Chemical Reaction Blog

Shutterstock 1292252449
Shutterstock 1292252449

Sustainability in Chemicals: No Politics, Just Reality

Aug. 1, 2023
The old saying that "knowledge is power" holds true when it comes to environmental regulations. That's why we write about it.
V4 Shutterstock 1887468520

Unveiling the Veil: Chemical Industry's Silence Threatens Transparency and Trust

June 20, 2023
We can’t help the industry improve its existing processes if the people running processing plants won’t share best practices, obstacles and tough lessons learned.
Illustration by Dina Sheyfer, Argonne National Laboratory
An intense X-ray beam (in pink) is focused into a small spot on a single nanoscale grain of a platinum electrode (highlighted within the droplet). Diffraction interference patterns from that grain were collected on an X-ray detector (the black screen). (Illustration by Dina Sheyfer, Argonne National Laboratory.)

X-Ray Vision for Clean Hydrogen

May 12, 2023
I recently posted an article about a research project at the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory to explore more efficient ways to produce hydrogen. The project...
Jonathan Katz
Gregory See Hoye, market manager for Dedert, gets ready to speak about the need for partnerships among process solutions providers, ingredient producers and other key players in the supply chain to deliver on new market demands, including lithium battery powders.

Field Notes From the Powder Show

May 2, 2023
Tips and insights from the The International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition.
Source: Shutterstock.
Shutterstock 794015686

Knowledge Is Power Then and Now

April 28, 2023
The story of Rachel Carson’s contributions to environmental conservation has long stuck with me and now comes full circle as a new generation learns about her work.
Shutterstock 1491935429

Chemical Engineering Career Offers Myriad Job Opportunities, Stability

April 5, 2023
Resources delve deeper into what a future career in the chemical industry might look like from the eyes of seasoned chemical engineers.
Shutterstock
Shutterstock 1981241096

Did a Norfolk Southern Train Take a ‘Spill’?

March 24, 2023
Words matter, especially when an industry's reputation is at stake.
© Saqqara Saite Tombs Project, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. Photographer: M. Abedlghaffar
Vessels from the embalming workshop © Saqqara Saite Tombs Project, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. Photographer: M. Abedlghaffar

Ancient Egypt’s Chemists

Feb. 2, 2023
Call it a morbid curiosity, but I’m always fascinated when I see an article about about well-preserved ancient remains. In fact, the other day I sent a friend a picture from a...
.
Sugar Beet

Sweet Discovery Fuels Renewable Resource

Feb. 1, 2023
Researchers have sped up the slowest step in processing sugar into a chemical called isobutanol.
Shutterstock 219237360
Shutterstock 2192373603

2023 Economic Trends to Watch

Jan. 13, 2023
A summary of key economic indicators that will impact the chemical industry this year from Endeavor Business Media.
Shutterstock 1008152344
Shutterstock 1008152344

What is Chemical Computing?

Jan. 2, 2023
If the concept becomes reality, it could lead to smarter, more efficient computers.
Shutterstock 1077109130

Process Safety: Winter Is Here

Dec. 29, 2022
It's not too late to mitigate risks associated with freezing temperatures.
Shutterstock 507357256

Is a Career in Chemical Engineering Low Stress?

Dec. 20, 2022
Our job satisfaction and salary survey points to happy engineers, but the job isn’t without its challenges.

Don’t Forget About Combustible Dust Dangers

Dec. 8, 2022
The weekend before my first day on the Chemical Processing staff my friend, Lindsey, shared a Facebook post about a massive fire and explosion at a former flour mill in her hometown...

Chemical Safety Leader, Loving Husband Passes

July 25, 2022
Michael O’Connor, founder of the Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center, saved countless lives in memory of his wife.

Process Safety Database Details Lessons Learned

June 16, 2022
I’ve become quite familiar with the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) over the years. It started with a process safety webinar Chemical Processing offered that featured...

Could Rock DNA Reveal Life On Other Planets?

Feb. 10, 2022
When I was a kid my family often went camping. My brother and I were tasked with finding big rocks from a nearby river to build a fire pit. We’d keep a fire going all weekend ...

Bond Forged Between Blacksmithing And Chemical Processing

Jan. 26, 2022
My father-in-law’s past is peppered with rough-and-tumble experiences. He was a Green Beret in the U.S. Army and has held gruff occupations since the day he started working. He...

Cheers To Carbon Negative Vodka

Oct. 28, 2021
Hold on to your martini glasses -- there’s a carbon negative vodka on the market. I’m wondering which aspect of The Guardian article caused my editor to think of me: the good ...

Recycling Robots Rescue Soft-Plastics Refuse

June 23, 2021
Every day we are getting closer to the Jetsons world I envisioned as a kid. Indeed, robots now can delicately sort through trash to pick out soft plastics like cling wrap and ...

100-Year-Old Tesla Valve Is Cool But Not Well Suited For Industry

May 20, 2021
Over the past year I’ve learned way more than I thought I would about check valves. It started when we had a torrential downpour in May 2020 and our house flooded. . . from the...

Accidental-Explosion Research Gets Boost

Feb. 18, 2021
Blowing stuff up in the name of safety and research always grabs my attention.Earlier in my career I visited Rhode Island-based FM Global, an insurance company that specializes...

Additive A Catalyst For Recycling Revolution

Feb. 4, 2021
Recycling is a hot topic in Cleveland, Ohio, these days. It seems that the city has been duping diligent dividers of plastics and simply dumping bins designated as recyclables...

Exercise Emissions Cause Chemical Reactions

Jan. 7, 2021
New year, new set of goals. First one on the list for me is to get to the gym more. I’m fortunate that my facility is very proactive in adhering to COVID guidelines; all equipment...
what-dont-you-understand-tshirt2

2020 Gift Guide For Chemical Engineers

Dec. 17, 2020
Once again I am doing most of my holiday shopping online. While I try to support local small businesses, sometimes you have to head over to the big “A” to find those gifts for...