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Executive Insights: Wacker Chemical Corporation
In this exclusive interview, Christoph Kowitz, president and CEO of Wacker Chemical Corporation, offers his perspective on the goals, challenges and accomplishments of the company, as well as the challenges faced by the chemical process industries Christoph Kowitz is the…
Expanded database tool for olivine samples
Olivine, a magnesium-iron silicate mineral, is common in the earth’s subsurface, and can sometimes contain other valuable elements, such as cobalt, manganese and nickel. Olivine has been explored as a possible sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide in carbon-capture methods that…
A new motor designed with sanitary processing in mind
Launched at the International Production & Processing Expo 2025, Baldor-Reliance Food Safe SP5+ motor (photo) is said to be the world’s first IP69-certified ultra-premium efficient motor. Built for food and beverage applications, the motor’s IP69-rated stainless-steel construction is engineered to…
First open process automation (OPA) control system at a commercial manufacturing facility
An ExxonMobil Corp. (Spring, Tex.; www.exxonmobil.com) adhesive-resin finishing facility in Baton Rouge, La. has become the first commercial process-manufacturing facility to be controlled by an open, standards-based process automation system. This is a departure from the closed, proprietary systems currently…
Cybersecurity Strategies for Every OT Mindset
Whether cautious or cutting-edge, operational technology (OT) teams need a balanced approach to cybersecurity — one that starts with understanding their current state, collaborating with subject matter experts and building a practical roadmap to success There can be little doubt…
Focus on: Performance Materials
These powders are designed for thermal spray applications This company’s WallCarb™ HVOF (high-velocity oxygen fuel) tungsten carbide powders are designed for thermal spray applications (photo) and are engineered to provide dense, hard coatings with exceptional wear and corrosion resistance. These…
UV-sterilized bioreactor could reduce costs for bioproducts
Capital intensity is among the current constraints on industrial-scale fermentation, because the hardware for steam sterilization of bioreactors is complex and expensive. After recently emerging from stealth status, the startup company Biosphere (Oakland, Calif.; www.biosphere.io) has launched a new reactor…
Business News: March 2025
Plant Watch LG Chem set to commence production of bio-based acrylic acid February 13, 2025 — LG Chem Ltd. (Seoul, South Korea; www.lgchem.com) will commence the production of bio-based acrylic acid in the second quarter of 2025, with plans to…
Efficient cavitation-based method for challenging oil separations
Many separation processes depend on chemical or thermal principles, such as solvent extraction or distillation, but in some cases, mechanical methods can provide effective separations with lower cost and energy requirements. Eirex (Vaughan, Ont., Canada; www.eirex.ca) has developed a proprietary…
High-Purity Processing Demands Contamination Control and Containment
Advanced technologies help pharmaceutical and semiconductor producers achieve excellence Chemical processors are under increased pressure to achieve operational excellence, which involves a balance of increasing yield, improving quality and reducing waste, while also cutting operational costs. Processors in high-purity industries…