U.S. chemical industry output will continue to grow in 2019 despite a challenging global economy, according to the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americnchemistry.com) Mid-Year 2019 Chemical Industry Situation and Outlook. Growth in key domestic end-use markets and a…
Polyscope Polymers B.V. (Geleen, the Netherlands; www.polyscope.eu) has completed the business integration of the global styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymers business from Cray Valley S.A., Cray Valley HSC Asia Ltd, Cray Valley (Guangzhou) Chemical Co. Ltd. and Total Petrochemicals &…
Every two years, Chemical Engineering honors an innovative technology that has been commercialized with the Kirkpatrick Chemical Engineering Achievement Award. This year, we have six finalists who will have the opportunity to present their technologies at the Chem Show in…
Producing chemicals and fuels by fermentation of renewable feedstocks can offer improved sustainability, lower costs and greater safety compared to conventional thermal processes. But realizing these benefits depends on a careful assessment of the process economics, and an understanding of…
This column is based on “Polybutadiene Production via Solution Process – Cost Analysis,” a report published by Intratec. It can be found at: www.intratec.us/analysis/polybutadiene-production-cost. Polybutadiene (also known as butadiene rubber) is produced from the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene. In terms of…
By focusing on ignition sources, such as static discharges, and housekeeping, facilities handling solids can minimize their risk for combustible dust explosions Dust explosions in industrial facilities can cause injuries, destruction of property, and — as history will attest —…
Corrosion can never be totally stopped, but significantly slowing its progress can be achieved if analyzers rapidly detect out-of-spec conditions. For a prominent European chemical company, switching from slow electrolytic sensors to almost real-time moisture analysis has made a significant…
Polytek Development Corp. (Easton, Pa.; www.polytek.com), a manufacturer of specialty polymers for mold making and casting applications, has announced the expansion of epoxy production capabilities at its Midwest location. Following the March 2019 acquisition of BCC Products, Inc. ("BCC"), Polytek…
Dow selects Univar Solutions as a key channel to market for polyurethanes in North AmericaDow approves Univar Solutions to carry range of polyols and isocyanates in U.S. and CanadaDow (Midland, Mich.; www.dow.com) and Univar Inc. (Downer's Grove, Ill.; www.univar.com) today…
The preliminary value for the CE Plant Cost Index (CEPCI; the most recent available) for March 2019 decreased from the previous month’s value for the second consecutive month, although the final value for February was adjusted slightly upward. The decline…