Which Process Equipments Are Used In Chemical Plants?
Chemical plants are the industrial process plants that process or manufacture chemicals on a large scale. They use specialized units, equipment, and technology to transform chemicals into useful products.
Different process equipment used in these plants includes rupture discs, heaters, pipes, expansion joints, valves, pumps, controls, alarms, pulsation dampeners, etc. Due to their indispensable usage in the working of a process, they are essential tools for any chemical industry.
Here we are going to list five common types of chemical industry equipment-
Different Types Of Pumps
Pumps and pumping systems are the most frequently used items for the chemical processes. They serve the purpose of moving fluids of different viscosity such as water, oil, sludge, petroleum, wastewater, etc.
Two common types of liquid transfer pumps used for large-scale industrial processes are Centrifugal Pumps and Positive Displacement Pumps (also known as Diaphragm Pump).
The main difference between the two is, the diaphragm pumps move the fluid at the same speed irrespective of the pressure on the inlet.
Based on their features and applications, these pumps are further classified into:
- Air and Steam Pumps
- Metering Pumps
- Rotary Pumps
- Peristaltic Pumps
- Turbine Pumps
- Cavity Pumps, etc.
Valves To Control The Flow Of Fluids
A valve is a device that directs and regulates the flow of liquefied solids, slurry, gases, or other types of fluids. They are used in various sectors, including engineering, scientific, industrial, manufacturing, etc.
Available in a variety of designs, they have several applications in extreme pressure and high-temperature conditions. They can come with simple hand levers, as well as sophisticated electric, air, or hydraulic power actuators.
Filters For Removing Unwanted Substances
Chemical industries use filters for removing impurities or unwanted components from the main product. They perform the important function of filtering dust, separating debris, purifying oil & fuel, removing contaminants from the gas stream.
Air filter, screen filter, sand filter, panel filter, gas filter, etc. are some of the types of filters are commonly used in the chemical plants.
Filters make the whole disposal process easier, safer, and more efficient. For example, saltwater is a by-product that needs to be separated and processed for proper disposal.
If the conventional method of filtering is used, it won’t facilitate efficient saltwater management. To enable proper removal of hydrocarbons or toxic oils from the product, and safer discharge into the environment, industries deploy these filters in the process.
Heat Exchangers For Transferring Heat
This equipment is mostly used in sewage treatment, petrochemical plants, natural gas processing, and petroleum refineries. Double pipe heat exchangers, shell and tube, are more efficient devices to transfer heat between the fluids or from a solid to fluids.
Choose the type and size of the heat exchanger based on the type of fluid, its density, phase, viscosity, chemical composition, pressure, and other thermodynamic properties.
Piping For Moving Fluids
A pipe is an essential equipment used in all types of chemical industries. Usually, pipes are made of plastic or metal and are in the shape of a tube. But, there are some special applications in which the pipes are exposed to high pressure and temperature and frequent corrosion.
For such operations, pipes made of a non-metallic material such as aluminum, fiberglass, stainless steel are more suitable. Heat pipes can withstand high temperatures and are safe to use in extreme conditions.As the piping pressure may cause a serious hazard, it is crucial to take much care while designing a safe, workable system. If the metal pipe is welded together, make sure to check if the fabricator is certified for that specific type of pipe he manufactures.
These were some of the necessary pieces of equipment used in chemical industries. In order to maintain the efficiency and safety of your plant, choose the right kind of process equipment. It will give you good output while ensuring hassle-free functioning of the system!