P&IDs and Process Evolution

Photo by ANIRUDH on Unsplash P&IDs are par for the course in process engineering. Recently, I was poring over P&IDs and process planning for several projects. Each project was multinational, multicultural, and extremely complex. For one specialty chemical filtration application, part of…


Troubleshooting Filter Aids and Filtration Systems

Filter aid pretreatment can improve filtration properties and efficient removal of fine solids. Whether the filter aids are used in Plate-and-frame filter presses, horizontal and vertical pressure leaf filters, candle or tubular filters, Nutsche filters, or rotary vacuum drum filters, these practical tips can help this part of the process run smoothly. We typically see diatomite, perlite and cellulose filter aids today. They meet the requirements of a filter aid in that they: Consist of rigid,…


Summer Workplace Safety & Testing Assumptions

  Photo by Pop & Zebra on Unsplash Summer is here! That means swimming, barbecues, and watermelon. I’ve got to admit, though, I’ll be looking at watermelons a lot differently this season.  Recently, I came across a Black & Veatch video illustrating the importance of wearing your…


Removing Catalyst Fines From Raney Nickel Catalyst Reactions

Photo by Ümit Yıldırım on Unsplash Whether you call it Raney nickel or Raney mud, this alloy of aluminum and nickel is a reagent common to many organic processes. Currently, most Raney nickel catalyst slurries are clarified with the use of manual plate or nutsche filters, bag filters, or…


Inventive Filtration Technologies for Palladium Recovery 

Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash Many times we encounter an “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” mentality. Process engineers in particular run up against this constantly. Yet, when it comes to palladium recovery, we’ve seen some strong results from taking an inventive approach to the…