The editors of Chemical Processing work hard to come up with a unique editorial mix that helps readers make plants as efficient, safe, environmentally friendly and economically competitive as possible. Editor-in-Chief Mark Rosenzweig continually is on the prowl for content useful for you — getting ideas by attending conferences, speaking to experts and other means. CP also relies on a particularly noteworthy resource, the members of our Editorial Board. Via regular quarterly teleconferences, they discuss best practices, key trends, developments and successful applications and share thoughts on what CP should publish. Their ideas and leads have resulted in many good articles — including one of the top articles for 2017: “Successfully Reduce Process Safety Events — Part 1.” (Go here for details about Editorial Board members and the content they have prompted.)
To assess future content needs, we also pay close attention to what topics most resonate with visitors to our website. You should find this interesting, too. Indeed, it may alert you to content you may have missed but should check out.
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So, here, in order of popularity based on page views at presstime, is a list of the top articles, news items and columns from our regular contributors.
Top Articles
1. Process Safety: Get Ready For 10 Changes
Ten emerging trends will reshape how chemical makers approach and manage safety.
2. Industrie 4.0: What Does It Mean for Chemical Companies?
How a specialty-polymers company took a “don’t panic” approach and improved safety, cost, uptime and quality.
3. Efforts Bolster Operator Training
A variety of initiatives aim to improve expertise and effectiveness.
4. Successfully Reduce Process Safety Events — Part 1
Other companies can emulate the approach proven effective at Dow.
5. Wastewater Treatment Gets a New Spin
Newly commercialized and emerging technologies promise significant benefits.
Top News
1. Dow Makes Changes At The Top
The company announces changes in key executive leadership roles.
2. Siemens Gamesa Installs Floating Wind Farm Off Coast of Scotland
Five turbines of six megawatt class are installed on floating foundations in Stord, Norway, at the 30 MW “Hywind Scotland” project — the world’s largest floating wind farm.
3. Endress+Hauser Buys German Measurement Technology Firm
Endress+Hauser acquires SensAction AG, a manufacturer of systems for measuring the concentration of liquids.
4. Evonik Invests In Antwerp Fumed Silica Production Complex
The facility is scheduled to be operational in the summer of 2019.
5. Shell Moves Forward With Pennsylvania Petrochemical Complex
The multibillion facility is slated for Potter, Pa., outside of Pittsburgh.
Top Columns
Chemical Reaction Blog
1. Expert Says Safety Regulations Haven’t Made Us Safer
We can't say with any degree of certainty whether or not we are getting better or getting worse.
2. Should Leaders Be Fired For Poor Safety Records?
They should be blamed or held accountable when safety performance is bad.
Compliance Advisor
1. The EPA Seems Set for a Busy 2017 Under Trump Administration
The Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention likely will have a lot to do.
2. EPA Issues TSCA Framework Rules
A number of significant changes were made to several regulations.
End Point
1. Digitalization Drives Development
German firms BASF and Evonik are funding technologies that further advance R&D efforts.
2. Rethink Carbon Capture
Two much-less energy intensive processes target carbon dioxide emissions.
Energy Saver
1. Enter a Cooling Tower with Caution
Consider potential hazards before entering a cooling tower for inspection.
2. Cooling Towers: Keep Your Cool In Hot Weather
Address any issues with cooling tower fill before summer arrives.
Field Notes
1. Watch Out for Phony Interviews
Some companies use those and other ruses to get free consulting.
2. Are Good Bosses Nearing Extinction?
Managers who treat their engineers fairly seem increasingly hard to find.
From The Editor
1. Save the U.S. Chemical Safety Board
Vocal support from industry and profession groups is essential.
2. Carbon Contest Chooses Winners
Four technologies win funding for further development.
Plant InSites
1. Instrumentation Troubleshooting: Do Simple Things Right!
Getting accurate pressure measurements is harder than it might seem.
2. Chemical Engineering Resources: Go Online to Solve Problems
Checking some high-quality websites can provide crucial insights.
Solid Advice
1. Powder Handling: Talk to a Chemist
You may get valuable insights for successfully scaling up a process.
2. Solids Processing: Put STEAM into Your Efforts
An effective solution often depends on art as well as basic science.