August 2015 Issue

Read the August issue now!
Subscribe to the digital edition
Articles
Tiptoe Around Trouble
Prudently ponder how to approach a problem-plagued project
Embrace ISO 55000
The new asset management standard will be easier to adopt and more beneficial than you might think
Gain Energy Efficiency Using Free Tools
Downloadable software from the DOE can help junior engineers as well as experts.
Norway Fancies Fungus
New $4-million research project aims to improve biorefining
Process Simplifies Amines’ Synthesis
Cross-coupling reaction at mild conditions underpins novel method
Giant Tetrahedra Promise Novel Polymers
Team of scientists designed and synthesized an original class of giant tetrahedra, keeping its material-specific properties, thus enabling construction of new building blocks with high precision.
White House Targets Biotechnology
Administration calls for updating and simplifying various regulations and guidance documents
Overcome Oversizing of Centrifugal Pumps
Impeller trimming often offers a way to improve controllability and save energy
Bring Your Procedures into the 21st Century
Switching to a modular approach offers substantial ongoing benefits
Learning and Laughter Abound
Visit our site to find technical expertise and levity
Does Using Payback Analysis Pay?
Relying on the method to assess projects may make sense in certain circumstances
Cast a Cold-Eye on Cooling System
Increase in water flow to one exchanger may cause multiple issues
Plants Grapple with Graying Staff
Retaining expertise and know-how remains a crucial issue.
Chemical Processing Economic Snapshot Ending May 2015
Shipments and capacity utilitization slipped but the CAB rose. Source: American Chemistry Council.