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 —…
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…
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…
Process conditions in chemical production are often challenging for in-line instrumentation. EasyClean™ 200 e is a robust and automated sensor cleaning system that helps keep pH probes operating at their best, and can increase their lifetime by more than 30…
The American Chemistry Council (ACC; Washington, D.C.; www.americanchemistry.com) reported that U.S. specialty chemicals market volumes fell 0.3 percent in April, reflecting soft manufacturing activity, following a 0.3 percent decline in March and 0.2 percent decline in February. All changes in…
DuPont Transportation & Advanced Polymers, a global business unit of the DowDuPont Specialty Products Division, is launching at RAPID + TCT 2019, new additions to the company’s portfolio of 3D printing materials, including six new Zytel polyamide and Hytrel thermoplastic…