Chemical Processing Distilled

News -- Chemical Safety Battles Brew: Pollution, Lawsuits, Risks

In his final news roundup of the year, Executive Editor Jon Katz highlights: Global plastic pollution treaty stalls amid negotiations. DuPont loses lawsuit secrecy bid. EPA closes PFAS chemical review loopholes. Bhopal lessons persist. Chemical facilities warned about winter safety risks.

5 Tactics to Transition From Technical Expert to Leader

As a technical expert in a chemical facility, your knowledge is the backbone of operations. However, as your responsibilities increase, transitioning from a purely technical role to one in leadership can be challenging. Developing an inclusive approach not only strengthens team cohesion but also boosts overall performance.

Here are five tips for how to evolve from a technical expert into an inclusive leader.

Based on a column from Lauren Neal “Technical Expert to Inclusive Leader: How to Evolve Your Leadership Style”

Read by Traci Purdum, editor-in-chief, Chemical Processing

BASF’s Anne Berg Credits an Unplanned Career Path for Her Success

Her journey exemplifies professional growth through curiosity, adaptability and seizing unexpected opportunities.

Anne Berg, vice president of Manufacturing, Agricultural Solutions Americas at BASF, was recently inducted into the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame. Her remarkable 28-year career spans multiple countries and roles. Starting as a process development engineer in Germany in 1996, she has worked in manufacturing leadership positions in Germany, Belgium, Spain, and the United States.

Trending: Trump and the Chem Industry, Salary Survey Results and Dog Bones and Process Safety

Grab a cup of coffee and spend a few minutes going over the top news in the chemical industry with CP’s Executive Editor, Jonathan Katz.

Election 2024 Recap: Chemical Industry Sees Regulatory Relief in Trump's Return

As manufacturers welcome a potential rollback of Biden-era rules, experts warn companies must still answer to shareholders and customers on environmental commitments.

 

Trump Selects Zeldin to Lead the EPA

Former New York congressman is expected to play a role in industrial deregulation, which could have a major impact on the process industries.

 

Trump Names Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright as Next Energy Secretary

President-elect selects shale industry leader to head energy department, promising a new era of American energy innovation and global influence.

 

Chemical Processing Reveals 2024 Job Satisfaction and Salary Survey Results

Annual survey continues to highlight a healthy industry outlook among chemical engineering professionals.

 

CSB Is Like a Dog with a Bone Investigating Safety Cases

Chemical Safety Board clears backlog, tackles eight new hazardous incident investigations.

 

5 Time Management Strategies for Engineers and Operators

In the fast-paced world of chemical processing and operations, effective time management is not just a luxury — it’s a necessity. Engineers and operators often face complex tasks, tight deadlines and high-stakes environments with an extremely limited margin for error.

Implementing effective time-management strategies can significantly enhance productivity, reduce stress and improve overall job satisfaction, but how do you do it? 

Written by Lauren Neal, Founder of Valued at Work 

Read by Traci Purdum, editor-in-chief

Column can be found here.

Election 2024 Recap: Chemical Industry Sees Regulatory Relief in Trump's Return

As manufacturers welcome a potential rollback of Biden-era rules, experts warn companies must still answer to shareholders and customers on environmental commitments.

The chemical industry has been yearning for the Trump administration’s hands-off approach to regulations ever since Jan. 20, 2021, the day President Joe Biden took office. For chemical manufacturers, the return of Donald J. Trump to the White House symbolizes a momentous shift toward less regulation and bureaucratic oversight.

Chemistry History Lesson: From Anti-Plague Elixirs to a Precious Nose That Wasn’t

In Case You Missed It brings the written word to life. In today’s episode, I will be reading a column from editor at large Seán Ottewell – “Chemistry History Lesson: From Anti-Plague Elixirs to a Precious Nose That Wasn’t.”

Danish scientist Tycho Brahe took many of his experiments to his grave. However, researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have found clues that shed light on his mysterious work.

Read the column, which was posted on our site Sept. 6, 2024.

Read by: Traci Purdum, editor-in-chief

Written by: Seán Ottewell

What is Trending in the Chemical Industry October 2024?

Unlikely allies in sustainability, a fatal chemical leak, an averted dock-worker strike, and BASF’s hall-of-famer round out the top stories on reader lists. Executive Editor Jonathan Katz reviews what topped the list for our readers this month.

Solution Spotlight: Picture Pump Efficiency in Terms of Trees and Cars

When it comes to pumping systems, efficiency must be viewed in terms of measurable savings (kilowatts, horsepower) and taken as a whole-system approach. Organizational buy-in and leadership support are crucial. To help us understand how best to achieve efficiency, Chemical Processing chatted with Dr. Gary Dyson, managing director of global engineering at Hydro. Dyson is responsible for thousands of pump designs carried out on upgrades and new equipment.

What Makes an Expert in the Chemical Industry?

What truly makes an expert? It's not just about knowing more facts. Discover the 13 key characteristics that set real experts apart, from forming expectancies to mental simulations. Learn how these traits apply across industries and how you can cultivate expertise in yourself and others. Whether you're an operator, manager, or lifelong learner, this discussion on the nature of expertise will change how you think about skill development and decision-making in complex environments.