Near-atmospheric cryogenic storage tanks — such as those holding liquefied natural gas (LNG) or ammonia — typically keep liquids close to their boiling point to minimize cooling costs. While this maximizes energy efficiency, it leaves a razor-thin margin for error, making pilot-operated pressure relief valves (POPRVs) a truly critical layer of protection. The July 2026 cover story analyzes the common, overlooked scenarios that trigger these valves to open ahead of schedule. From testing designs to maintenance, this article provides practical, field-tested guidance to help plant engineers prevent early relief and keep their systems running smoothly.
This month's free article:
Avoiding Early Relief of Cryogenic Ammonia Storage Tanks
Lack of knowledge and poor maintenance of pilot-operated pressure relief valves can lead to them opening at lower-than-expected pressures. Early relief is an avoidable economic loss and a safety hazard. Read this open-access article now!
Hybrid Modeling Strategies for Scalable Predictive Maintenance in the Process Industries
Integrating first-principles engineering with AI and ML enables scalable, robust predictive maintenance solutions across industrial asset fleets.
Reinventing Ethylene: A Blueprint for Legacy Asset Transformation
As deglobalization and regional self-sufficiency reshape the olefins trade, legacy assets face challenges. This roadmap outlines a risk-aware strategy to navigate volatility and ensure long-term value aligned with sustainability goals.
VOC Treatment Technologies: Matching Solutions to Plant Needs
A practical guide for process engineers to select, compare, and optimize volatile organic compound (VOC) abatement systems — from oxidizers to adsorbers and beyond.
Also in this issue:
- CEP News Update
- Beyond Disposal: Supercritical Oxidation of Municipal Biosolids
- Multiscale Thinking for Accelerating Biological Plastic Deconstruction
- When Process Optimization Creates New Dependencies
- It Ain’t What You Know…
- Don’t Buy Someone Else’s IP Problem
- And more!
The July 2026 issue of CEP is now available on the AIChE website.
