Chemical Processing is now accepting entries for its biennial Vaaler Awards. This year, we have updated the submission process. Nominations can now be submitted electronically, including uploading images and PDFs to support product innovations.
To be considered for a 2025 Vaaler Award, the product or service must have been commercialized in the United States between May 2023 and May 2025.
"Judging the Vaaler Awards offers a glimpse into the future of the chemical industry,” said Traci Purdum, Chemical Processing’s editor-in-chief. “As we evaluate each product, we're not just selecting winners — we're seeing the technologies that will reshape how our industry operates. These awards represent more than recognition; they're a preview of the solutions that will drive operational excellence and economic efficiency across chemical facilities worldwide."
Nearly 60 years ago, Chemical Processing inaugurated the Vaaler Awards to honor products and services that have dramatically improved the operations and economics of plants in the chemical industry. The awards are named after John C. Vaaler (1899-1963), chairman of Chemical Processing’s Editorial Board from 1961 until his death. He became editor-in-chief of Chemical Processing in 1946, after 24 years in the chemical and related industries.
In 2023, we named three winners: CG Thermal, LLC for Impervite PPS-GR; Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine for Heat-Flex CUI-Mitigation Coatings and Swagelok for Swagelok Ammonia Sampler.
Early bird nominations are due June 17, 2025. The final deadline is July 15, 2025.
Award categories include:
- Fluid flow (pumps, valves, compressors, blowers, piping, etc.)
- Instrumentation and control (sensors, analyzers, automation systems, etc.)
- Motors, drives and related equipment (including bearings, speed reducers, etc.)
- Material processing and storage (mixers, blenders, reactors, storage vessels, etc.)
- Filtration and separation (including centrifuges, mass-transfer equipment, etc.)
- Heating and cooling (heat transfer fluids, heat exchangers, cooling towers, etc.)
- Powder and solids handling (feeders, conveyors, mills, agglomerators, etc.)
- Environmental, health, safety and security (pollution abatement systems, personal protective equipment, hazard mitigation devices, etc.)
- Software and Internet technologies (simulators, web-based services, etc.)
- Miscellaneous (including construction materials, corrosion control products, etc.)
The panel of judges will be comprised of several experienced engineers working for operating and engineering companies.
