Chemical Processing Distilled

This week’s news roundup examines the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore and how it could impact the chemical supply chain. We also learn that several U.S. oil companies are following in the footsteps of Dow by announcing their plans to utilize small nuclear reactors to meet their electricity requirements. And finally, in the Did You Know Department: Neanderthals Were Smarter Than We Thought. Indeed, today's multi-billion-dollar adhesives industry can be traced back more than 50,000 years to Neanderthals first using multicomponent adhesives to make tools.

In Case You Missed It brings the written word to life. In today’s episode, I will be reading an article from Andrew Sloley, Chemical Processing’s Plant InSites columnist. This column “Project Management: Workflows Matter” was published on our website on March 30, 2022.

Written by: Andrew Sloley, Plant Insites columnist

Read by: Traci Purdum, editor-in-chief

URL: https://www.chemicalprocessing.com/home/article/11288741/project-management-workflows-matter-chemical-processing

Executive Editor Jonathan Katz catches us up on what's new in the chemical industry.

Research on team performance barriers finds that fatigue, workload, competing priorities, conflicting information, and lack of technical expertise are significant hurdles. Psychological safety is crucial for effective team environments, allowing individuals to speak up and admit uncertainty without fear of reprisal. Tools such as self-assessment guides and realistic teaming scenarios aid in developing teamwork skills. Continuous learning and improvement are essential for optimal team performance.

The combination of high accuracy, versatility, direct mass measurement and minimal maintenance requirements make Coriolis meters suitable for various industrial applications.

Unlike volumetric flow meters, Coriolis meters directly measure mass flow, making them less susceptible to variations in temperature, pressure and fluid density.

To learn more, Chemical Processing spoke with Alec O’Keefe, regional product lead and Coriolis meter product specialist at Krohne Inc.

This news roundup ponders an elevator to space and questions Chemours ethics. 

Exxon looks to balance fossil fuels with sustainability,  Didion execs sentenced and yellow snow for battery recycling. This news roundup covers the chemical industry in February 2024.

Upsets are going to happen, so why not plan for it? Learn how.

In this episode of Distilled, we discuss managing upsets and distinguishing between shutdown-related and non-shutdown upsets. Dave points out a lot has changed over the years. Indeed, the preference is shutting down during upsets and advancements like safety instrumented systems aid in automatic shutdowns. However, concerns about overreliance and security exist. Proactive measures involve maintaining situational awareness and implementing training drills. Automation of routine tasks for console operators improves efficiency and safety. Collaboration among operators, engineers and management is crucial for effectively managing upsets.

In today’s episode, Traci Purdum will be reading a column from contributing editor Dirk Willard. This column “Properly Vet Contractors” was published to chemicalprocessing.com October 19, 2021.

Engineers once flew around the country to check out contractors’ facilities before signing deals. Nowadays, many bosses instead heavily rely on the Internet. Unfortunately, a nifty-looking web site can make a firm seem impressive and much more capable than it actually is. You don’t want to discover the truth after a contract is signed.

Article can be found here: https://www.chemicalprocessing.com/home/article/11291433/engineering-advice-properly-vet-contractors-chemical-processing

 

A sobering look at the economy, PFAS regulations continue, blue-ringed octopus key to sustainable energy, and black-mass recycling. All news found here: https://www.chemicalprocessing.com/industrynews

Read by Executive Editor Jonathan Katz.