A methodology and examples for estimating equipment costs are presented Engineers have the responsibility to create projects having attractive returns on investment and to create economically sound designs — designs that produce high-quality, competitively priced products. This requires the technical…
As chemical engineers, many of us work on developing new processes or improving current ones, often with goals of better efficiency, new or improved products and more sustainability. Taking concepts and laboratory work to a commercial scale requires significant effort,…
The preliminary value for the October 2018 CE Plant Cost Index (CEPCI; most recent available) fell slightly compared to the previous month’s value. The decrease reversed an upward trend that had been ongoing throughout 2018. The Equipment, Buildings and Engineering…
Clariant AG (Muttenz, Switzerland; www.clariant.com), a world leader in specialty chemicals, and Eastman Chemical Co. (Kingsport, Tenn.; www.eastman.com), a global advanced materials and specialty additives company, are proud to announce an exclusive cooperation agreement for the distribution of Eastman’s Tamisolve…
The American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com) today released its 2018 Year-End Situation and Outlook. Highlights of the Outlook include the following: Against the backdrop of “decoupling” global growth, ending a rare period of synchronized expansion around the world,…
Plant Watch Synthomer opens expanded nitrile latex production facility in Malaysia November 13, 2018 — Synthomer (London, U.K.; www.synthomer.com) opened its expanded nitrile latex production facility in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia. This $63.5-million project added 90,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr)…
Amid a tight labor market, CPI workers at all levels are in high demand as the range of jobs requiring chemical engineering expertise becomes increasingly diverse Many current indicators suggest that it is a great time to be working in…
This column is based on the report “Polychloroprene Production – Cost Analysis,” published by Intratec. It can be found at the following URL: www.intratec.us/analysis/polychloroprene-production-cost. The need to find a substitute for natural rubber during World War II boosted the development…
Covestro (Leverkusen, Germany; www.covestro.com) accelerates the expansion of its thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) business by raising its stake in the joint venture DIC Covestro Polymer Ltd. (DCP) from 50 to 80%. DCP, established as a 50/50 joint venture in the year…
MFG Chemical (Dalton, Ga.; www.mfgchemical.com), a global leader in specialty and custom chemical manufacturing, is upgrading its Pasadena, Texas plant, which the company acquired in March 2018, and sits on 24.5 acres. The acquisition of the Pasadena plant, together with…