Olefin epoxidation is an important reaction for making a range of industrial intermediates in processes for epoxy coatings, polyurethanes, polyester textiles, surfactants, specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals and others. Conventional olefin epoxidation involves organo-peroxides or organo-halogen oxidants, which present safety and environmental…
HAZOP data management should be treated as a systemic process-safety issue, as it can be a significant and invisible source of inefficiency. This article describes the principles required to create HAZOP records that can stand on their own over time…
Last month, members of the Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA; Arlington, Va.; www.socma.org) gathered in Nashville, Tenn. for the annual SOCMA Show event. At the event, between talk of tariffs, ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty, the proliferation of…
Minimizing cost is the key parameter for the viability of direct-air-capture (DAC) systems that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The startup company Sustaera Inc. (Research Triangle Park, N.C.; www.sustaera.com) has built a prototype DAC system that it says can…
Current recycling methods for recovering platinum-group metals (PGMs) from catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) used in proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers and fuel cells incinerate the highly valuable membrane material, requiring the manufacture of new material and the management of hydrogen fluoride offgas…
Plant Watch Indorama Ventures to establish one of Africa’s largest recycling facilities for PET March 12, 2026 — Indorama Ventures Ltd. (Bangkok, Thailand; www.indoramaventures.com), Nigerian Breweries p.l.c. and Genesis Power & Energy Solutions Ltd. plan to establish one of Africa’s…
Nanomox (London, U.K.; www.nanomox.net) has invented a synthesis platform for metal oxides where multifunctional ionic liquids enable high selectivity for specialized morphologies. While the technology can be tailored for a large number of metals, the company is currently targeting zinc…
Updated mobile app allows more from SCADA software This company redesigned the mobile app for its software-as-a-service (SaaS) supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software (photo). The new app is designed to allow operators and technicians to do more in…
Biocompatible materials are designed and engineered to be introduced into the human body, either temporarily or permanently, as part of a medical device, to bring about therapeutic medical benefits. Biocompatible materials include various types of metals, ceramics, polymers and composite…
Flow behavior of solid materials can have a significant impact on safety. These case studies illustrate how a better understanding of flow behavior can reduce safety risks At least 75% of chemical process and manufacturing operations involve bulk solids in…