Due to current global conditions, raw-material considerations — volatility in particular — are now being taken into account earlier, and integrated more intimately, into project planning and management strategies Over the past few years, raw materials have moved from the…
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable polymers that are positioned as a promising alternative to conventional plastics. They can be produced from a variety of biological and renewable feedstocks. Mango Materials (MM; Vacaville, Calif.; www.mangomaterials.com) produces PHAs at a pilot plant and…
Understanding common myths surrounding the ISA/IEC 62443 cybersecurity standard can help put chemical manufacturers on a path to safer, more resilient operations Picture a petrochemical plant running steady in the dead of night — pipes humming, reactors holding pressure, safety…
A novel flare-stack configuration utilizing plasma technology has transitioned from the research stage to a commercial-scale operating site Amidst ambitious sustainability goals and the drive toward “net zero” emissions, engineering and research teams across the globe are developing and evaluating…
New materials, designs and digitalization provide cost-effective, long-term membrane-system performance Chemical processors prioritize uptime and high performance in membrane and filtration systems, so innovative technologies are being developed to minimize downtime and provide more cost-effective long-term performance in challenging chemical…
This compressor delivers high flow in a compact design The latest addition to this company’s DrillAir family of portable air compressors is the X-Air+ 800-20 (photo). Delivering up to 800 ft3/min, the model is said to deliver high flow at…
Traditionally, student engineering internships are undertaken after completion of third-year undergraduate coursework, but earlier internships can provide benefits both to students and to companies The importance of internships to students and companies has been discussed in earlier articles [1–3] and…
Natural-language models powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can enhance human-centered skills, such as communication, emotional intelligence and interpersonal workflows in chemical-manufacturing settings The chemical process industries (CPI) operate in environments defined by nonlinear system behavior, tight safety margins…
Molybdenum is a crucial element in many industrial catalysts used in the production of steels, alloys and specialty chemicals. Much of the global supply chain for molybdenum relies on mining operations in China and Russia, so various efforts are underway…
A team of researchers at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT; Daejeon, South Korea; www.krict.re.kr), along with industry partners, has developed catalyst and process technology that converts carbon dioxide into liquid hydrocarbons, such as gasoline and naphtha, without…