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Technology Profile: Allyl chloride production

Allyl chloride (3-chloropropene; Figure 1) is primarily used almost exclusively as a chemical intermediate in the production of epichlorohydrin. A three-carbon epoxide, epichlorohydrin is used in the manufacture of epoxy resins prevalent in coatings, adhesives, and plastics. Epichlorohydrin is also…

2021 CEPCI updates: November (prelim.) and October (final)

The preliminary value for the CE Plant Cost Index (CEPCI) for November 2021 (the most recent available) is once again higher than the previous month, continuing the upward trend that dominated 2021. The increase for November is driven by two…

U.S. chemical production expanded in December, ACC says

The U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index (U.S. CPRI) expanded by 2.2% in December following a 0.8% gain in November and a 0.2% decline in October, according to the American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com). Chemical output rose in all…

Evonik to build world’s first industrial-scale production plant for rhamnolipids

Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany) is investing a three-digit million-euro sum in the construction of a new production plant for bio-based and fully biodegradable rhamnolipids. The decision to build the plant follows a breakthrough in Evonik's research and development. Rhamnolipids…

ACC survey finds persistent supply-chain problems deeply impacted chemical manufacturers

U.S. chemical manufacturers reported that persistent, and in some cases worsening, supply-chain problems had a detrimental impact on their operations. According to survey results released today by the American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com), the impacts of supply chain…

2021 Connected Plant Conference Game Changers Award Winners

Behind the digital tools that make the industrial internet of things (IIOT) in the power generation and chemical process industries are people. The 2021 Connected Plant Conference in Austin, Texas recognized the achievements of several individuals and companies who are fast…

CPI outlook is adjusting and strong

Following the major disruptions in 2020 due to the pandemic, U.S. chemical production has grown in 2021 and is poised for further gains in 2022, according to the American Chemistry Council’s Year-End 2021 Chemical Industry Situation and Outlook. U.S. chemistry…

Business News: January 2022

Plant Watch Air Liquide enters a longterm partnership for production of rare helium isotope December 8, 2021 — Air Liquide S.A. (Paris; www.airliquide.com) entered into a longterm agreement with Laurentis Energy Partners to produce and distribute helium-3 (3He), a rare…

Clariant begins construction of flame retardants production facility in China

Specialty chemical company Clariant (Muttenz, Switzerland; www.clariant.com) today announced that it will construct its first Chinese production facility for its successful Exolit OP flame retardants at its existing site in Daya Bay, Huizhou, Guangdong Province. By establishing local production capacity,…

2021 CEPCI Updates: October (prelim.) and September (final)

The preliminary value for the CE Plant Cost Index (CEPCI) for October 2021 (the most recent available) is once again higher than the previous month, continuing the upward trajectory of the index that has been observed for the past year.…