Chemical Processing Distilled

"Teamwork matters. Teamwork saves lives." That’s the battle cry from Eduardo Salas, the Allyn R. and Gladys M. Cline chair professor in Rice University’s psychological sciences department, and Scott Tannenbaum, president at The Group for Organizational Effectiveness Inc. This episode uncovers the ways teams can save lives. The deadly Pemex chemical leak serves as an example.

Work that began in the 1800s is still going strong with the help of a teacher, Motörhead and hypothetical, superheavy elements yet to be discovered.

In this news roundup, Executive Editor Jonathan Katz highlights significant policy shifts, with Trump's energy initiatives reversing environmental protections and renewable energy commitments. Chemical industry regulations face changes with TSCA reform and EPA appointments of former industry executives. Additional developments include expanded PFAS reporting requirements, biofuel research funding...

In this episode of Distilled, CP’s Editor Traci Purdum chats with David Strobhar,  founder and principal human factors engineer for Beville Engineering. Dave is also the founder of the Center for Operator Performance. The two discuss Instructional System Design, a systematic training approach developed by the Air Force to create efficient, measurable, and effective training programs across diverse...

In today’s episode, Chemical Processing’s Editor-in-Chief, Traci Purdum, will be reading this year’s Chemical Industry Outlook , written by Martha Gilchrist Moore, chief economist and managing director of the American Chemistry Council, Washington, D.C.  Martha and the ACC have been offering Chemical Processing a glimpse into their economic crystal ball for several years. Here is what’s in store f...

Welcome to our first episode of Chemical Processing's Distilled podcast in 2025. This podcast and its transcript can be found at chemicalprocessing.com. I'm Traci Purdum, editor-in-chief of CP. I, like many folks, use the new year to reflect on the past year and find inspiration for the next 365 days during the “Bermuda Triangle” time between the holidays and New Year. You know those days that all...

In his final news roundup of the year, Executive Editor Jon Katz highlights: Global plastic pollution treaty stalls amid negotiations. DuPont loses lawsuit secrecy bid. EPA closes PFAS chemical review loopholes. Bhopal lessons persist. Chemical facilities warned about winter safety risks.

As a technical expert in a chemical facility, your knowledge is the backbone of operations. However, as your responsibilities increase, transitioning from a purely technical role to one in leadership can be challenging. Developing an inclusive approach not only strengthens team cohesion but also boosts overall performance. Here are five tips for how to evolve from a technical expert into an inclus...

Her journey exemplifies professional growth through curiosity, adaptability and seizing unexpected opportunities. Anne Berg, vice president of Manufacturing, Agricultural Solutions Americas at BASF, was recently inducted into the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame. Her remarkable 28-year career spans multiple countries and roles. Starting as a process development engineer in Germany in 1996, she...

Grab a cup of coffee and spend a few minutes going over the top news in the chemical industry with CP’s Executive Editor, Jonathan Katz. Election 2024 Recap: Chemical Industry Sees Regulatory Relief in Trump's Return As manufacturers welcome a potential rollback of Biden-era rules, experts warn companies must still answer to shareholders and customers on environmental commitments.   Trump Selects...

In the fast-paced world of chemical processing and operations, effective time management is not just a luxury — it’s a necessity. Engineers and operators often face complex tasks, tight deadlines and high-stakes environments with an extremely limited margin for error. Implementing effective time-management strategies can significantly enhance productivity, reduce stress and improve overall job sat...

As manufacturers welcome a potential rollback of Biden-era rules, experts warn companies must still answer to shareholders and customers on environmental commitments. The chemical industry has been yearning for the Trump administration’s hands-off approach to regulations ever since Jan. 20, 2021, the day President Joe Biden took office. For chemical manufacturers, the return of Donald J. Trump to...

In Case You Missed It brings the written word to life. In today’s episode, I will be reading a column from editor at large Seán Ottewell – “Chemistry History Lesson: From Anti-Plague Elixirs to a Precious Nose That Wasn’t.” Danish scientist Tycho Brahe took many of his experiments to his grave. However, researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have found clues that shed light on his mys...

Unlikely allies in sustainability, a fatal chemical leak, an averted dock-worker strike, and BASF’s hall-of-famer round out the top stories on reader lists. Executive Editor Jonathan Katz reviews what topped the list for our readers this month.

When it comes to pumping systems, efficiency must be viewed in terms of measurable savings (kilowatts, horsepower) and taken as a whole-system approach. Organizational buy-in and leadership support are crucial. To help us understand how best to achieve efficiency, Chemical Processing chatted with Dr. Gary Dyson, managing director of global engineering at Hydro. Dyson is responsible for thousands o...

What truly makes an expert? It's not just about knowing more facts. Discover the 13 key characteristics that set real experts apart, from forming expectancies to mental simulations. Learn how these traits apply across industries and how you can cultivate expertise in yourself and others. Whether you're an operator, manager, or lifelong learner, this discussion on the nature of expertise will chang...

Chemical Processing's Editor-in-Chief, Traci Purdum, recently sat in on a roundtable of fellow editors and manufacturing alliances to discuss how industry is facing a significant challenge in recruiting both skilled and unskilled workers. Listen in as her fellow business journalists reveal tactics big-name companies are using to attract younger workers to manufacturing careers.

Today’s episode highlights Chemical Processing’s other podcast series, Process Safety with Trish and Traci. We recently celebrated five years with that brand, and to commemorate that achievement, we hosted a fun show that featured a talented crime writer and well-respected chemical engineer, Fiona Erskine. I like to think about her book series as a glimpse into what James Bond/Nancy Drew would loo...

What were the hot topics in September 2024? Executive Editor Jon Katz runs through all the attention-getters. Our monthly roundup of trending stories on ChemicalProcessing.com focuses on what your peers were reading. Executive Editor Jon Katz does his best Walter Cronkite impression as he bring the news to life. If you want to follow along, here are the stories he highlights.

In the second installment of our five-part series on the chemical industry workforce, "Chemical Industry Workforce: Shaping Tomorrow's Talent," Dennis Banks, vice president of Syncrude Maintenance at Suncor Energy Inc., offers his definition of DEI.  “I grew up in a place where there were drive-by shootings — I have bullet holes in my childhood home,” says Dennis Banks, vice president of Syncrude...

Vacuum conveying systems automate the movement of dry materials, offering numerous benefits in industrial processes. They improve safety by controlling dust, reducing spills and handling combustible powders more securely than pressure-conveying systems. These systems enhance quality control through consistent ingredient ratios and efficient packaging, which is crucial for consumer brand management...

Objectively assessing operator knowledge and skills is important. The Center for Operator Performance developed a validated 47-question test on distillation knowledge administered across multiple companies. The test revealed variations in knowledge between companies and individuals, helping identify areas for improvement. The goal is to create more tests on different topics. Key findings include:...

While watching the movie "Christmas Vacation" for the 67th time, I finally realized that Clark Griswold was a chemical engineer. I leaped down the rabbit hole looking for more famous ChemEs in real life and movies. I found several.

The top trending news stories from August 2024 as reported on ChemicalProcessing.com.   Cheers! Whiskey Waste Becomes Biochemicals A new method to extract valuable bio-based chemicals from whiskey distillery waste streams could be worth up to £90 million ($US 115 million) in global chemical manufacturing markets.   Rice Engineers Design Eco-Friendly Ammonia Reactor New electrochemical process coul...

Level indicators and pressure applications are crucial in ensuring efficient operations and safety. From basic visual indicators to advanced electronic transmitters, the range of technologies available is vast and constantly evolving.  Chemical Processing chatted with Jason Kuzmiak, Chemical Industry Manager at VEGA Americas, to delve into the world of level measurement and pressure instrumentatio...