Chemical Processing Distilled

Manufacturing's Talent Hunt: Strategies for the Next Generation

Chemical Processing's Editor-in-Chief, Traci Purdum, recently sat in on a roundtable of fellow editors and manufacturing alliances to discuss how industry is facing a significant challenge in recruiting both skilled and unskilled workers. Listen in as her fellow business journalists reveal tactics big-name companies are using to attract younger workers to manufacturing careers.

What If James Bond/Nancy Drew Was a ChemE?

Today’s episode highlights Chemical Processing’s other podcast series, Process Safety with Trish and Traci. We recently celebrated five years with that brand, and to commemorate that achievement, we hosted a fun show that featured a talented crime writer and well-respected chemical engineer, Fiona Erskine. I like to think about her book series as a glimpse into what James Bond/Nancy Drew would look like as a chemical engineer.

Trending News: Pipeline Fire; Exxon Goes To Court; In Memoriam to Industry Innovator

What were the hot topics in September 2024? Executive Editor Jon Katz runs through all the attention-getters.

Our monthly roundup of trending stories on ChemicalProcessing.com focuses on what your peers were reading. Executive Editor Jon Katz does his best Walter Cronkite impression as he bring the news to life. If you want to follow along, here are the stories he highlights.

Diversity Isn't A Dirty Word -- Defining DEI

In the second installment of our five-part series on the chemical industry workforce, "Chemical Industry Workforce: Shaping Tomorrow's Talent," Dennis Banks, vice president of Syncrude Maintenance at Suncor Energy Inc., offers his definition of DEI. 

“I grew up in a place where there were drive-by shootings — I have bullet holes in my childhood home,” says Dennis Banks, vice president of Syncrude maintenance at Suncor Energy Inc., who grew up in Detroit, went to college in Louisiana and now resides in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. “Some people freeze in the face of chaotic situations. I don't view [many] situations as perilous. So, I'm able to maintain calm and composure in the face of a lot of adversity and chaos because of what I went through growing up.”

Solution Spotlight: Vacuum Conveying Moves the Meter on Safety and Efficiency

Vacuum conveying systems automate the movement of dry materials, offering numerous benefits in industrial processes. They improve safety by controlling dust, reducing spills and handling combustible powders more securely than pressure-conveying systems. These systems enhance quality control through consistent ingredient ratios and efficient packaging, which is crucial for consumer brand management and avoiding costly recalls.

However, there are considerations to factor in when selecting a system. To discuss the challenges and benefits of vacuum-conveying, Chemical Processing sat down with David Kennedy, business development manager at VAC-U-MAX. The following is an edited version of that conversation.

Importance of Testing Operator Knowledge

Objectively assessing operator knowledge and skills is important. The Center for Operator Performance developed a validated 47-question test on distillation knowledge administered across multiple companies. The test revealed variations in knowledge between companies and individuals, helping identify areas for improvement. The goal is to create more tests on different topics. Key findings include:

1. Simulation-based training correlated with better performance
2. Years of experience didn't necessarily predict test scores
3. The test can be used to benchmark and improve training programs

Famous Chemical Engineers in Movies & Real Life

While watching the movie "Christmas Vacation" for the 67th time, I finally realized that Clark Griswold was a chemical engineer. I leaped down the rabbit hole looking for more famous ChemEs in real life and movies. I found several.

Trending News: Whiskey for the Win, Eco-Friendly Ammonia Reactor, Launch of Workforce Series

The top trending news stories from August 2024 as reported on ChemicalProcessing.com.

 

Cheers! Whiskey Waste Becomes Biochemicals

A new method to extract valuable bio-based chemicals from whiskey distillery waste streams could be worth up to £90 million ($US 115 million) in global chemical manufacturing markets.

 

Rice Engineers Design Eco-Friendly Ammonia Reactor

New electrochemical process could revolutionize ammonia production, reducing carbon emissions and water pollution

 

BASF to Produce Bio-Based Ethyl Acrylate, Phasing Out Fossil-Derived Version

New product with 40% bio-content from grain sources to launch Q4 2024, reducing carbon footprint by 30% while maintaining specifications.

 

Get Ready for Our Special Workforce Series

CP’s upcoming 5-part series will provide insight into the state of the chemical industry workforce.

 

Deconstructing the Chemical Industry’s Skills Gap

An aging workforce, fierce competition for graduates and culture clashes: Inside the chemical industry's struggle to fill critical roles.

 

Solution Spotlight: Service Takes Pressure Off Level Indicators

Level indicators and pressure applications are crucial in ensuring efficient operations and safety. From basic visual indicators to advanced electronic transmitters, the range of technologies available is vast and constantly evolving. 
Chemical Processing chatted with Jason Kuzmiak, Chemical Industry Manager at VEGA Americas, to delve into the world of level measurement and pressure instrumentation, exploring the various solutions, the challenges faced in implementation and the factors that drive customer choices. 

Operator Safety: Winter Is Coming Be Prepared

As winter approaches, you should assess how well your plant is protected from problems that frigid conditions can pose. In this episode, Managing Editor Amanda Joshi reads a column from Dirk Willard. If you don't have a mother or spouse nagging you to wear a coat, give this a listen. And don't forget to take out the trash!

Original column: Safety: Winterization Goes Beyond Equipment

Articles referenced in this podcast:

Get Ready for the Next Big Freeze

Time to Prepare for Winter

Prevent Accidents During Subfreezing Weather

Winter Weather Dangers: Why Winterizing is Crucial for Chemical Plants.

Winter-proof Your Workplace to Prevent Slips and Falls