In this 5 part blog series on Biodiesel Production, we will discuss the following 5 areas over the next 5 weeks: Chemistry Degumming Esterification Transesterification Purification When starting with crude degummed oils that have not been alkali refined, then step one is usually performed by the crusher and steps 2, 3 and 4 by our Biodiesel Technology. 1. … [Read more...]
Flashbacks From Thermal Oxidizers and How Redesign Prevents Them
Introduction Flashbacks from Thermal Oxidizers cost the Chemical Process Industries millions of dollars in equipment damage and plant down time. Why does this happen? Is it the manufacturers of the thermal oxidizers fault? It is normally not the manufacturers fault. The thermal oxidizers operating manual normally says that the client must follow NFPA guidelines. NFPA … [Read more...]
Continuous Flow Chemistry for the Pharmaceutical Industry
Although the chemical industry has used continuous flow process plants for years, it is relatively new to the pharmaceutical industry. With skyrocketing costs for batch small molecule pharmaceutical plants reaching over $1,000 per square foot1. Continuous Flow Chemistry provides a lower installed cost alternative. Besides installed cost there are many other benefits as you … [Read more...]
Explosion Investigations with the Three Column Method – Part 3 of 3 in a Series on Explosions
Explosion Investigations Corporations spend enormous amounts of money on explosion investigations. Yet experienced investigators know there are only 9 ignition sources. For an actual asphalt tank fire, the analysis is shown below and whether or not this ignition source was ruled out. Column 1 is labeled: What facts do we know about the incident Column 2 is labeled: What … [Read more...]
The Chemistry of Slime
Introduction Originally, Slime was a toy product manufactured by Mattel, sold in a plastic trash can and introduced in February 1976. It consisted of a non-toxic viscous, squishy and oozy green or other color material made primarily from guar gum. Today, children everywhere have discovered how to make their own slime by using Elmer's glue. So what exactly is in Elmer's … [Read more...]