part PL Pipelines: This part sets forth requirements for components, design,
installation, and testing of hydrogen pipelines.
Piping Standard
The Bioprocessing Equipment (BPE) is considered a standard and is adjunct to the B31.3
piping code. Both documents are intended to work in tandem where high purity fluid services have been designated in accordance with B31.3. This standard provides the essential
elements in the design, material of construction, fabrication, and installation of both piping
and equipment. It goes beyond the precept of a construction code in providing design elements as an integral part of its requisite criteria. The Introduction in paragraph GR-1 states,
in part: The ASME Bioprocessing Equipment Standard was developed to aid in the design
and construction of new fluid processing equipment used in the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals, where a defined level of purity and bioburden control is required.
But the standard goes further to make clear a much broader scope and use of the standard in paragraph G-2 where it states, in part: The ASME BPE Standard provides requirements for systems and components that are subject to cleaning and sanitization and/or
sterilization including systems that are cleaned in place (CIPd) and/or steamed in place
(SIPd) and/or other suitable processes used in the manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals.
This Standard also provides requirements for single use systems and components used in
the above listed systems and components. This Standard may be used, in whole or in part,
for other systems and components where bioburden risk is a concern.
Piping Directive of the European Community.

The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), regarding harmonization of national safety laws
by and for European Member States, in what is referred to collectively as the European
46
engineering representative has specified the project piping code (plant

wide) to be B31.3 then it would make
sense to make the transition from the
boiler external piping to the nonboiler
external piping in accordance with
B31.3 at that point. Graphically, such
a transitioning of codes would look
like that shown in Figure 2. An option, as indicated at the Battery Limits line, would be to retain B31.1 up
to the battery limits then make the
transition to B31.3 upon leaving the
central utility plant (CUP) limits.
Further to the above point, regarding the transition from boiler external
piping to nonboiler external piping,
that transition could also be based
on contractual battery limits. Meaning that, should a contract package
be written for the design/build of a
boiler facility or CUP, piping for the
entire design/build package could be
governed by B31.1 up to the battery
limits (see Figures 2 and 3) as defined in the contract. Beyond those
battery limits a transition to the plantwide compliance of B31.3 could
then be made.
To be clear: battery limits is a
term used in engineering and construction as a means to establish
definable boundaries that can either
be fictitious or physical boundaries. In many cases the battery limits
established during design and construction are carried over into plant
operations to use those boundary
limits or create new ones to be used
for plant-wide accounting breakout
and maintenance purposes.
The ASME Boiler Code is required
compliance in all U.S. states except
Idaho and Wyoming, and is also required in all Canadian Provinces and
Territories, and is recognized in more
than 112 countries worldwide. The
Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
is the boiler-code counterpart in the
E.U., and the India Boiler Regulation
(IBR) is the counterpart in India.
Pressure vessels
The design and fabrication of pressure vessels will fall under Section
VIII (metallic) or Section X (nonmetallic) of the BPVC. These are selfcontained equipment items that
may contain integrated components
and supplemental equipment, such
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Economic Area (EEA), includes oversight of design, manufacture, testing and compliance
requirements of pressure equipment and assemblies of pressure equipment. This Directive
applies to the design, manufacture and conformity assessment of pressure equipment and
assemblies of pressure equipment with a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0.5 bar
gage pressure (1.5 bar absolute pressure). The term allowable pressure is defined in the
PED as the pressure rating for an assembly or device.
Piping Component Standards

For this discussion, the term piping component includes pipe, tubing, fittings, flanges
(plus other mechanical type piping joint assemblies), line blanks, valves, and miscellaneous items associated with piping systems. There are accredited standards for each of
these pressure-containing or pressure-restraining components (see online version of this
article for Table A, a partial, modified replication of ASME B31.3 Table 326.1, at www.
chemengonline.com). Such standards, as those found in B31.3 Table 326.1, are referred
to as listed standards. A listed standard is defined in B31.3 as: a material or component
that conforms to a specification in Appendix A, Appendix B, or Appendix K or to a standard
in Table 326.1, A326.1, or K326.1.
The following are titles of the above referenced Appendices and Tables:
Appendix A: Allowable Stresses and Quality Factors for Metallic Piping and Bolting Materials
Appendix B: Stress Tables and Allowable Pressure Tables for Nonmetals
Appendix K: Allowable Stresses for High Pressure Piping
Table 326.1: Component Standards (for metallic components)
Table A326.1: Component Standards (for nonmetallic components)
Table K326.1: Component Standards (for high pressure metallic components)
The difference, under B31.3, between listed and unlisted is that, listed components,
in accordance with B31.3 paragraph 303, shall be considered suitable for use at pressuretemperature ratings in accordance with para. 302.2.1 [Listed Components Having
Established Ratings.] or para. 302.2.2 [Listed Components Not Having Specific Ratings], as
applicable. Unlisted components, on the other hand, shall conform to B31.3 paragraph
304, which states that such designation is, intended for pressure design of components
not covered in Table 326.1, but may be used for a special or more-rigorous design of such
components, or to satisfy requirements of para. 302.2.2 [Listed Components Not Having
Specific Ratings.]. Designs shall be checked for adequacy of mechanical strength as described in para. 302.5 [Mechanical Strength]. Paragraph 302.5 states, in its first sentence
that, Designs shall be checked for adequacy of mechanical strength under applicable loadings. It then goes on to state various qualifiers with regard to that statement.
as a bayonet-type heat exchanger,

coils, dip tubes, spargers, eductors
and agitators, to name a few. Such
items may be delivered to the job
site pre-installed in or on the pressure vessel, or delivered separately
and installed on-site. Design, construction and testing of these added
components may fall separately
under code or standardized requirements specific to their own characteristics. But the mounting design
and affected load demands on the
pressure vessel will be part of the
Section VIII or X code requirements.
What is often referred to as the
pressure boundary of a Section
VIII pressure vessel, is defined in
Section VIII under Part U-1 Scope,
with regard to the extent or boundary limits of the code, as defined
in paragraph U-1(e), which states
the following: U-1(e) In relation to
geometry of pressure-containing
parts, the scope of this Division
shall include the following: U-1(e)
48
(1) where external piping; other

pressure vessels including heat exchangers; or mechanical devices,
such as pumps, mixers, or compressors, are to be connected to
the vessel: (a) the welding end connection for the first circumferential
joint for welded connections [see
UW-13(h); (b) the first threaded joint
for screwed connections; (c) the
face of the first flange for bolted,
flanged connections; (d) the first
sealing surface for proprietary connections or fittings.
It goes on to elaborate on nonpressure parts welded internally or
externally directly to a pressure vessel, pressure-containing covers for
vessel openings and so on.
In accordance with Section VIII,
paragraph UG-98 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure: UG-98(a)
The maximum allowable working
pressure for a vessel is the maximum pressure permissible at the
top of the vessel in its normal opCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
erating position at the designated

coincident temperature specified for
that pressure
The pressure rating of a vessel so
rated in accordance with UG-98(a),
will not itself be affected by the attachment of valves or instruments
connected directly to the vessel. What
is affected is the system or assembly
rating in which the vessel has become
a part. A piping system or assembly
has a maximum pressure rating that
cannot exceed that of the rating of the
weakest component or equipment
item in the system or assembly.
The service codes, as mentioned
earlier, will provide the engineer with
the mechanical properties of listed
material found under Section II.
Section V explains the specifics of
non-destructive examination (NDE)
requirements. And Section IX provides not only qualification requirements for welding, brazing and fusing procedures; welders; brazers;
and welding, brazing and fusing operators, but also provides suggested
forms to use in documenting such
procedures and requirements.
Up to this point, things have been
largely straightforward with regard
to selecting codes that apply to key
processing elements, such as boilers and pressure vessels, equipment essential to the manufacture of
chemicals, food products, fuels and
pharmaceuticals. The use and application of codes, such as the BPVC,
are extremely complex and requires
expert experience and know-how to
properly navigate, interpret and apply
the requirements appropriately.
The ASME Pressure Vessel Code
is required compliance in all but
eleven states, namely: Conn., Fla.,
Idaho, La., Mich., Mont., N.M., S.C.,
S.D., Tex. and W.Va. It is also required compliance in all Canadian
Provinces and Territories, and is recognized in more than 112 countries
worldwide. The PED is the counterpart in the E.U.
Assigning piping codes

With piping systems transporting a
broad range of chemical and utility
fluids throughout a CPI facilitys multiple processing units, it can become
a little disconcerting to decide what
piping code or standard applies
OCTOBER 2016
to what piping system. From a CPI

standpoint, the piping codes that
could be of interest include:
B31.1 Power Piping
B31.3 Process Piping
B31.4 Liquid and Slurry Piping
Transportation Systems
B31.5 Refrigeration Piping and
Heat Transfer Components Code
B31.9 Building Services Piping
B31.12 Hydrogen Piping and
Pipelines
Bioprocessing Equipment (BPE)
E.U. PED
As mentioned, there are four U.S.
states (California, Kentucky, Michigan
and Oregon), along with all of the Canadian Provinces and Territories that
have codified ASME B31.3. A facility, either currently operating or being
designed and built and located anywhere else on this planet, will find it
necessary to adopt the B31.3 piping
code procedurally, making it a contractual obligation, if they require the
facility to be designed, constructed or
maintained under the rules of that, or
any other piping code they so choose.
In jurisdictions that have codified
the B31.3 piping code for CPI facilities, it becomes requisite that the piping design and construction for any
such facility be done in accordance
with the requirements of B31.3. And
while the ability to design and construct all piping in accordance with a
single code greatly simplifies the engineering and construction process,
there are circumstances, and indeed
requirements in some cases, in which
multiple piping codes and standards
for a single facility would be logistically more beneficial and pragmatic.
In consideration of this, the various
ASME codes and standards, and to
a large degree the European PED,
are harmonized in order to allow for
such stacking of codes.
Central utility facility. Figure 4 represents the hypothetical layout of,
what is referred to here as a central
utility plant (CUP). But such a facility
might also be referred to as a boiler
house, energy facility, utility building,
or any number of other terminologies
that lend a descriptive name to such
a utilitarian facility. Packing this facility with multiple utility systems gives
us a microcosm example of code
jurisdictions either as codified or asCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Steam generation
H2 generation
Compressed air generation
Chilled water generation
Water treatment
Condensate recovery
Chemical treatment
Treated water
Storage
Water
Filtration
Cooling tower
Pumps
Motor-control center &

power distribution
Storage
FIGURE 4. Shown here is the arrangement for a hypothetical central utility plant
contractual requirements.
But before focusing on the CUP facility, a governing piping code needs
to be designated for the entire plant
site or facility. Since this is a chemical processing facility, the governing
code, either by statutory regulation
or by common-sense edict, will, for
reasons given earlier, be the ASME
B31.3 Process Piping code. And depending on the varied types of processing and utility-service operating
or processing units within this facility,
other codes and standards may be
applied as needed, such as those
that will be shown in the CUP facility
example discussed below.
Assigning code requirements, as a
contractual obligation for the engineer
and constructor, is a process of nuancing regulatory requirements and
making pragmatic choices. In referring again to Figure 4, we will assign
governing codes and standards in a
way that will meet regulatory requirements, as well as assign codes based
on more philosophical and pragmatic
engineering methodologies.
Assigning codes and standards
to the piping in a facility is done in
a somewhat hierarchical manner.
The implication is that there will be
an overarching, or governing piping code for, in this case, the CUP
facility, in which the requirements of
all other codes and standards within
the CUP will need to address different subject matter, or be equal to or
more stringent in their requirements
than that of the governing code.
The overall governing code within
the CUP facility is the ASME B31.1
Power Piping code. This code directly
impacts the steam, water, condensate and compressed-air piping systems, while the chemical-treatment
piping system falls under the added
requirements of B31.3 Process Pip-
OCTOBER 2016
ing, and the hydrogen generation

piping system falls under the guidance and requirements of B31.12
Hydrogen Piping and Pipelines.
In broadening the scope of this
discussion, we will address the assignment of piping codes on a plantwide basis. It was mentioned earlier
that, Since this is a chemical processing facility the governing code,
either by statutory regulation or by
common sense edict, will be the
ASME B31.3 Process Piping code.
Adopting B31.3 for the entire plant
site does two major things:
First, it puts in place the requirement under B31.3, paragraph
300(a)(b)(1) in stating that, The
owner of a piping installation shall
have overall responsibility for compliance with this [B31.3] Code, and
for establishing the requirements for
design, construction, examination,
inspection, and testing that will govern the entire fluid handling or process installation of which the piping
is a part. The owner is also responsible for designating piping
in Category D, Category M, High
Pressure, and High Purity Fluid
Services, and for determining if
a specific Quality System is to be
employed. [See paragraphs 300(d)
(4) through (7) and Appendix Q.]
Where applicable, the owner shall
consider requirements imposed by
the authority having jurisdiction regarding the piping installation.
Selecting and assigning a fluid service category to every fluid service in
a facility is an essential element in determining the selection and application of materials, components, and
joints. These fluid service requirements also, include prohibitions,
limitations, and conditions, such as
temperature limits or a requirement
for safeguarding. The degree of re49
Labs/research/testing (LTR)
Process unit 2
Process unit 6
Process unit 3
Admin. bldg.
Process unit 5
CUP
Process unit 4
Process unit 1
Tank farm
FIGURE 6. Here is the arrangement for a hypothetical CPI facility
TABLE 1. PIPING CODE ASSIGNMENTS PER IN-PLANT FACILITY

In-plant facility
Governing piping code
Process unit 1
Process unit 2
Process unit 3
Process unit 4 (fermentation step)
Process unit 5
Process unit 6
Central utility plant (CUP)
Tank Farm
Laboratory/research/testing facility
Administration building
B31.3
BPE
quired inspection and testing is also

based on a piping systems designated fluid service category.
Secondly, in selecting the B31.3
Process Piping code as the plantwide governing piping code, overall coverage is provided throughout
the plant site, with the exception of
boiler external piping, as described
above. There is no other piping code
with the breadth of coverage provided under B31.3. But there are
circumstances, much like those described in assigning codes within the
CUP example above, in which it may
be more appropriate and logistically
make more sense to specify requirements under another piping code
other than B31.3 or to augment
the B31.3 piping code with another
code or standard.
CPI facility. We will now step through
the process of assigning piping
codes to the hypothetical CPI plant
layout shown in Figure 6. Table 1
shows that the governing plant-wide
piping code for our hypothetical CPI
facility is B31.3, with augmenting
codes, if any, recommended for the
facility. So, process units 1, 2, 3, 5,
6, and the tank farm can all be designed in accordance with B31.3. It
is recommended that process unit 4,
50
Code augmentation
B31.1/B31.3/B31.12
B31.9/B31.5
International Plumbing Code
the CUP, laboratory/research/testing

(LRT) facility, and administration building specify the inclusion of additional
code requirements.
Process unit 4. Process unit 4
has a fermentation step in the process. The fermentation system itself
will require a cleanable approach to
system design in order to safeguard
the system against batch upsets and
non-conformance issues due to bacterial infection. Infection caused by
bacterial residue from one batch to
another is caused by a system that is
not properly designed for cleanability.
While many fermentation systems
used in manufacturing products
outside the high-purity demands
of the pharmaceutical, food and
beverage industries do not require
the full scope of the ASME Bioprocessing Equipment (BPE) Standard,
BPE does provide the guidance on
cleanability needed in other industries outside the purview of the U.S.
Food and Drug Admin. (FDA) regulation, such as the biofuel industry.
Handling yeast or a bacteria in a fermentation process requires a cleaning protocol that prevents the onset
of bacterial infection and growth on
the process-contact surfaces of a
piping system. Such lack of considCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
eration for the design of a fermentation system that possesses the essential ability to be properly cleaned
on a regular basis, will be at the detriment of production yield.
Installing a fermentation system
that integrates a clean-in-place (CIP)
or steam-in-place (SIP) system is imperative. In providing guidance and
understanding of that philosophy, the
BPE Standard becomes an essential
part of the design and construction
process for such a facility. The engineer must pull from the standard
only those cleanability elements of
design and construction that pertain
to their particular needs.
Central utility plant. As alluded
to earlier, the CUP facility has been
packaged out, which means the battery limits have been established and
defined, and everything within those
battery limits is done under a packaged contract separate from that of
the rest of the plantsite. In this way
the CUP part of the plant-wide project can be bid to perhaps design/
build groups that specialize in such
utility facilities. In this case, we can
isolate the CUP facility from the rest
of the plant. Following the code-assignment decision tree shown in Figure 7, we can specify B31.1 as the
governing code. This keeps with the
need to meet or exceed the requirements of B31.3 with regard to the
fluid services contained in the CUP.
But because of the chemical treatment piping, B31.3 will be specified,
and for the hydrogen piping, B31.12
will be specified. Both codes augment B31.1.
Laboratories/research/testing facility (LRT). The relatively low pressure, ambient temperature and narrow range of fluid services found in
laboratories, research and testing
facilities typically fall within the scope
of ASME B31.9. If refrigeration piping
is required in the facility, then B31.5
can be included. For chemical piping that may fall outside the scope of
B31.9 the overarching requirements
for the plant-wide B31.3 code can
be implemented as well. And when
more than one code is included in
design, it will be necessary to identify and define the limits as to exactly
where the code boundaries exist for
each piping system.
OCTOBER 2016
Administration building. The only

piping typically found in an administration building would be considered
plumbing, which is outside the scope
of the ASME piping codes. Compliance plumbing codes for such a facility
will be either the International Plumbing Code or those written or adopted
and codified by the governing jurisdiction where the facility is located.
Modifications, repairs, retrofits

ASME B31.3 paragraph 300(c)(2)
states the following: This Code is
not intended to apply to the operation, examination, inspection, testing,
maintenance, or repair of piping that
has been placed in service. The provisions of this Code may optionally be
applied for those purposes, although
other considerations may also be
necessary. In making that statement the code is, in fact, acknowledging that while it can be, and most
certainly is used for guidance and
contractual directives for piping that
has been or is in-service, there are
indeed fitness-for-service (FFS) considerations that need to be assessed
(for instance, corrosion or erosion to
the pipe wall, pitting, under-insulation
corrosion, localized dynamic pressure impacts, and so on). A topic
such as FFS is too broad to cover
here, but details can be found in API
579-1/ASME FFS-1 Fitness-forService standard for guidance.
Before continuing with this topic
it must be understood that this discussion goes beyond the scope of
B31.3. As with this entire article, any
guidance or stated recommendations within this brief section are also
those of the author and are not those
of any particular code.
The more complex issue of FFS
aside, explicit code requirements,
when it comes to making modifications, repairs or retrofits to in-service
piping systems, are not just a little
vague, they are non-existent. Determining how the more current code
requirements should blend with an
existing system that was designed,
constructed and installed in accordance with an earlier version of
perhaps the same code is left to
the user. This intentional avoidance
in the code, of providing guidance
or recommendations with regard to
Are there fluid services other than

the following?
Water for heating and cooling
Condensing water
Steam and other condensate
Other nontoxic liquids
Steam
Vacuum
Compressed air
Other nontoxic, nonflammable gases
Combustible liquids, including fuel oil
Yes
Can a large percentage of the

fluid services be considered
Yes
process chemicals?
No
Are there piping materials other

than the following?
Carbon steel: NPS 30 and 0.500 in. wt
Stainless steel: NPS12 and 0.500
in. wt
Aluminum: NPS 12
Brass: NPS 12
Copper: 12.5 in. OD copper tubing
Thermoplastic: NPS 14
Ductile iron: NPS 18
Reinforced thermosetting resin: 14 in.
Materials per B31.9 Chapter III
Yes
Will a large percentage

of the piping materials be
considered for use in process
chemical service?
Yes
ASME B31.3
Process Piping Code
No
Are there fluid service pressures

that exceed the following?
Yes
Can design pressure be the

result of chemical reaction?
Yes
Yes
Can design temperatures

be the result of chemical
reaction?
Yes
Yes
Is there boiler external

piping?
No
Steam and condensate: 150 psig

Liquids: 350 psig
Vacuum: 1 atm external pressure
Compressed air and gas: 150 psig
No
Are there fluid service temperatures that exceed the following?

Steam and condensate: 366oF
Other gases and vapors: 200oF
Other nonflammable liquids: 250oF
Minimum temperature of 0oF
No
Is there boiler external piping that

exceeds the following conditions?
For steam boilers, 15 psig max
For water heating units, 160 psig max,
and 250oF max
No
Consider ASME B31.9
Building Services Piping Code
Consider ASME B31.1

Power Piping Code
FIGURE 7. A decision tree for determining the piping code required
working with or connecting to existing piping systems, is in keeping

with its scope. The question then
becomes how to properly reconcile
the transitional interface of the old
system with that of the new piping
and equipment while still maintaining
the essential elements of the code.
In other words, it is an attempt to follow, not the word of the code, but
rather its philosophical intent. That is
therefore the intent of the following.
The first step when modifying, repairing or retrofitting a processing
system that has been in operation
for a period of time, is in understanding the following: so long as the operating or design conditions have not
changed, or the piping modified, the
designated code under which the
original design, fabrication and installation were performed can remain in
OCTOBER 2016
effect. Only those segments of piping to which a tie-in (TI) connection is

made or a piping segment otherwise
modified to the extent that the pressure containing integrity of that segment of piping has been altered, will
need to comply with the most current B31.3 piping code.
In making the assumption in the
following example that all operating
and design conditions will remain
unchanged with regard to a modified
existing piping system, all unchanged
piping will remain under the same
earlier issue of the code under which
it was designed, fabricated and installed. However, when modifying,
repairing, or otherwise tying into an
existing piping system, the following
guidelines are recommended:
At the tie-in interface point when
connecting new piping to an
51
Existing, in accordance with

earlier ASME B31.3
New and existing, in accordance

with current ASME B31.3
TI
Cut and dismantle existing

section of piping.
Insert line blind at flange joint for

leak test. From this point to tie-in
accordance with current B31.3
TI
Existing, in accordance
with earlier ASME B31.3
New and existing, in

accordance with current
ASME B31.3
FIGURE 8. Shown here is the difference between the tie-in (TI) point, where the new piping connects to existing piping, and the point further along the existing piping at which the most current code issue will apply
existing system the following are

recommended:
A new weld joint connection
made to an existing pipe shall
comply with all applicable
requirements as stated in the
most current code at the time
the project specifications were
written and agreed to, or, in
the case of a repair or modification, at the time the work
ENSURE
YOUR
PROCESS
PIPING
INTEGRITY
order was written

When connecting to an existing flange, whether on pipe or
as an integral part of a component or equipment item, it shall
be inspected and approved as
being compliant and without
sufficient damage or distortion
to be cause for rejection
Including the tie-in interface point,
a leak test shall be performed on
both the entire portion of a newly

installed piping system and that
portion of the existing system
extending from the tie-in interface
to a point at which the existing
section of piping can be blocked
in a manner that will withstand
leak-test pressure
All rules of the most current code
should apply, not only to all of the
newly added piping, but also to
that portion of the existing piping
circuit included in the leak test
The following guidance attempts
to bring a philosophical approach to
how the code may still be utilized and
where its boundaries lie. The above
bullet points describe the difference
between the tie-in point, where the
new piping connects to the existing
piping, and the point further along the
existing piping at which the most current code issue will apply. As shown in
Figure 8, that difference, or segment
of piping, is represented by the existing piping that lies between the TI
indication and the existing flange joint
in which a line blind is inserted. This
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52
OCTOBER 2016
makes that line segment the extent of

existing piping covered by the requirements of the most current code issue.
Bear in mind that the basis and
methodology for how new piping
systems, repairs or modifications are
integrated into an existing system
are done so at the prerogative of the
owner. It is recommended here that,
when engineering the integration of
new piping with existing piping, due
diligence be performed in ascertaining the quality and integrity of the existing piping system. The years in service and the degree to which harsh
service conditions or environment
may affect the piping will certainly
dictate the extent to which a system
is examined and analyzed. Such examination and analysis entails, but is
not limited to, the following concerns:
Wall thickness examination (establish minimum criteria before
examination)
Examination for under-insulation
corrosion
Determine condition of bolts,
flanges, and other mechanical
joint hardware
Examine for pitting and stress corrosion cracking
Look for damage resulting from
natural forces
Look for damage resulting from
human error (heavy equipment impact, standing, or otherwise overloading small diameter pipelines)
Damage having occurred during
excavation
There is much more involved with
integrating new piping systems with
existing piping systems. But the
above should provide a degree of
information sufficient to at least develop a process and procedure to
assess and document the condition
of the existing piping prior to proceeding with making modifications.
Other piping-related standards

This article has focused mainly on the
ASME codes and standards relative
to piping and equipment. Even when
augmenting a primary piping code,
such as B31.3, it was done so with
additional ASME codes. And while the
primary and even secondary codes
and standards are created by ASME,
there are additional standards that
focus on added safety considerations,
comprehensive design requirements

and methodologies for specific fluids.
Rather than provide an exhaustive,
but potentially incomplete listing of all
of the possible standards and guidelines that might be of interest, a list of
the standards developers and other
organizations that create and publish
such standards and guidelines is provided (Table B) with the online version
of this article at www.chemengonline.
com. A brief listing is given below. n
Edited by Gerald Ondrey
Organizations
1. American Gas Association (AGA; www.aga.org).
2. American Petroleum Institute (API; www.api.org).
3. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME;
www.asme.org).
4. ASTM International (www.astm.org).
5. British Standards Institute (BSI; www.bsigroup.com).
6. Compressed Gas Association (CGA; www.cganet.com).
7. European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group
(EHEDG; www.ehedg.org).
8. International Organization for Standardization
(ISO; www.iso.org).
9. International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers
(ISPE: www.ispe.org).
10. NACE International (www.nace.org).
11. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA; www.nfpa.org).
12. Pressure Equipment Directive (PED: http://eur-lex.
europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1474018784
663&uri=CELEX:32014L0068)
13. Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association, Inc.
(TEMA; www.tema.org).
Author
William M. (Bill) Huitt has been
involved in industrial piping design,
engineering and construction since
1965. Positions have included design engineer, piping design instructor, project engineer, project
supervisor, piping department supervisor, engineering manager and
president of piping consulting firm
W.M. Huitt Co. (P.O. Box 31154, St.
Louis, MO 63131-0154; Phone: 314-966-8919; Email:
mhuitt@aol.com; URL: www.wmhuittco.com), which
he founded in 1987. His experience covers both the
engineering and construction fields crossing industry
lines to include work on petroleum refining, chemical,
petrochemical, pharmaceutical, pulp & paper, nuclear
power, biofuel, and coal gasification. In addition to writing numerous specifications, guidelines, papers and
magazine articles on the topic of piping design and engineering, he has also authored Bioprocessing Piping
and Equipment Design A companion guide for the
ASME BPE Standard, which is considered the companion guide on the ASME Bioprocessing Equipment standard. Huitt is a past member of ISPE and CSI, and is a
current member of ASME. He is a member of the B31.3
section committee, B31.3 Subgroup H on High Purity
Piping, a member of four ASME-BPE subcommittees and
several Task Groups, ASME Board on Conformity Assessment for BPE Certification where he serves as vice
chair, a member of the API Task Group for RP-2611, and
he serves on two corporate specification review boards.
Huitt also authored the training program and provides
training to ASME consultants wishing to audit applicants
for ASME BPE Certification.
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OCTOBER 2016
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Feature Report
Coupler Technologies
for Secure Chemical
Handling
Significant improvement in reducing fluid loss, optimizing flow paths and easing operation are
among the advances in next-generation coupler technologies
David Morrow
OPW Engineering
Systems
IN BRIEF
KNOW WHAT IS NEEDED
PLUNGING AHEAD
DOUBLE BALL-VALVE
COUPLERS
ccording to the National Response

Centers (NRC) Spills and Accidents database, which collects
data on toxic chemical spills and
other accidents ranging from an oil sheen on
water to the release of thousands of gallons,
there were a total of 26,987 reported spill
incidents in the U.S. in 2015. State-by-state,
they ranged from a high of 3,228 reported
events in Louisiana to a low of 35 incidents
in South Dakota.
Across those state-specific numbers,
42% of the spill events involved mobile vehicles, 30% took place at a fixed site and
11% occurred at a storage tank, platform or
54
FIGURE 1. CPI site operators must be certain that the liquidtransfer equipment and loading systems they employ, including dry-disconnect couplers, constantly meet the highest
levels of quality and safe, reliable operation
pipeline. In other words, those three categories accounted for 83% of the total number
of incidents in 2015. Looking at the causes
of these chemical spills and accidents, 24%
were due to equipment failure, while operator error and transport accidents both accounted for 7% of the total.
Knowing these numbers, its not hard to
imagine a great deal of sleepless nights for
the people who manufacture, store, transport, dose, blend, mix, bottle and packWWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM
OCTOBER 2016
age finished chemical products or

their feedstocks as the ever-present
threat of a catastrophic spill hangs
precariously over their heads. The
complexity of chemicals processing
facilities (Figure 1) demands excellence with regard to safety and security. Because of the many transfer points in the manufacturing and
handling supply chains in the chemical process industries (CPI), operators must constantly ensure that
their liquid-transfer equipment and
loading systems are of the highest
quality and reliability.
This includes the loading arms,
hoses and disconnects that are
used to transfer chemical products
and feedstocks from, for example,
barges, railcars, transport vehicles
and pipelines to storage tanks, and
from production lines to bottling,
packaging and tote-filling operations. This article details the operation of various types of dry-disconnect couplers, and illustrates how
selecting the proper style of coupler
can help increase safety, optimize
flowrates and prevent the types
of costly and dangerous chemical spills or accidents that the NRC
so fervently monitors.
Know what is needed

In general, designing and constructing a loading system for chemicals
is a complex process. Many different variables must be accounted
for, and no two systems are ever
exactly alike. For example, will finished products or raw feedstocks
be loaded onto or unloaded from
railcars, barges, pipelines or tanker
trucks? Will the loading and unloading take place from bottom outlet
valves on the transport vehicles, or
will they be top-loading operations,
which will require the use of loading
arms and support structures? All of
these questions are critical considerations and their answers will help
determine which specific loadingsystem components will be required.
This also means that the engineers
who fashion these systems and their
individual components must work
closely with users to create systems
that meet unique needs, while also
building units that deliver reliability
and safety. Before a loading system
POPPET-STYLE VERSUS BALL-VALVE DRY

DISCONNECT COUPLERS
The differing operational mechanisms of poppet and ball-valve dry-disconnect couplers are
described in the sections below.
Poppet Style Design
When utilizing poppet-style disconnects, liquid transfer is initiated when the poppets are
opened by the operator (Step 1). The liquid transfer is completed when the operator closes
the poppets (Step 2). However, at this time, a small amount of liquid can be trapped, and
during disconnection, it is possible that the trapped liquid can escape, leading to a minor
product spill (Step 3).
Ball-Valve Style Design
The operation of double ball-valve dry disconnects allows a convex ball to seat with a concave ball when the valve is opened (Step 1). This straight-through design allows the liquid
to transfer through the adaptor and coupling with no reduction in flowrate (Step 2). Upon
disconnection there are no cavities created in which product can nest, meaning no product
will be spilled. This no-spill operation is accomplished through the use of five independent
and redundant mechanical interlocks that require deliberate sequential action by users,
thereby eliminating unintentional spills and catastrophic chemical releases.
is ever installed and the first ounce

of chemical transferred, the following are some of the most important
operational considerations that must
be taken into account:
Is it a top-, bottom- or sideloading application? Knowing the
configuration will help determine
the overall design of the system
What are the ambient weather
conditions where the system will
be used, and will the equipment
encounter extremely cold or hot
temperatures? Environmental
conditions must always be taken
into consideration when working with chemicals that possess
unique traits
Do the products being handled
produce extreme temperatures
that must be accounted for? If
so, proper metals and elastomers
for these temperature conditions
must be used
What type of products will the
OCTOBER 2016
loading system be used for?

Temperature, corrosiveness and
viscosity are just some of the
considerations here
Will any type of cleaning or purging procedure be employed?
What materials of construction
(metals, elastomers and so on)
are most compatible with the
products to be handled? Materials that are not compatible with
products to be handled are more
susceptible to failures that can
lead to catastrophic spill incidents
How long must the loading arms
be? The precise dimensions
of the loading system must be
known and the system designed
to exactly meet those parameters
Will railcars or trucks need to be
spotted from various distances,
requiring more flexibility?
What level of product flowrates
will be required? Loading and unloading times must be optimized,
55
FIGURE 2. Numerous variables and components

must be carefully considered when designing a
loading system to ensure that leaks are kept to
a minimum
especially at facilities where high

volumes of finished products and
feedstocks must be transferred
on a daily basis
Will any specialized welding be
needed for the job? More specifically, is it a hygienic or sanitary
application that requires a special
weld procedure to ensure that
there is no buildup of bacteria on
2465
3
the interior of the loading arm or

its components?
What is the design of the support structure, and is it capable of
handling heavier, longer loading
arms?
Are there any specialized material-handling requirements that
must be accounted for? For
example, will the system be handling a chemical that can explode
in the presence of air, which
would necessitate an entirely
leak-free operation?
Is the loading system ergonomically designed so that it is not
only safe for the application, but
also minimizes the physical demands on the operator?
While all of these questions are
crucial to designing the proper loading system, many operators, oftentimes by necessity, are known as
first cost equipment buyers, meaning that they look for equipment with
a low initial cost, regardless of brand
or quality. However, while the initial
cost may be low, these operators
can expect higher costs on the back

end in the form of increased maintenance and downtime, service and
replacement charges, not to mention the incalculable cost incurred if
a high-profile incident occurs, such
as an equipment failure that results
in the leak of a hazardous chemical.
Another item to consider is the potential damage to the environment
and the facilitys reputation that can
occur when failing equipment results
in a product leak that can lead to
personal injury or contamination to
the air, soil or groundwater.
Facility operators who are quick
to embrace low initial cost for their
loading-system purchases would
be wise to first conduct a lifecycle
cost analysis (LCA) for their site.
This would include not only the first
cost of the equipment, but cost
estimates for any subsequent maintenance, service and replacement
instances that can result in excessive loading-system downtime or an
environmental incident. Those that
do complete an LCA will find more
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56
OCTOBER 2016
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for hydrogenation and drying
Information and registration:
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workshops-and-seminars
FIGURE 3. Maximized product flowrates and shutoff reliability in the coupling connection allow for improved product containment
often than not that choosing equipment based on quality construction

is a much better choice than relying
solely on price first.
Even after acknowledging and
addressing the questions that must
be considered before deciding on
the proper loading system for the
operation, finding the operational
optimum in manufacturing and
handling requires many specific
steps to be completed succinctly
and reliably. Consider the transfer of liquids in the process as
mentioned, there are many specific
transfer points that must be taken
into account, and throughout the
myriad liquid-transfer processes,
chemical manufacturers and handlers aim to optimize two critical
areas: the safety of production personnel and the environment; and
the time needed to complete the
manufacturing process.
Ensuring personal and environmental safety is important because
not only the end products, but also
many of the raw materials used in
chemical manufacture, can be volatile, hazardous or corrosive from
general categories like acids and
solvents to more specific formulations such as butadiene, xylene and
toluene so they therefore must be
treated with the utmost respect and
properly contained.
Additionally, preventing spills or
leaks is vital because any that occur,
besides being dangerous on various
levels, have the potential to interrupt the production schedule, which
not only delays product completion, but can also lead to the loss
of high-value, expensive ingredients
and the incurrence of prohibitive
cleanup costs.
Plunging ahead
When considering the dry-disconnect couplers that will play an important and prominent role at the end of
hoses and loading arms in the safe
transfer of hazardous chemicals and
their feedstocks, a certain type of
technology has charged to the forefront over the years. This technology
is referred to in the industry as either
a bayonet-and-plunger or poppet
style dry-disconnect coupler.
The bayonet-and-plunger drydisconnect coupler technology has
gained acceptance because its
design and operation possesses
a number of benefits for the user.
Most importantly, there is relatively
little fluid loss when the coupler is
disconnected as little as 0.5 mL
of fluid, or the equivalent of 1/10th
of a teaspoon. These couplers are
also generally equipped with safety
locks that prevent the coupler from
opening accidentally as the liquid is
flowing through it.
Most brands of bayonet-andplunger couplers are lightweight
and easy to maneuver, which eliminates undue operational stress and
strain on hoses and loading arms,
as well as the person operating the
loading system. Their low cost also
makes them attractive to manufacturers who are looking to streamline
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capital expenditures and protect the

operations bottom line.
With all that being said, bayonetand-plunger couplers do have several operational characteristics that
can potentially limit their optimal
application in chemical manufacturing settings. First, while an extremely small amount of fluid may
be lost during disconnection, there
are other coupler technologies that
have been proven to lose less fluid.
From an operational standpoint,
the biggest shortfall of bayonetand-plunger couplers is their internal design, which puts a number of
parts in direct contact with the fluid
flow. Any type of flowrate restriction will negatively affect the production process. For example, if an
engineer specifies a 2-in. line and a
bayonet-and-plunger coupler with a
2-in. I.D. is installed, the flowrate will
actually be less than what is to be
expected from a free-flow 2-in. line
because the liquid will have to work
its way around the coupler parts
that it comes into contact with. This

may also necessitate the installation of a larger-than-necessary
2.5- or 3-in. coupler, which can be
more expensive.
Additionally, the bayonet-andplunger couplers internal components (things such as springs,
guides and poppets) can also create
areas where the liquid can collect
and nest, which makes it difficult to
clear the lines and maintain a clean
pumping environment. This is especially true when handling liquids with
higher viscosities.
Bayonet-and-plunger
couplers
can be at a disadvantage when
manufacturers choose to incorporate a closed-loop fluid-transfer
system. The drawback is that in a
closed-loop system, there may be
numerous valves deployed, meaning that, at some point, the closing of two valves will leave product
trapped in the hose between the
closed valves. The pressure that
is created when the downstream
58
valve is subsequently opened has

the potential to damage the drydisconnect coupler downstream
of it, which can lead to leaks and
product spills.
Lastly, bayonet-and-plunger couplers are harder to repair or maintain inline because of the number
of parts they contain. In fact, many
bayonet-and-plunger suppliers require the coupler to be removed
and returned to the manufacturer
for repairs. If the coupler can be
repaired in the field, the number of
steps in the repair process, along
with the number of parts to consider, can make it difficult or confusing for the maintenance technician,
which could result in a repair job
that leaves the coupler vulnerable to
less than optimum operation and an
increased risk of leaks or spills.
Double ball-valve couplers

In addition to bayonet-and-plunger
dry-disconnect couplers, an emerging coupler technology is the lowspill dry-disconnect coupler (Figure 2) that operates via a double
ball-valve design. This technology
features a convex ball that rests
in a concave ball, resulting in the
elimination of any cavity between
the mating halves. This guarantees
that no residual fluid will be trapped
there, lowering the risk of spills and
giving the liquid virtually no place to
collect or hide, which eases cleaning. The box on page 55 compares
the differing flow mechanisms of
double ball-valve and poppet-style
dry-disconnect couplers.
The double ball-valve design also
incorporates multiple safety interlocks that allow the valve to open
and close only through a deliberate
action by the user. This prevents
any accidental opening of the valve,
which lowers the risk of unintentional
spills and catastrophic chemical releases. This is not only critical when
transferring raw materials from large
storage vessels, but also during the
numerous tote-filling operations that
are a staple of chemical manufacture. This constant on-and-off filling
of smaller-capacity containers can
put undue strain on the couplers,
but the double ball-valve design and
OCTOBER 2016
unique method of operation nullify

the harmful effects.
The ball-valve design of the coupler also enables it to offer an unrestricted flow path (Figure 3), which
minimizes pressure drop. In other
words, a liquid-transfer system
that calls for a 2-in. hose can utilize a 2-in. double ball-valve coupler model without any reduction or
restriction to the required flowrate.
In addition to allowing the plant operator to correctly size his or her
equipment, an unrestricted flow
path optimizes flowrates, resulting in faster loading and unloading times and a more efficient and
cost-effective operation.
Since the design of double ballvalve couplers incorporates fewer
parts than poppet-style technologies, they can be repaired onsite,
with no need for time-consuming
returns to the manufacturer or inthe-field repair personnel to battle
with complicated and confusing repair or maintenance instructions.
Secure product handling is key

for full containment. For extremely
product-sensitive operations, the
double ball-valve-style dry-disconnect coupler offers a keyed interface
option that locks out and isolates
transfer lines. This means a specific coupler can only be used with
a specific hose or loading arm. This
capability helps prevent cross-contamination of liquids at sites where
numerous unique formulations
are handled extensively, and must
be transferred through common
piping systems.
Achieving safe operation and
cost-effectiveness is a day-to-day
challenge for chemical manufacturers and handlers, especially when
both the finished products and raw
materials are hazardous and expensive. With many production operations requiring large tank farms
and the transfer of thousands of
gallons of raw materials and end
products on a daily basis, the type
of dry-disconnect coupler used,
STOP BY AND SEE US AT AFPM
and the technologys ability to optimize reliability, safety and cost is a

critical consideration.
A careful understanding of the operational advantages of different drydisconnect technologies including leak-free product containment
and ease of repair and maintenance
will enable manufacturers and
handlers to achieve a peace of mind
and hopefully decrease the workload
of organizations like the National
Response Center.
Edited by Mary Page Bailey
Author
David Morrow is a veteran designer of bulk liquid-handling systems presently employed as director of product management for
OPW Engineered Systems, part of
Dover Corp.s OPW division (2726
Henkle Drive, Lebanon, Ohio,
45036; Phone: 513-305-2059;
Email: David.Morrow@opwglobal.
com; Website: www.opw-es.com).
His nearly 20-year career working in difficult liquidtransfer applications has included varied experiences
ranging from bottom-loading petroleum in China to
acids in Germany to crude oil in South Dakota. Morrow
graduated from the University of Cincinnati.
BOOTH 642
OCTOBER 2016
59
Engineering Practice
Cybersecurity: You Cannot Secure
What You Cannot See
Follow this guidance to understand todays cybersecurity risk landscape and take the
necessary steps to create a sound industrial control system cybersecurity program,
including the development of a comprehensive, in-depth cyber-asset inventory
David Zahn
PAS, Inc.
n industrial facilities, cyber incidents typically result from three

basic scenarios: a malicious attack from an outside individual or
group; a cyber incident that results
from an engineer making a mistake
that alters a control process or diminishes safe operations; or the
work of a disgruntled employee or
ex-employee. No matter which of
these scenarios you believe is real
or presents the most risk, companies must take steps to protect their
industrial control systems (ICS) from
cyber incidents. What should companies do and how far should they
go to ensure that risk is managed
to a sufficient level? This article addresses the fundamental elements
that an ICS cybersecurity program
must contain, and shares guidance
on how to develop an in-depth cyber
asset inventory.
Cyber incidents
A malicious attack from an outside individual or group. Although
such attacks have affected physical
operations in a number of well-publicized cases, most outsider attacks
to date have focused on proliferation
and reconnaissance (get in, spread,
gather information, and report back)
as their primary objectives. The passive nature of these attacks has lulled
many into believing there is more
hype than reality in the likelihood of
a malicious attack. Most cybersecurity experts would agree that attacks of this type to date are merely
a prelude to attacks that will take
more directed action in the future.
The attack on a power plant in the
Ukraine in December 2015 in which
hundreds of thousands of people
60
FIGURE 1. Cybersecurity risks can arise from several scenarios malicious attack, human errors and
the intentional actions of disgruntled current or former employees
lost power in the dead of winter is a

testament to what is to come.
A cyber incident resulting from
human error. These mistakes can
go undetected until it is too late.
Most engineers who have worked
in chemical process industries (CPI)
facilities long enough can share
stories of when such incidences
have occurred.
The work of a disgruntled employee or ex-employee. With the
spate of layoffs during the last several years particularly in the oiland-gas sector the potential for
an insider threat is a rising concern
for chief information security officers.
Georgia-Pacific recently incurred the
wrath of a fired employee who, soon
after being laid off, accessed and altered control systems from his home.
The company required a significant
amount of time to recover from the
damage he had inflicted. That employee was successfully prosecuted.
Know your cyber assets

In the race for better ICS cybersecurity, CPI companies all face the same
challenge knowing what cyber

assets they have in the plant. Operators and managers tend to have
good insight into the non-proprietary
assets, such as workstations and
routers, but they often lack sufficient
visibility into the proprietary assets
that run critical processes and keep
plants safe. This lack of visibility introduces a level of risk that negatively impacts cybersecurity, safety
and compliance efforts.
To what extent does this lack of
visibility exist? In one real-world example, an inventory at a plant site
showed that 20% of the cyber assets were traditional information
technology (IT) systems that standard protocols for example, Windows Management Instrumentation
(WMI) and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) could interrogate for detailed configuration
information. These systems include
Microsoft Windows workstations,
servers, routers and switches that
sit in front of the proprietary control
systems. An inventory of these is important to have, but it only paints a
OCTOBER 2016
partial picture of what is happening

within the overall control network.
In our example, the remaining 80%
of cyber assets came from the proprietary industrial control systems,
such as distributed control systems
(DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLC), or safety instrumented
systems (SIS). Unlike a workstation, ICS systems have no standard
protocols to pull detailed configuration information (such as I/O cards,
firmware, software installed, and
control strategies).
There is also no option to put an
agent on such systems to push data
out, as doing so invalidates vendor support. These systems give
hackers the greatest opportunity to
wreak havoc in a plant, and they also
create opportunities for well-intentioned engineers to make mistakes
that adversely affect operations.
Create a cyber asset inventory

Efforts to collect an inventory of
cyber assets within a control network
typically take three forms manual,
vendor-supplied, and IT-only. The
following discussion examines the
positives and negatives of each approach.
Manual inventory. Manual gathering of inventory data is the most
prevalent approach used today.
Companies will send engineers into
plants to perform a physical inventory, and they will gather a limited
set of common data points, related
FIGURE 2. Knowing, in detail, the full extent of the facilitys (and the companys) cyber assets is a critical
step for developing a plan to both prevent and respond effectively to potential cybersecurity threats
to such information as manufacturer,

model and version. The data are
consolidated in a spreadsheet and
used organizationally.
This approach is convenient, but
is not economical, because engineers walking a plant are expensive
resources and having them carry out
inventory duty has high opportunity
costs. Similarly, the manual gathering
of inventory data is inherently prone
to errors due to the human element,
and this approach will typically yield
an incomplete assessment, potentially missing swaths of important
information, including control logic
and shutdown interlocks. Such a
data inventory can also quickly become outdated over time. Finally,
there are few options for automa-
tion using a simple spreadsheet, as

such a tool does not enable security
policy monitoring and managementof-change processes.
Vendor-supplied solutions. Control system vendors often provide a
managed service offering that essentially throws additional outside
help at manual inventory efforts. All
of the problems with a manual inventory still exist, but internal resources
noted previously are freed to do
other high-value duties. Many vendors will also offer tools to manage
cyber asset inventories, but these
tools rarely extend beyond their
own control systems. Companies
that adopt such tools run the risk of
creating solution silos that ultimately
add complexity to a cybersecurity
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According to the Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT),
effective physical and environmental protection requires a detailed inventory of all hardware
and software components utilized in support of operations, including detailed information
pertaining to device/model type, serial number and firmware version [1].
environment. Complexity is counterproductive to building an effective

ICS cybersecurity program.
IT-only solutions. There are many
solutions available that can discover
non-proprietary systems and provide detailed configuration information, as well as advanced analytics.
Such products are quite good at
these tasks and given the number of
solution providers with such capabilities, this has become a commodity
offering. CPI companies must have
non-proprietary information as part
of their cybersecurity program.
However, they must also recognize
that the resulting data come from
only about 20% of the cyber assets
in a process control network. Ultimately, IT-only solution architectures
cannot scale to include the much
more complex, proprietary systems
that comprise the remaining 80% of
cyber assets in a plant.
Exploring Inventory in Depth

A best practice solution must overcome the limitations of todays approaches to inventory. It must gather
inventory data for both non-proprietary
and proprietary cyber assets, it must
contain deep configuration information, and it must break down data silos
so that the wide variety of manufacturer control systems are made visible.
Next, we explore the elements for
developing a best practice, comprehensive cyber asset inventory. Well
refer to the end product as Inventory
in Depth.
One database to rule them all.
The first element of an Inventory
in Depth approach is to have both
non-proprietary (IT) and proprietary
operational technology (OT) data in a
single repository. The ability to carry
out automated vulnerability assessments, security policy enforcement,
unauthorized change investigations,
patch management processes, analytics and more is only as good as

the breadth and depth of the inventory such efforts utilize. Gathering
OT and IT assets into a single database ensures breadth; ensuring
depth requires having all configuration data, such as I/O cards, firmware, software installed, and control
strategies. Detailed configuration
information gives engineers and
cybersecurity personnel the same
view of data, which translates into
more consistent, coordinated, and
speedier decisions important capabilities when the goal is to prevent
potential plant upsets or harm to
personnel. Finally, the costs to maintain an inventory can decrease by as
much as 90% as Inventory in Depth
relies on automated data gathering;
depending on the frequency, an evergreen inventory is also achievable.
Criticality, priority, and interdependency. Not all cyber assets have
the same risk profile in light of plant
processes. Therefore, when an unauthorized change happens on a critical
asset, such as a safety instrumented
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system (SIS), the incident- response

protocol will have different steps and
degrees of urgency than protocols for
other systems, such as a data historian. Discriminating between cyber
assets means having a method of
categorizing the systems so that each
can receive appropriate scrutiny and
responsiveness if an incident occurs.
Since few systems act independently in a plant, it is also important
to understand how systems are related to each other. Should the system go down due to a cyber attack
or engineering mistake, personnel
can make better recovery decisions based on knowing what other
systems are affected. Having this
information is a good engineering
practice that also allows cybersecurity personnel to better manage risk
across the entire enterprise.
New device discovery. While a
simple ping sweep will identify new
assets on a network, finding new or
changed proprietary cyber assets
relies on a different tactic digging
into the configuration files of proprietary systems and finding system references that are not currently inventoried. Once an asset is recognized,
cybersecurity or engineering personnel should ideally receive notifications
of a new device, as well as missing
ones (for instance, those resulting
from a system upgrade). Then, established workflows can guide them
through the process of updating data
imports, policies, processes and
other cybersecurity functions.
immediately identify every control

system that has this transmitter.
Only an inventory that spans the
heterogeneous, proprietary control systems in a plant will provide
complete results. Once the situation is remediated, to prevent future
occurrences of this vulnerability, an
automated policy can look for and
flag instances of when that same
transmitter is reintroduced into the
control environment (for example,
through the spares inventory).

2. Unauthorized change to a control strategy
Scenario: An engineer connects to
a particular safety system to make
a simple change. The engineer mistakenly removes the ability for the
operator to recognize the availability
of that safety system.
Solution: Inventoried configuration
data are analyzed for changes, with
unauthorized changes flagged for
ICS Cybersecurity. Safety. Compliance.
Enabling new usage scenarios

An OT and IT inventory opens up
new ICS cybersecurity use cases
that were previously unavailable or
difficult to achieve. Cybersecurity
and operations personnel can now
perform the following tasks:
1. Identify exposure to published
vulnerabilities
Scenario: ICS-CERT (Box, p. 62) [2]
published a critical vulnerability advisory in early 2015 concerning multiple models and versions of a specific
transmitter. This transmitter works
across any manufacturers control
system and not just the manufacturers. The advisory describes the vulnerability as critical, noting that it has
the potential to impact operations if
left unaddressed.
Solution: If a comprehensive OT inventory exists, a simple query will
OCTOBER 2016
63
investigation. An incident-response
protocol drives remediating actions
needed to restore the safety system.
The next data import captures evidence that the safety systems configuration was properly restored.
3. Preparing for the inevitable
breach
Scenario: Hackers gain access to
systems in Level 1 and below. A
multi-threaded attack includes firmware updates to serial-to-Ethernet
devices, similar to the Ukrainian
power plant hack carried out in December 2015.
Solution: Change detection utilizing a
security baseline will surface the malicious firmware updates, and change
management procedures and automated workflows will drive needed
actions. If a worst-case scenario occurs, automated backups taken during the Inventory in Depth process will
speed recovery, as part of a comprehensive disaster recovery plan.
Today, the majority of CPI operating companies cannot effectively execute these three use cases. Where
they stumble is not having an ac-
curate, comprehensive inventory of

all their cyber assets, which hinders
swift, consistent action when these
security policies are violated.
A comprehensive solution
A best-in-class inventory management solution deciphers and integrates control-system configuration
data from both proprietary and nonproprietary systems into a single
repository. Such a solution detects
new or missing devices, provides a
facility for asset classification, enables appropriately leveled incident
response protocols, and accurately
captures system interdependencies
in sufficient detail.
An automated, normalized inventory data across all major IT and OT
assets in the control network presents a holistic view of control system assets beyond the reach of
traditional manual, vendor-supplied,
or IT-only solutions. Plant personnel monitor and detect unauthorized changes centrally and then investigate, remediate, and mitigate
through automated policies and
workflows. The result is greater operational efficiency, improved audit

capabilities for compliance, closedloop patch-management processes,
and a speedy recovery in the event
of a lost production system.
Edited by Suzanne Shelley
References
1. Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response
Team (ICS-CERT), 2014 Industrial Control Systems Assessments Overview and Analysis, Accessed online
at:
https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/sites/default/files/Annual_Reports/FY2014_Year_End_Assessment_Report_S508C.pdf
2. https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-15-029-01
Author
David Zahn is chief marketing officer and the general manager of
the Cybersecurity Business Unit at
PAS (16055 Space Center Blvd,
Suite 600, Houston, TX 77062;
Phone: 281-286-6565; Email:
david.zahn@pas.com). He has
more than 24 years of enterprise
software and services experience
within startup and high-growth
companies in the oil and gas sector and IT fields. Prior to
PAS, Zahn was vice president of marketing at FuelQuest
and vice president of marketing at Avalara. He is a frequent speaker at cybersecurity industry events, and holds
a BA in economics and managerial studies from Rice
University, and MBA from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas (Austin).
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Engineering Practice
Using Excel VBA for Process-Simulator
Data Extraction
Engineers can make better use of the results of process simulations by automatically
exporting data into heat and material balance tables in Microsoft Excel
Aspen Technology
Babak Firoozi
Fluor Corp.
hemical engineering projects

require
process
simulation to validate the
chemical reactions and
mechanical operations of the process (Figure 1). Each project then
requires a heat and material balance (HMB) report based on the
simulation results as a basic step of
the process engineering. The HMB
should contain thermodynamic and
other physical property data, such
as chemical composition, specific
heat, density, viscosity and so on.
Additionally, some HMB documents
may contain the heat duty required
by the process. These data, along
with the material flow, become the
basis for equipment sizing, line sizing, utility demands, chemical and
catalyst provisions, as well as other
requirements to complete the process design of the project.
Each project requires its own
HMB format based on the feedstock, product, fluid phase or (perhaps most importantly) client preference. Some HMB formats prefer to
separate the fluids vapor and liquid
flows and properties. Some projects require British units (such as
lb/h, psig, gal/min, and so on), while
others prefer SI units (such as kg/h,
barg, m3/h and so on). Commercial
process simulators do not directly
output the data in a custom format,
making it potentially very labor intensive to obtain a properly formatted HMB. In fact, the data reports
from simulators may sometimes be
difficult to analyze because of the
excessive information provided by
the simulation.
This necessitates some extra effort from engineers, but with the
guidelines presented in this article,
66
FIGURE 1. Process simulation software helps capture a full picture of a plant's performance and can enable engineers to access large amounts of design data for projects
formatting HMB data can become

much less painful. The examples in
this article relate directly to Hysys, a
frequently used process simulator,
but similar programming principles
could be applied to other simulation software products. Many commercially available process simulators communicate with the Visual
Basic for Applications (VBA) portion
of the spreadsheet program Microsoft Excel. A VBA macro (a series of
procedures recorded for automatic
execution) can be programmed to
extract HMB data from the different streams in a simulation and then
report that HMB data in an Excel
spreadsheet that is customized for
the project format.
Spreadsheets are used for project
HMBs because of the flexibility of
presentation. One method of populating a spreadsheet-based HMB
requires a copy-and-paste operation
from the simulation to the HMB file.
This could create problems if material streams, or rows or columns,
are added or deleted in the HMB.

A stream from the HMB page could
point to the incorrect stream on the
pasted page after an insertion or
deletion, which could create errors
in the equipment sizing, potentially
delay the project and ultimately affect the project cost estimate. In
the worst-case scenario, if the error
is not discovered, the actual equipment could be sized incorrectly and
the process would not work.
A better option is to write code
using VBA in Microsoft Excel to extract the data from the simulation
and then populate the spreadsheet.
Microsoft Excels VBA programming module can be used to automate many processes, such as
the creation of a table, which otherwise might require several copyand-paste operations. Actions that
could be automated are typically the
source of human error. Accidental
copying in the wrong cell, highlighting the wrong cells and deleting or
inserting rows and columns all can
OCTOBER 2016
FIGURE 3. Valuable information about an object

can be found quickly in the Object Browser
FIGURE 2. The Object Browser in Microsoft Excel
contains all the properties and methods associated with a particular object
be sources of data-transfer errors.

VBA programs that automate data
transfer eliminate that human error.
One of the greatest benefits of
HMB extraction by VBA is that the
VBA communication avoids the
potential for human errors in data
transfer that are common in copyand-paste techniques. This article
presents code examples and basic
programming techniques to aid
chemical engineers who are familiar with the basics of Hysys or other
process simulators.
Getting started with Excel VBA

VBA is based on object-oriented programming techniques, a hierarchism
of objects, properties and methods.
An object is an item of the simulation, such as a Material Stream or

Heat Exchanger Operation. Each
object has its own properties, such
as Temperature for Material Streams
and Duty for Heat Exchanger Operations. Each object and its properties
also have their own methods, such
as GetValue, which returns the value
of temperature or heat duty in the
users specified units.
Let us say the simulation has a
material stream (an object) named
100, which has several properties,
such as pressure, mass flowrate,
component mass fractions and so
on. The engineer may want to extract these properties and populate
them in the spreadsheet. Example
code utilizing the GetValue command is shown in the box on p. 68.
FIGURE 4. Ensuring that the proper references are

added to the Excel file is crucial for VBA code to
execute correctly
Tips and tricks

The transfer of stream data from
process simulators to Excel via VBA
is fast and convenient. However,
engineering review of the material
balance results is required to catch
simulation errors. The engineer
should consider that a process simulator like Hysys is not able to calculate stream properties for all conditions. For example, properties that
may not be calculated are viscosity
in two-phase streams or a property outside of the fluid packages
temperature limits. That stream
property would read as <empty>
and VBA would not extract the
data correctly.
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file and assigning these variables to

the simulation forms the skeleton
for the code that will be written.
Crude slate example
FIGURE 5. A simple flowsheet is given to demonstrate the generation of the HMB table for three
crude slates
Mistakes in programming VBA

code are also common. After all, we
are only human. An error as simple
as entering the stream temperature
values in the spreadsheet row that
is set up for pressure values is an
easy mistake to make. The process
engineer should always review the
HMB for these types of errors.
VBA will extract all properties
and conditions by the variable unit
exactly as defined by the process
simulator. For example, the Hysys
unit for pounds per hour is lb/hr,
not lbs/h and kilograms per hour
is kg/h, not kg/hr. These must
be consistent in order for the code
to function correctly.
Not only can VBA extract data
from the simulation, but it can also
write data to the simulation. This
becomes useful if the engineer
needs to modify the simulation with
data in the spreadsheet and then
extract data that results from the
user upload. For example, an engineer may need to extract HMB data
for a process with different material
feed conditions, such as temperature, flow or pressure. The engineer
would use the SetValue method
to change the stream properties.
Then the code would extract the
simulation data that result from the
updated feed properties.
The Developer tab in Excel has

a function called Record Macro.
This is a very useful function that
automatically generates code for
the user. For example, if a user
clicks Record Macro and then
changes the color of any cell, VBA
will automatically generate the necessary code to change the color of
a cell. To record a macro, first, set
up Excel to show the Developer tab.
The user should press the Office
button, click on Excel options and
then check, Show Developer tab in
the Ribbon from the Popular page.
The Object Browser (Figure 2)
from the VBA Editor View menu is
helpful to find the available properties and methods of each object.
Many properties have their own
properties and methods. These are
easily found by placing a period
after the first property, and a dropdown list will appear (Figure 3).
It is important to remember to
add references to your Excel file.
From the VBA editor, click the
Tools menu, click References, and
then enable the Hysys Type Library
(Figure 4) check box (or whichever
library is appropriate for your process simulator of choice).
Another critical step to get started
is variable declaration. Declaring the
VBA variables for the Hysys HMB
CODE EXAMPLE FOR GETVALUE COMMAND
he following code presents a simple example of the GetValue command for the
given spreadsheet data:
Set HMB_stream = ProjectSimulation.Flowsheet.MaterialStreams.Item(100)

Range(B2).Value = HMB_stream.Pressure.GetValue(kPa)
Range(B3).Value = HMB_stream.MassFlow.GetValue(kg/h)
Range(B5).Value = HMB_stream.ComponentMassFraction(0)
Range(B6).Value = HMB_stream.ComponentMassFraction(1)
68
In many cases, the owner would like

to analyze different operating cases
for the same (or similar) process configurations. These cases could differ
with regard to feed composition, operating temperature and pressure,
flowrate or product quality. Instead
of creating different simulation files,
VBA could be used with different parameters to set the values within the
simulation. Then, once converged,
the spreadsheet could get the values from the simulation to populate
the HMB.
Consider the example of a petroleum refinery processing different
crude slates. Each crude slate assay
would have various components,
composition and true boiling-point
(TBP) data. This could consist of over
100 components once the crude
assay is input into Hysys. A simple
method would be to use VBA to assign an assay composition to the feed
and allow the simulation to converge
for its unique material balance. Consider this simple example of three different crude slates, each with its own
process requirement of temperature
and pressure (Figures 5 and 6).
The user would write the VBA
code to select the assay and assign
the composition to the unit feedstream. The code would then assign
the feed flowrate, temperature and
pressure, as well as the temperature
and pressure downstream of the
heat exchanger.
A real-world, practical example of
an application of VBA automation
to a process with several different
operating configurations is demonstrated by a request from one of the
authors recent clients, a petroleum
refinery. The client wanted to analyze
eight different cases and determine
which configuration would provide
the greatest profit versus performance, as well as verify the process
against different feedstocks. The
engineering team reviewed two different feedstocks, and four different
operating conditions for each. That
is, several different operating points
(pressure at the distillation column,
temperature at the outlet of different
heat exchangers and column pump-
OCTOBER 2016
FIGURE 6. An HMB table can be easily generated for multiple design cases using VBA
around rates) were adjusted via VBA

in a method similar to the examples
in this article.
One could imagine the difficulty
of developing eight different simulation files or manually adjusting
each file for each HMB case. Errors
would likely occur and all of the effort to develop the analysis would be
wrong. Not only that, this would take
much longer to input the data than
by automation.
Of course, eight different simulation cases is an extreme example.
However, owners many times analyze 23 different cases, because,
in reality, variables such as feed-
stocks, temperatures and pressures

change. In these real-world scenarios, one can easily see the benefit of using VBA automation with
Hysys and other process-simulation
software products.
Edited by Mary Page Bailey
Editors note: Expanded code
examples can be found with
the online version of this article
at www.chemengonline.com.
References
1. Aspelund, A., others, An Optimization-Simulation Model
for a Simple LNG Process, Computers & Chemical Engineering, 34.10, pp. 1,6061,617, 2010.
2. Aspen Hysys Customization Guide, March 2011.
3. Bhutani, N., Tarafder, A., Ray, A.K., and Rangaiah, G.P.,

Multi-Objective Optimization of Industrial Styrene Production Using a Process Simulator and a Genetic Algorithm,
AIChE 2004 Annual Meeting, Austin, Tex., Nov. 712.
4. Helder Manuel Silva Fevereiro, Universidad do Porto, Departamento de Engenharia Qumica, Estudos de Simulao Sobre a Reformulao das Unidades 3000 e 1200
da Refinaria do Porto da Petrogal.
5. Microsoft Office Support, www.support.office.com/en-us/
article/show-the-developer-tab.
6. Rosen, Edward M., On the Choice of VBA, CACHE News,
56, 2003.
7. Sharma, S., and Rangaiah, G. P., Chemical Process Retrofitting and Revamping: Techniques and Applications,
pp. 97127, Jan. 2016.
8. Shende, S., Consider Automation to Check Shell-andTube Heat Exchanger Design, Hydrocarbon Process.,
March 2014.
Author
Babak Firoozi is a process engineer working in the Energy and
Chemicals division of Fluor Corp. (3
Polaris Way, Aliso Viejo, CA, 92698;
Email: babak.firoozi@fluor.com).
Firoozis process engineering experience is in the oil-and-gas industry, primarily focusing on process
simulation, downstream refining
and landfill-gas processes. He
earned his B.S.Ch.E. from the University of Baja California, Mexico, and he earned his M.S.Ch.E. from California
State University. He also is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of California.
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an investment decision and commissioning is less than half of what
it was a few years ago. These challenges can only be met with better
and faster planning. At K 2016, this
company is demonstrating its new
approach to planning and designing
plants for the plastics industry. While
a traditional machine construction
company focuses on the machine,
a plant engineering companys planning will keep the total plant in mind,
using various planning tools. One of
them is the Zeppelin Value Engineering concept, which enables extensive
discussions and the optimization of
the plant concept in digital form at a
very early stage. This leads to better
concept solutions such as optimized
piping, improved room layout or perfect positioning of all components,
and shorter distances. This compaCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
nys planning software supports this

process (photo). In the future, focus
will be set on innovatively developing
the planning process, for example by
further improving digitalization not
only when planning, but also with the
use of components that can communicate in a digital network. Therefore,
this company focuses its component
development on a new product segment named smart components
and will also present new ideas regarding Industry 4.0. Hall 9, Booth
B41 Zeppelin Systems GmbH,
Friedrichshafen, Germany
www.zeppelin-systems.com
High-tech microgranules for

brilliant colors
This companys Rhein Chemie Additives business unit is showcasing
its organic Macrolex Gran colorants
(photo, p. I2) for the brilliant coloring of amorphous and semicrystalline plastics. Thanks to their microgranule form, the colorants compare
extremely favorably with powders
Zeppelin Systems
LEWA quality
Fast and easy.
Hall 7a, B26 & C25
LEWA ecosmart diaphragm metering pumps.

LEWA ecosmart offers the best price/performance ratio in its class. The pump meters all
uids precisely and is used in numerous industries. Order our allrounder for metering tasks
now online. Choose out of 160 models with 20% price advantage and prioritized delivery.
More at: www.lewa-pumpshop.com

OCTOBER 2016
I1
and compact granules owing to their

excellent dispersion and processing
properties and safe handling, says the
manufacturer. Macrolex microgranules
consist of hollow spheres that can be
very easily crushed, which means they
can be quickly, evenly and completely
distributed and incorporated into the
plastic. The excellent processability of
the product is due to the fact that the
hollow spheres comprise particularly
small primary particles of around 210
m, depending on the color. The good
free-flowing properties of the 0.3-mm
spheres make precise metering easier
and prevent clumping in the mixing
process. The four-times higher bulk
density compared with powder pays
dividends in processing, transport and
storage alike. Hall 6, Stand C78
Lanxess AG, Cologne, Germany
www.lanxess.com
Lanxess
Precise metering of
blowing agents and additives
LEWA
SABIC Holding Europe.
everyday products from toys to food

packaging and textiles, with durability
comparable to petrochemical equivalents. The use of bio-succinic acid reduces the companys carbon footprint
by up to 90% compared to petrochemical-based products. Other innovations
being exhibited at K 2016 include: The
new Polysynthren Black H infra-red (IR)
transparent polymer-soluble dye, which
enables easy sorting of black-colored
articles during the recycling process;
colorant solutions based on the unique
pigment PV Fast Yellow H4G, to replace lead chromates; the new Licocene PE 3101 TP nucleating agent for
expanded polystyrene (EPS) applications; and more. Hall 8a, Stand J11
Clariant AG, Muttenz, Switzerland
www.clariant.com
Thinner, stable films reduce

consumption of raw materials
This companys multilayer and polymer
blend technology for flexible packaging (photo) can help manufacturers to
reduce transport losses, optimize protection of goods, maximize pallet stability by increasing holding force of collation shrink and stretch films used to
protect food packaging, making them
stronger. They may help reduce the environmental impact of packaging by enabling down-gauging while improving
the holding force. Manufacturers may
achieve down-gauging options that reduce thicknesses by up to 20% compared to current film concepts. Thinner
products reduce plastic consumption
and allow for higher processing speeds.
The companys LDPE (low-density polyethylene) film grade is a new product for
manufacturing very thin-gauge packaging. It offers excellent draw-down ability,
running stable at a film thickness as low
as 12 m, using less raw material and
enabling higher production line speed,
says the company. Hall 6, Stand D42
SABIC Holding Europe B.V., Sittard,
the Netherlands
www.sabic.com
When manufacturing insulation panels, packaging foils or molded parts,

blowing agents must be metered into
the plastic melt under high pressure
and extreme temperatures in order to
achieve a high-quality result. The Ecofoam system (photo) is a new complete
solution that includes pump, measuring and control technology that delivers precision and minimized downtime.
It pumps the blowing agents (such as
CO2, propane, butane, halogenated
hydrocarbon and pentane) in quantities proportional to the speed of the
extruder, thereby guaranteeing precise
metering, even when pressures are fluctuating. For liquids that naturally display
a wax-like consistency, this company
has also developed heatable systems
that are designed for temperatures of
up to 130C and pressures of up to 500
bars. These metering systems are suitable for a large variety of additives, including flame retardants, lubricants and
static inhibitors, as well as plasticizers.
Hall 7a, Stand B26 LEWA GmbH,
Leonberg, Germany
www.lewa.de
Conductive silicone rubber
dispersion for the cable industry

More sustainable additives,
pigments, colorants and more
Wacker Chemie
I2
This company is said to be the first

producer of quinacridone pigments
based on bio-based succinic acid. PV
Fast Pink E/E01 offers bright colors for
Powersil 403 silicone rubber dispersion (photo) is an electrically conductive

dispersion developed for manufacturing the outer conductive film on cable
accessories for transmission and distribution cables. The two-component
OCTOBER 2016
formulation contains addition-curing

silicone rubber, which adheres well
to the insulating silicone substrate
while forming a flexible film. Elongation at break is roughly 650% for this
formulation, and its tear strength is
20 N/mm. This means that a conductive film made from Powersil 403
can withstand extreme elongation,
without cracking. The low-viscosity
liquid contains no toluene, and can be
easily applied by spraying, dipping or
brushing. Its electrical properties also
make the dispersion suitable for use
in antistatic coatings for textiles. Hall
6, Stand A10 Wacker Chemie AG,
Munich, Germany
www.wacker.com
ized butadiene rubber in particular

neodymium-catalyzed butadiene rubber (Nd-BR) increases the interaction with fillers, helping to improve
the dynamic properties of tire tread
compounds. As the filler becomes
more easily dispersed into the compound, a more elastic network is built
up. This reduces the rolling resistance
and thus improves the fuel economy
of the tire. In some cases, traction
properties can also be enhanced.
The new functionalized solution rubbers offer immediate benefits to the
tire industry. However, in the longer
term, they can be adopted for use
in other applications where excellent
dynamic properties are required, for
example in conveyor belting and antiA large volume processor for
vibration applications. Hall 6, Stand
highly viscous products
C78 Arlanxeo Deutschland GmbH,
The Large Volume Processor (photo) Dormagen, Germany
consists of horizontally arranged, www.arlanxeo.com
heated reactors with either co- or
Innovative and sustainable

materials developed here
counter-rotating shafts that provide

intensive mixing and kneading for effective polymerization and devolatilization of products with viscosities up
to 15,000 Pa.s. These highly versatile
processors are characterized by large
process volumes and self-cleaning.
They allow for the efficient treatment of
difficult-to-handle products or materials undergoing phase changes. They
permit the economic realization of long
residence times, and combine various
process steps into a single unit. Hall
12, Stand A51 Buss-SMS-Canzler
GmbH, Pratteln, Switzerland
www.sms-vt.com
Having developed components for the

Solar Impulse solar-powered aircraft
mission, such as an ultra-lightweight
and thermal-insulating polyurethane
(PU) foam that lends the cockpit its
required strength while protecting the
pilots from temperature extremes,
this company has also used the Solar
Impulse aircraft as a flying laboratory
for further developing materials and
making them suitable for completely
different applications. The abovementioned rigid PU foam will be used
in the future as high-efficiency insulation in refrigeration systems, where
it reduces energy consumption and
CO2 emissions. The company also recently opened a new production plant
at its Dormagen site for CO2-based
polyether polyols, which will be used
to manufacture flexible PU foam for
mattresses and upholstered furniture.
Hall 6, Stand 75A Covestro AG,
Leverkusen, Germany
www.covestro.com
A new proprietary process to

improve fuel economy of tires
Efficient and flexible underwater

pelletizing systems
At K 2016, this company is introducing a newly developed technology for

the production of functionalized solution rubbers. The application of this
new technology to both styrene butadiene rubber (S-SBR) and functional-
This company is showcasing a new

underwater pelletizing system (photo)
that is a result of the synergies that
have been created through the integration of the recently acquired Gala
underwater pelletizing and RE Scheer
Buss-SMS-Canzler
OCTOBER 2016
The German Way of

Joint Innovation
High Viscosity
Processors
Devolatilization
Concentration
Reaction
Mixing
More information at
K2016Dsseldorf
Hall12StandA51-10
www.sms-vt.com
Buss-SMS-Canzler GmbH
Kaiserstrae 13 15 35510 Butzbach, Germany
I3
Tel: +49 60 33 / 85 - 0 Fax: +49 60 33 / 85 - 249
strand pelletizing and pulverizing system product portfolios. The end result
is an underwater pelletizing system that
successfully combines the know-how
of multiple industry leaders in a design
that promises to set a new standard
for the pellet-processing industry, says
the company. The system has been
designed to be a one-stop solution for
its users as all of the components, from
the tip of the extruder screw to the finished plastic pellets. That includes the
melt pumps, screen changers, diverter
valves, die plates, cutting chambers,
water bath, strand dies, cutter systems,
interlocking systems, cutter hubs, system controls, cutting tools, support
frame and any other required equipment. Hall 9, Stand A4 Maag, a
Dover company, Oberglatt, Switzerland
www.maag.com
Maag
The next generation in

chemical-free moisture analysis
Arizona Instrument
Kreyenborg Plant Technology
The Computrac Vapor Pro XL (VPXL;

photo) is said to be the latest in a long
line of accurate, reliable and easy to
use moisture analyzers. The VPXL is a
chemical free, moisture-specific alternative to Karl Fischer titration. It features an
upgraded heater, which increases the
upper limit for testing temperatures to
300C and allows for improved control
over testing temperatures. The VPXL
is also compatible with multiple sizes
of sample vials and is equipped with
stepped temperature testing capabilities for enhanced method development.
The brand new touch screen and intuitive user interface makes the Vapor Pro
XL the most user-friendly Computrac
yet. The Vapor Pro XL is can be used in
accordance with ASTM D7191-10 and
ASTM D7546-15 standard methods,
and also correlates well with many popular methods. Hall 13, Stand B91-13
Arizona Instrument LLC, Chandler, Ariz.
www.azic.com
Continuous drying in minutes

instead of hours
AGRU Kunststofftechnik
I4
The Infrared Rotary Dryer (IRD; photo)

is used for crystallizing and drying virgin
or regrind materials for a wide range of
plastics. Through the use of the continuously functioning IRD, the need
for energy-intensive processing using
dry air is completely eliminated, easily
resulting in energy savings of an averCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
age of 30%, says the company. Raw

material is heated directly and gently
with IR light, which diverts the vaporizing moisture from the core of the material toward the outside. Clumping is
eliminated as the material is conveyed
through the machine, and the slow rotation of the drum leads to even heating
while avoiding abrasion and breaking
of the product, thereby reducing dust
formation. Retrofitting of the IRD into
existing plants can significantly increase
plant throughput and product quality,
says the company. Hall 9, Stand A55
Kreyenborg Plant Technology GmbH &
Co. KG, Senden, Germany
www.kreyenborg.com
Longer service life for

concrete buildings
This companys concrete protection liners (photo) are made of chemically stable plastics and firmly seal the surfaces
of concrete buildings and structures,
protecting them against corrosion. The
wide range of available materials (polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene
difluoride and ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene) allows solutions for every
requirement, from wastewater treatment up to potable water tanks. These
concrete protective liners are said to be
simple to assemble and easy to weld,
and are designed for a long service life
and high operational reliability. Hall 5,
Stand 5C02 AGRU Kunststofftechnik GmbH, Bad Hall, Austria
www.agru.at
High-performance polymers
through solution viscometry
The performance of polymers is mainly
determined by the chain length and
degree of polymerization. Solution viscometry reliably provides knowledge
of these parameters and enables predictions to be made about mechanical
properties. This company is presenting the modular options of automatic
viscosity. The Duo.Visc, with two independent thermo-electric heating and
cooling systems, is said to guarantee
stable and precise measurements on
the smallest footprint for kinematic
viscosity measurements. Hall 10,
Stand B21 Laude Scientific GmbH,
Lauda-Knigshofen, Germany
www.lauda-scientific.de
n
Gerald Ondrey
OCTOBER 2016
Sealing Technology
special advertising section
CHEMICAL
ENGINEERING
IMAGE: PROCO PRODUCTS, INC.
ESSENTIALS FOR CPI PROFESSIONALS
Sealing Technology 2016 Special Advertising Section
Spreading the word on sealing technology

Sealing plays a vital role in cutting fugitive emissions and keeping plants safe.
The Fluid Sealing Association works hard to promote the topic at all levels
FSA continues to lobby legislators

Under the umbrella of its Government
Affairs Committee, the FSA continues to
work at high level to convince legislators
of the environmental importance of sealing technology. Following the G20 summit
in China at the beginning of September,
FSA Technical Director Henri Azibert spoke
about progress on the global Environmental
Goods Agreement (EGA) being devel-
72
L. H I N G
ED TYP
E:
mended Noise
Hinged type
Typical Recom
s
rubber expa
Criteria Level
rotation in
nsion joints
one plane
are designed
N. U N I V
Range
. The arran
plates conn
to permitNC*
ERSAL
geme
angular
ected with
of Room
nt cons
TYPE:
Type
ists of a
pins and
Universal type
exter75
nal or intern
30 to 40
hed to theOffice pair of hinge
rubber expa
al hardware attacSmall
expansion
extension,
for the intern
nsion joints
. The hinge Private
joints30 to 40
compressio
al pressure
are designed
asse
mbly
n, lateral and
20
for be
arrangeme
thrust force Conference Room must
expansion
65
designed35
nt consists
s of the syste
angular move to permit
joints can
of two rubb
be used in
25 to
m. Hing
ments. The
center spoo
movement
NC70
50
ed
for
er expansion
sets
type rubb
Room
l with restra
in one plane
ofConferen
two orce three
joints conn
int hardware
. See Figu
to absorb 30 toer40 See Figure 2W.
ected by a
re 2U.
.
latera
55
l
for Movies
NC Chart
Level Plotted on
Table 1: Noise
Cycles Per Second
8000
Frequency In
Center
Octave Band 250
500
31.5
80
125
63
1000
2000
4000
70
16000
NC60
60
35
NC40
40
Hinged
NC30
30
25
Figu
re 2U:
Type Joint Here
NC20
5
1000
10000
5
2
Per Second
100
cy In Cycles
Center Frequen
condenser
room with
g
level in board water pumps operatin
NC - 49 Noise
chilled
secondary
water and
joints were
expansion
except rubber
Same as above
- 31
installed NC
No. 2
Table 2: Curves
rc 1g
level In db
r
Acceleration
Octave Band
RE 0.0002 Microba
Level In DB
Octave Band
70
60
1/3
50
Piping System
tion in a Steel
Mechanical Vibra Conne
or Expansion
ctors
O.
Appendix G:
PRESSU
of Pipe
RE BAL
the Installation
ANCED
Reduced with
Pressure Bala
:
ncedwork on
Joints.
done extensive type rubber
n hasabso
2 M.
1000
100
Cycles Per Second

Frequency In
n
pipewall vibratio
ion
Figu
chilled water rubber expans
rejoints
2V:
Secondary
tion of
Gimbal Typeion
before the installa
Joint
rubber expans
except with
Same as above
d
installe
joints
5
Table 2:
Figure 2W:
Universal Type
Joint
*Noise Criteria
rb compressio
expansion
Divisio
pipe.
joints are desig
Expansion Joint
to rigid steel n,
latera
the press
The Non-Metallic
ned to
qualities of rubber
ureindepe
ndent l and angular move
thrust force
on absorbing
ments while
recognized
relating the vibrati
al. The arrangement
expansion
restraining
by a nationally rubber
consists of
show a practic
joints and
GIMBA
were conducted
to thetoexter
two or three
interconne
a
L T Y P E : These tests tory. The chart below is an effort
nal orand
intern
sion joint
al interconne cting hardware and
Gimbal type
both an expan
Testing Labora
for
attached
results
cting hard
test
rubber expa
these
ware.
O.1. In-lin
rotation in
nsion joints
application of
e Configur
multiple plane
arerubber
pipe.
desig
desig
atio
ned
n
ned to funct
s. The arran
of hinge plate
flexible
to permit angu
ion in a straigType. This configura
gement cons
s connected
lar
anchors. The
tion is
ists of two
ht pipeline
attached to
with pins to
bala
ncing rubb
pairs
with no prov
the expansion
A/AN
a common
the effec
er expa
tive area
ision for
tion Pipe with
gimbal asse
gimbal ring
joints exter
Installa
mbly must
nal or intern
and
See Figure Pipe as the main rubb nsion joint needs to
be designed Pipe
be twice
al hardware
Rubber 2X.
er expansion
forces of the
for the intern
. The
system. Gimb
Joint
joint.
on
al pressExpansi
used in sets
al type rubbSystem
8 ID X 24 F/F
ure
of two, or
er expa
X 5t F/F
ionnsion joints8 IDthrus
sets of two
absorb latera
At
can be
withVibrat
l movement
a singl
Vibration Reduction
e hinge type n Reductio
ncy
At
in multiple Freque
Vibratiojoint to n
planes. See
PSIG
80
PSIG
50
Figure 2V.
PSIG
Figure 2X:
80 PSIG 10
In-Line Pressure
10 PSIG 50 PSIG
93%
HZ
Balanc
91%
ed Joint
87%
72%
and 3 location
80
40
25 to 30
25 to 35
35 to 45
20 to 30
25 to 35
30 to 40
Assembly Hall
School Room
15
20
Theaters
Theaters for Drama
Concert Hall
Secretarial Offices
Home, Sleeping Areas
45
NC50
50
10
centered on
levels for bands of chart
1
Octave Band
bottom
Optional /3
s shown along
Mid-Frequencie
oped by the World Trade

Organization (WTO;
Geneva, Switzerland;
www.wto.org). The FSA
has been lobbying to have
sealing technology listed
under the EGA; if this is
successful, sealing products will not be subject
to trade tariffs. Azibert is
hopeful that the EGA will be
agreed by the end of 2016.
On the U.S. governments Climate Action Plan
to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas industry, the FSA continues to
promote advanced sealing
solutions as part of the solution. We are monitoring developments as the EPA and
State Agencies gather data for
regulation implementation,
said Azibert.
Canada, Mexico, and several U.S. states including Ohio,
Pennsylvania and California have announced similar plans for methane control,
Shorts said. The FSA is monitoring developments and will promote sealing technology
as the opportunity arises.
1
and 3 location
Curves No. 2
37%
55%
78%
99%
68%
96%
80%
95%
68
60%
99%
50%
99%
44%
98%
125
50%
96%
99%
250
50%
97%
44%
90%
91%
94%
500
89%
93%
65%
98%
82%
96%
1000
96%
91%
90%
96%
99%
99%
95%
99%
94%
40
O.2. Elbo
99%
2000
w Con99%
figuration
97% ned 97%
desig
93%
to funct
90%
98%Type. This configura
4000
with incor
balancing 94% ion97%
tion is
poration of
rubber
89% as94%
an elbow.
89%
the main rubb expansion
ncy
8000
freque
on joint
can
vibrati
be the same The
er expa
had a major
nsion
effective area
system
joint.
into the
joint
piping
See Figure
sion
8 steel
2Y.
tion of an expan
Example: If an
PSIG, the installa
50
at
Hz
of 1000
96%
reduce vibration
system would
on
ble
details, availa
and other test
testing laboratory
*Name of the
request
80
rc 1g
level In db
r
Acceleration
Octave Band
RE 0.0002 Microba
Level In DB
Octave Band
ealing products play an important part

in the reliability of process plants and
systems. Yet, their detailed operating principles and especially how to install them
correctly are often still not properly understood, notes Rob Coffee, a director of
the Fluid Sealing Assoc. (FSA; Wayne, Pa.;
www.fluidsealing.com). The FSA continues
to work to spread the word on sealing at all
levels, from governments to maintenance
technicians.
Through its people, website, and publications, the FSA is an excellent resource
to help engineers, managers and legislators understand the importance of sealing
technology, Coffee says. The Association
has five divisions representing, respectively,
mechanical seals; compression packings
for pumps and valves; gaskets; rubber and
PTFE expansion joints for piping; and fabric
expansion joints for ductwork.
I am extremely happy to see how much
positive change and forward movement
the Association has made in the past two
years, said outgoing FSA president Mike
Shorts of gasket manufacturer Triangle
Fluid Controls Ltd. (Belleville, Ont.). The
current management staff, executive team,
and Board of the FSA are a top-notch
group with strong leadership skills, business knowledge, and desire to make the
FSA the fluid sealing industrys best trade
association.
At the start of 2015 Shorts and the FSA
laid out a new strategic plan to focus on
environmental compliance and energy conservation, and to turn the Association from
a standards-setting body to one founded on
knowledge. All industries rely on our technology and installation best practices to
reduce their emissions and leaks, Shorts
continued. As manufacturers of key components for reducing greenhouse gases
and containing fugitive emissions and fluid
leaks, it is our responsibility to ensure that
we strengthen our Association in order to
help the process industries as a whole.
70
60
50
1/3
40
100
Piping expansion joints explained

A recent example of the FSAs technical expertise is the new 8.0 edition of the Piping
Expansion Joints Technical Handbook,
which was on the point of being published
as this issue of CE went to press. Coffee,
along with his peers in the Piping Division,
has worked on the new document as an
extension of his day job as Vice President,
Sales & Marketing, with rubber expansion
joint manufacturer Proco Products, Inc.
(Stockton, Calif.).
The new edition looks more professional
than the previous one, Coffee says, with an
attractive layout and professionally drawn
diagrams and photos to replace sketches.
Running to 50 pages, the publication explains the various piping expansion joint
layouts and how to choose, install, and
maintain them. The extensive list of terms
and definitions has been updated to match
those used in other industries, Coffee says.
A PDF of the previous (7.3) edition is
free to download from the FSA website,
and the new 8.0 edition will follow soon.
Some FSA divisions may continue to charge
1000
5
Cycles Per Second
Frequency In
before the
ll vibration
water pipewa
ion joints.
Condenser
of rubber expans
installation
expansion
rubber
This information
except with
is provided to help
Same as above
guide your selection
d.
joints installe
. Each FSA
This information is provided
to help guide your selection.
Each FSA members
Elbow Pressure
Figure 2Y:
Balanced Joint
46
performance data.
your manufacturers
and confirm
member
this information. Consult
product may vary from s product may vary from this
information. Consult
and confirm your
manufacturers
performance data.
10
The latest edition of the Piping

Expansion Joints Technical Handbook
is just one example of the FSAs
work in educating design engineers
and maintenance professionals
for their publications, especially in printed
form. But, says Coffee, free downloads ensure that the expansion joint divisions publications are widely distributed and read.
The Gasket, Compression Packing, and
Fabric Expansion Joint divisions are also revising their handbooks.
Knowledge base nears release

The FSAs Mechanical Seal division is
gearing up to launch its Knowledge Base
initiative by the end of this year. Taking
advantage of modern Web technology for
viewing on portable devices as well as
desktop computers, the Knowledge Base
will replace static manuals with dynamic
content that is always up to date. In this
way it will become a unified platform for all
of the divisions technical information. The
content will include videos as well as text,
diagrams and photos.
The Education Committee, meanwhile,
is active in developing FSA-run webinars.
Several have already been created, and are
now available on demand via the FSA website, while several more are in preparation.
www.fluidsealing.com
OCTOBER 2016
Optimizing high-pressure mechanical seals

Using passive pressure-splitting devices, EKATO is able to manage seal chamber
pressures automatically, with no need for pumps or control valves
KATO RMT, a member of the EKATO Group, has further optimized the application of high-pressure mechanical seals to
rotating equipment in the process industries. By using a pressuresplitting device it is possible to ensure pre-defined pressures within
the two seal chambers of a triple-acting mechanical seal such as the
EKATO ESD66H. The seal pressures adjust automatically according
to the vessel pressure, with no need for pumps or control valves.
With this system, the pressure from the vessel to the atmosphere decreases in steps, thus reducing the pressure to which the
individual seal ring pairs are exposed. The hydraulic piston action of
the pressure splitter automatically adjusts the pressure within the
seal chambers, depending on the pressure in the vessel. In this way
the pressure splitter extends the lifetime of the seal, while keeping
investment costs relatively low.
Since the system does not require circulation pumps or control
valves, it is immune to power outages, instrumentation problems,
and control system failures. Using a mechanical seal with a pressure splitting device therefore guarantees increased operational
safety. The system is particularly suitable for use in toxic or highly
hazardous processes with temperatures up to 400C and pressures
up to 200 bar.
Founded in 1933, the EKATO Group specializes in mechanical agitators for fluid systems, including rotary shaft sealing systems and
their auxilary equipment. The group has more than 700 employees
worldwide and a turnover of EUR 160 million of which around 7%
www.ekato.com
is spent on research and development.
Pressure splitting
device VD120PS
p1 = 1.02 p0
Pressure compensator
Mechanical seal
p2 = 0.51 p0
Seal chamber 1
(Right) A triple-acting mechanical seal from EKATO RMT with

two seal chambers and two pressure splitters. The pressure
splitters shown here are types VD120 and VD120 PS
Seal chamber 2
Vessel pressure p0
Kammprofile gaskets are ideal for difficult applications

Where it is necessary to achieve tight sealing at low bolting loads, or accommodate large
amounts of thermal expansion, Kammprofile gaskets from Lamons may be the answer
ammprofile gasket
technology (image,
left) is recognized as
a problem-solver for
standard flanges, heat
exchangers, large vessels and equipment that
experiences excessive
movement due to thermal
expansion, says gasket
manufacturer Lamons.
The Kammprofile engineered design provides one of the tightest seals available,
combined with superior load-bearing
characteristics.
Kammprofile gaskets consist of a metal
sealing core with or without a guide ring.
The sealing core is a solid metal gasket with
concentric serrations on both sealing surfaces. It is faced with a soft material such as
PTFE, graphite or Lamons graphite-based
High Temperature Graphite (HTG) material,
depending on the operating conditions.
The Kammprofile is the preferred de-
sign when excellent sealing performance is

needed at low seating stresses. The combination of a highly compressible facing material with the solid metal core, the tips of
whose serrations penetrate the facing material to a limited extent, allows both materials to perform to their optimum capabilities.
Kammprofile gaskets can be made in
non-circular shapes with extreme accuracy,
and custom-engineered for specific applications. They come in three basic designs:
LP1, manufactured without a guide ring,
is for tongue-and-groove or recessedflange applications.
LP2 is constructed with an integral guide
ring for alignment purposes.
LP3 utilizes a loose-fitting guide ring. This
popular design is preferred for nominal
pipe size and pressure class raised-face
flanges. It is used in equipment with excessive radial shear characteristics, thermal cycling, or thermal expansion.
Kammprofile engineered gaskets combine
with Lamons SPC4 load-indicating fasteners to create a complete package for leak-
OCTOBER 2016
With its three-layer construction

(image, left), a Kammprofile gasket
can seal where other types fail
free installation. Users can monitor the
clamping load of any SPC4 bolted joint,
whether static or dynamic, by attaching an
indicator datum disc located on the end
of the fastener and reading the value with
a user-friendly mechanical indicator. The
SPC4 technology requires minimal modification of the fastener, so integrity is retained.
www.lamons.com
73
Integral tie rods simplify maintenance Fluoropolymers

PROCOs approach to integral tie rod design controls
resist corrosion
flange loads and eases access for maintenance
The improved tie rod design from PROCO
xpansion joint specialist PROCO

Products, Inc. offers an integral tie rod
(ITR) design with an optional demounting
feature on all its rubber expansion joints.
The demounting feature is ideal for applications where maintenance operations
require the expansion joint to be retracted
away from an adjacent pump or valve.
As the image above shows, this ITR design also eliminates concerns with pump or
valve casing interference, which may be a

problem when installing control rod plates
of standard triangular design. Further, it
avoids any chance of pressure thrust forces
being transmitted to the backside of the
pump or valve mating flange.
This ITR design concept can also be applied to non-metallic piping systems, where
plastic or fiberglass mating flanges may not
tolerate the thrust loads applied via a traditional triangular rod plate arrangement.
PROCOs integral tie rods are designed
to withstand 1.5 times the maximum pressure rating of the rubber expansion joint
itself. The companys standard in-stock control rods are AS F1544-Grade 36 Melt USA
with AS A563 A finished hex nuts and USS
flat washers zinc plated to AS B633 Type 3
clear zinc. Optional hot dipped galvanized
hi-tensile A193 B7 rod with A194 2H hex
nuts are available on request.
This ITR arrangement is also ideally suited to address unequal flange pattern applications such as ANSI 150# drill x DIN PN 16
www.procoproducts.com
drill patterns.
Save money with expansion joints
Unaflex expansion joints and

hoses suit tough conditions
naflex LLC is the industry leader in

combined technologies for the expansion joint and flexible hose industries. Since
1972 Unaflex has been dedicated to stateof-the-art technologies combined with proven manufacturing processes. Unaflex has
orientated its PTFE and FEP product lines
toward safety and double containment.
Flexible tooling allows the company to produce PTFE- and FEP-lined expansion joints
in any size up to 144 in. diameter.
PTFE-lined metal bellows are available
in 2144 in. sizes with pressure capabilities
up to 400 psi. Two- to three-ply solid FEP expansion joints are translucent and available
in 14144 in. sizes, with pressures reaching 50 psi. Where elevated pressures are a
concern, Unaflex offers PTFE- and FEP-lined
rubber joints for service at up to 300 psi.
All the companys expansion joints are
available in custom sizes and non-standard
Unaflex PTFE
expansion
joints
Alongside its high-performance products, General Rubber

shows how to cut both capital and maintenance costs
ince 1950,
General
Rubber Corp.
has been at the
forefront of innovative rubber expansion
joint design
and manufacturing. With its
experienced
engineers and
sales team, the
company is able
to provide powerful solutions to even
the most demanding
36 in. ID x 15 in. FF
applications across
Style 1102, 1202
multiple industries
double (2) wide arch
and sectors.
expansion joint
General Rubber,
which is certified to
both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, leverages its
state-of-the-art U.S. manufacturing facility
to lower operating costs while respecting
74
the environment. The company is committed to providing quality, defect-free performance products at competitive prices.
General Rubber is particularly proud of
its programs that focus respectively on engineering, procurement and construction
(EPC), and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO). For the EPC sector, it offers
a Best Piping Practice and Optimization
(BPPO) program with benefits including
reduced material and construction costs
as well smaller system footprint. For the
MRO sector, General Rubber offers a Plant
Reliability and Efficiency Program (PREP)
to transition customers from an overly conservative calendar-based replacement program, or a somewhat reckless run-to-failure
based approach, to a condition-based predictive maintenance program.
General Rubbers use of advanced materials and technologies has differentiated
the company as a leader in the industry, and
is the principal reason its performance products range From the Simple to the Simply
Amazing.
www.general-rubber.com
face-to-face dimensions. Floating flanged designs are available

to compensate for piping misalignment.
Unaflexs entire PTFE and FEP product line is
manufactured in the U.S., and the company
is certified to ISO 9001:2008.
The complete product range includes:
Large-diameter solid FEP joints similar to
styles 112, 113 and 115, available in sizes
up to 144 in.
PTFE-lined metal hose offering a combination of superior strength with excellent
chemical resistance.
Corrugated PTFE sleeves built to customers specifications.
PTFE-lined flue duct for superior resistance to corrosive combustion gases.
PTFE tubes in various diameters and
lengths, with complete PTFE fittings also
available.
PTFE gasket material, both pre-cut and in
www.unaflex.com
roll form.
OCTOBER 2016
PAKd with Toughness

Tuthill Vacuum & Blower Systems introduces the new MPAK 2000 blower
package, built tough to pack a punch. Each MPAK 2000 is value-engineered to meet specific applications so you dont pay for more blower
than you need. Its design allows for simple installation and use. It features: accurate blower sizing for your application including PD Plus, CP
Series or Qx models; open or closed package design with field retrofittable enclosure option; high endurance and Tuthill reliability. And more
MPAK models are coming in 2017! Contact the experts at Tuthill to size
the MPAK for your application.
Tuthill Vacuum & Blower Systems

http://www.tuthillvacuumblower.com/
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Product Showcase
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or semi-solid
Hot, chemical
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Unknown
Positive-Displacement
Piston Pumping
Electric, Pneumatic
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blackhawkco.com
mbertane@blackhawkco.com
800-469-4887
Buyers' Guide 2017

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Where can you find all your

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Written for engineers by engineers, Chemical
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Gears & Turbines

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We stock large inventories of:

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76
OCTOBER 2016
New & Used Equipment
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Low temp NOx control by catalyst-embedded
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OCTOBER 2016
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OCTOBER 2016
Advertisers Index
Advertiser............. Page number
Phone number
Reader Service #

Phone number
Reader Service #

Phone number
Reader Service #
Bluebeam Software, Inc. ....... C2
The Novaflex Group .............25d
*Siemens AG ......................... 27i
*Buss-SMS-Canzler GmbH .....I3
1-856-768-2257
Team Industrial Services ........47
+49 60 33/85-0
Paharpur Cooling
Towers Limited.........................6
1-800-662-8326
Cashco, Inc. ...........................36
+91-33-4013-3000
TLV Corporation .................... C4
1-785-472-4461
PAS, Inc ..................................63
1-704-597-9070
Chemstations .......................... 11
1-713-978-7700
Paul O Abbe .........................22d
Tuthill Vacuum & Blower

Systems ........................... 67, 75
1-855-789-9827
1-800-825-6937
Collins Instrument
Company, Inc. ........................62
Pfeiffer Vacuum GmbH ..........53
Unaflex, Inc. ...........................58
1-979-849-8266
+49 6441 802-0

1-800-327-1286
Drger Safety ...........................4
*Plast-O-Matic Valves, Inc. ....21i
USA Industries, Inc. ................56
Ekato Process
Technologies GmbH ........39, 57
Proco Products ......................64
1-832-850-5295
1-800-344-3246
Vanton Pump
& Equipment Corp. .............. 31d
1-201-825-4684 x222
Quest Integrity Group, LLC ....52
Emcor Group ......................... 13
YS-Inc ..................................22d
1-713-378-9200
RedGuard ..............................38
1-888-356-3343
Flexicon, Inc. ............................3
Ross, Charles & Son

Company .................................9
1-888-FLEXICON
General Rubber Corporation.. 12

1-800-233-6294
H. Butting GmbH & Co. KG ... 12
Zeppelin Systems GmbH ....... 61

1-800-243-ROSS
Sandvik Process Systems ......37

+49 711 5105-0
+49 5834 50-372

Hayward Flow Control ...........69

1-888-429-4635
Honeywell Process
Solutions ................................ 19
Hunger Is ...............................70
Industrial Blind Solutions ........59

1-800-255-3349
Kelvion Holding GmbH ...........65

Lamons .................................. 15
1-800-231-6906
*Lewa GmbH .......................... I1

Load Controls ........................35

1-888-600-3247
Miller-Stephenson
Chemical Company................64
1-800-307-1766
Classiied Index October 2016

Advertiser
Phone number
Page number
Reader Service #
Applied e-Simulators
Software.................................76
1-480-380-4738
Blackhawk Technology ..........76

1-800-469-4887
Indeck Power
Equipment Company ............. 77
1-800-446-3325
KnightHawk Engineering ........76

1-281-282-9200
Ross, Charles & Son Co......... 77

1-800-243-ROSS
Equipment, New & Used . . . 76

Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Advertiser
Phone number
Page number
Reader Service #
Tri-Mer Corporation ............... 77

1-989-321-2991
Vesconite Bearings ................ 77

1-866-635-7596
Wabash Power
Equipment Co ........................76
1-800-704-2002
Xchanger, Inc. ........................ 77

1-952-933-2559
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79
Economic Indicators
2014
2015
2016
Download the CEPCI two weeks sooner at www.chemengonline.com/pci
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING PLANT COST INDEX (CEPCI)

625
(1957-59 = 100)
CE Index ______________________________________________
Equipment ____________________________________________
Heat exchangers & tanks _________________________________
Process machinery _____________________________________
Pipe, valves & fittings ____________________________________
Process instruments ____________________________________
Pumps & compressors ___________________________________
Electrical equipment ____________________________________
Structural supports & misc ________________________________
Construction labor _______________________________________
Buildings _____________________________________________
Engineering & supervision _________________________________
July '16
Prelim.
June '16
Final
July '15
Final
545.1
650.4
560.3
651.9
822.8
389.3
970.1
510.7
707.9
329.6
547.1
315.5
540.9
645.3
558.9
651.1
801.0
385.4
970.5
506.8
708.4
326.0
544.0
315.1
556.3
669.7
597.9
658.5
829.1
394.7
956.5
512.5
737.7
321.6
541.8
318.5
Annual Index:
2008 = 575.4
600
2009 = 521.9
2010 = 550.8
575
2011 = 585.7
2012 = 584.6
550
2013 = 567.3
2014 = 576.1
525
2015 = 556.8
500
Starting with the April 2007 Final numbers, several of the data series for labor and compressors have been converted to
accommodate series IDs that were discontinued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
CURRENT BUSINESS INDICATORS
LATEST
PREVIOUS
YEAR AGO
CPI output index (2012 = 100) ____________________________________________________

CPI value of output, $ billions _____________________________________________________
CPI operating rate, % __________________________________________________________
Producer prices, industrial chemicals (1982 = 100) ____________________________________
Aug. '16
Jul. '16
Aug. '16
Aug. '16
=
=
=
=
100.7
1,722.1
74.1
226.6
Jul . '16
Jun. '16
Jul. '16
Jul. '16
=
=
=
=
101.3
1,739.8
74.4
223.2
Jun. '16
May '16
Jun. '16
Jun. '16
=
=
=
=
101.1
1,718.4
74.3
227.9
Aug. '15
Jul. '15
Aug. '15
Aug. '15
=
=
=
=
101.1
1,832.1
74.6
245.2
Industrial Production in Manufacturing (2012=100)* ____________________________________

Hourly earnings index, chemical & allied products (1992 = 100) ____________________________
Productivity index, chemicals & allied products (1992 = 100) ______________________________
Aug. '16
Aug. '16
Aug. '16
=
=
=
103.0
168.1
101.6
Jul. '16
Jul. '16
Jul. '16
=
=
=
103.4
169.0
101.5
Jun. '16
Jun. '16
Jun. '16
=
=
=
103.0
166.6
101.3
Aug. '15
Aug. '15
Aug. '15
=
=
=
103.4
158.6
101.8
CPI OUTPUT INDEX (2000 = 100)

110
105
CPI OUTPUT VALUE ($ BILLIONS)
CPI OPERATING RATE (%)
2300
80
2200
78
100
2100
76
95
2000
90
74
1900
85
72
1800
80
75
70
1700
J F M A M J
J A S O N D
J F M A M J
J A S O N D
J F M A M J
J A S O N D
*Due to discontinuance, the Index of Industrial Activity has been replaced by the Industrial Production in Manufacturing index from the U.S. Federal Reserve Board.
For the current months CPI output index values, the base year was changed from 2000 to 2012
Current business indicators provided by Global Insight, Inc., Lexington, Mass.
CURRENT TRENDS
T
EXCLUSIVE AD SPACE AVAILABLE!
Feature your marketing message alongside this two-page editorial department
Each issue includes editorial departments that feature the latest business news,
current industry trends and the Plant Cost Index. As one of the most valued sections
in the magazine, your ad is guaranteed to reach decision makers each month. Ad
runs opposite Cover 3 within the Economic Indicators department.
Contact your sales representative for more information:
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27206
80
he July 2016 preliminary value for the

CE Plant Cost Index (CEPCI; top; the
most recent available) was substantially
higher than the previous months value,
reversing the small decrease from the
June CPI value. All four of the subindices
rose, with the largest increase observed
in the Equipment subindex. The preliminary July 2016 CEPCI value is 2.0%
lower than the corresponding value
from July of last year. Meanwhile, the
latest Current Business Indicators (CBI;
middle) for August 2016 showed a small
increase in the CPI output index compared to the previous month. Producer
prices for industrial chemicals rose in
August, while the July value for the CPI
value of output index declined from the
previous month.
OCTOBER 2016
A Guide to Advanced and Next-Generation

Battery Technology and Materials
This comprehensive guidebook provides descriptions
of the major battery technologies and materials in the
advanced and next-generation battery markets, as well
as information on many of the companies operating in
the advanced and next-generation battery industries.
Included in this guidebook is a table that represents a
list of selected technology-development companies in
the advanced batteryspace, along with their areas of
focus, contact information and technology status.
Itlists both established companies and startup
companies that have made technologicalstrides
in recent years toward commercially viable battery
technologies.
Major application areas for advanced and
next-generation batteries
Key parameters for advanced and
next-generation batteries
A sampling of academic and national laboratory
research groups and lead investigators that
arefocused on technology for advanced batteries
Details Include:
Advanced lead-acid batteries
Driving forces
Battery materials
Supply-chain logistics
Advanced batteries
Li-ion variants
Next-generation batteries
Developments by application area
Grid-energy storage
Lithium-ion technology
Wearable batteries
Lithium-sulfur battery technology
Redox ow batteries
Battery materials and components
Production capacity
Research stage
Advanced battery companies and specic
technologies
References
Learn more at store.chemengonline.com

OCTOBER 2016
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Saving You Money

Every Step of the Way
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Phone: 704-597-9070 Fax: 704-583-1610
E-mail: TLV@TLVengineering.com
For Technical Service 1-800-TLV-TRAP
http://www.tlv.com

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October

Volume 123 | no. 10

Piping Codes: What the CPI Engineer Should Know

Newsfront Ethics Survey Results: Your Responses

Newsfront Chemical Safety: A Challenging Road

Newsfront Modeling and Simulation Go Beyond

Technical and Practical

Facts at your Fingertips Agglomeration Processes

Technology Profile Aluminum Chloride Production

Feature Report Coupler Technologies for Secure

Engineering Practice Cybersecurity: You Cannot

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Focus on Compressors, Fans and Blowers

Show Preview: K 2016

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Engineering teams on four continents

As one of the worlds largest manufacturers

Strict adherence to your unique standards,

Over 20,000 bulk handling installations

Commitment to the successful performance

Ability to work with the engineering firm

Greater efficiency and control than available

Protect your team from the dangers they cant see

DISCOVER THE BENEFITS OF THE POLYTRON 8000 SERIES AT DRAEGER.COM/CHEMICAL

ART & DESIGN

Vice President and Group Publisher

GERALD ONDREY (FRANKFURT)

MARY PAGE BAILEY

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PAUL S. GRAD (AUSTRALIA)

ith the prevalence of sophisticated mobile devices today,

Audience Marketing Director

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JOY LEPREE (NEW JERSEY)

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Jenike & Johanson, Inc.

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The Linde Group

Chief Executive Officer

Senior Vice President, Digital Development

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Exec. Vice President,

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Advantages and challenges

EUROPEAN EDITORIAL OFFICES

Senior Vice President,

Dorothy Lozowski, Editor in Chief

urrent commercial technologies

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which provide mechanical integrity without

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