Chemical Processing has bestowed Vaaler Awards biennially for more than 50 years. These awards recognize products that promise to significantly improve the operations and economics of plants. This year’s awards were open to entries that were commercialized in the United States between May 2021 and June 2023.
The awards are named after John C. Vaaler (1899–1963), chairman of Chemical Processing’s Editorial Board from 1961 until his death. He became the publication’s editor-in-chief in 1946, after 24 years in the chemical and related industries.
An impartial panel judged the entries. It consisted of the members of Chemical Processing’s Editorial Board — a group of technical professionals with diverse responsibilities and from a variety of industry sectors. The panel scored all entries on three criteria: technical significance; novelty or uniqueness; and breadth of applicability. The judges weren’t required to give any awards — but did choose to honor three products:
- CG Thermal, LLC for Impervite PPS-GR
- Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine for Heat-Flex CUI-Mitigation Coatings
- Swagelok for Swagelok Ammonia Sampler
The December issue of Chemical Processing will feature an article highlighting the achievements of all three winners.
The Judging Panel
Fred Gregory, process safety and risk manager, Lubrizol, Deer Park, Texas
Rachelle Howard, associate director of automation and controls, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Boston
Julie O’Brien, director of sustainability, Air Products and Chemicals, Allentown, Pennsylvania
Ellen Turner, director of strategic marketing and business development, Andronaco Industries, Kentwood, Michigan
Dave Vickery, director of product management, Aspen Technology, Midland, Mich.
