L.J. Star Publishes Sightglass App Handbook

L.J. Star (www.ljstar.com) published a 20-page application handbook, featuring technical information and guidelines for the specification, installation, and maintenance of sightglasses in chemical and pharmaceutical processing plants. The publication, titled Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sight Glass Application Handbook, includes descriptions of common glass formulations and design factors, as well as a step-by-step checklist for installation and maintenance.

Key physical and chemical parameters of various types of glass are explored and related to the needs of processing plants. Primary attention is given to soda-lime glass and borosilicate glass — the types most commonly used in industry. The topics of discussion include operating temperature limits, chemical corrosion resistance, and pressure tolerance.

After a general introduction to types of glass and their key characteristics, chapters include more detailed discussions of design and application considerations. These include relative temperature and chemical tolerance, the use of tempered glass, the nature and value of fused glass, and the key considerations in sightglass design and application. Another section covers the formula for determining necessary sight glass thickness and a review of the critical industry standards for evaluating and specifying sight glasses. Also a section provides information on lighting, including the basic characteristics of various illumination sources and tips on how to determine wattage and orientation. The handbook concludes with a checklist for those responsible for installation and maintenance of sight glasses in general. To request a copy of the handbook, visit www.ljstar.com/pubs/10.htm.