A typical control approach for an industrial fired heater uses global measurements to keep the system efficient and within safe operating limits. Differences in combustion stoichiometry between individual burners, however, can cause global measurements to produce an incomplete picture of the combustion taking place within the heater.

Fluid-bed dryers offer an inherently efficient method of moisture removal that has not changed since the systems were developed in the 1950s. The introduction of ever-improving control technologies — personal computer-based and PLC control systems, smart sensors and other technological advances — in the last 40 years, however, has changed how process engineers operate their fluid-bed drying systems.

It’s a point of pride that I have every issue of Process Heating ever published cataloged in a small library in my home office. Admittedly, it’s not as tidy as you might find at your local library. I tend to stack issues that I “check out” on the floor in front of the library until it’s time to clean my office. And, while my lazy filing means a career as a bibliophilic cataloger is doubtful, it also provides opportunities for rediscovery.

Rapid growth and innovation in the past decade have enabled companies to implement key technologies to monitor, analyze, control and automate their assets. Wireless resistance temperature detectors, or wireless RTDs, have bridged the gap from decades of hardware to remotely connected devices. 

Used for generating steam for power, processing or space heating, or for producing hot water to heat products or a hot water supply, a boiler delivers steam or hot fluid to the end use point at the desired pressure and temperature.

Series 5000 incorporates the company’s maximum-throughput Hi-Flow random or structured packing. Other features of the counter-current packed tower scrubbers include high efficiency mist-eliminator designs and engineering-matched, clog-resistant liquid distribution systems.

Series RGTS can control 120 or 240 VAC induction motors up to 25 A or 3 hp. A fully solid-state solution, wire-bonding technology reduces the thermal and mechanical stresses of the output chips. 

Bühler appointed Mark Macus its CFO, effective September 1, to succeed Andreas Herzog, who is retiring. Herzog has served as CFO for the family-owned company for 17 years. Macus is returning to Bühler to take on the position.

Back in my college days, I was introduced to Peter F. Drucker and his work on leadership, management, labor and economics. One of his famous quotes has stuck with me: “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” At first glance, that statement seems obvious. But what are those “right things?” What makes a good leader?

Companies spend a significant amount of time and energy selecting the best type of pipe material for the application, calculating size and lengths needed, and following and implementing standard instructions for proper pipe installation.