Chemical Processing Distilled

Oversupply and Policy Shifts Squeeze Chemical Producers

With 5 million tons of new polyethylene capacity hitting saturated markets and Trump's legislative agenda threatening green investments, chemical firms are scrambling to adjust, says Maine Pointe's Stephen Ottley.

 

Radar Level Measurement: Challenges, Benefits and Innovations

Joe Incontri from KROHNE explains how radar level measurement devices work using high-frequency time measurement technology. He covers radar's advantages over ultrasonic alternatives, including better resolution and smaller antennas, while addressing challenges like density measurement limitations and interference from dust or agitated surfaces. The conversation highlights radar's cost-effectiveness and simplified setup processes, concluding with KROHNE's pioneering role in introducing FMCW radar technology in the early 1980s and their 50-year industry experience.

This episode is sponsored by KROHNE

Workforce Matters: Who Protects the Protectors?

Consider safeguarding senior leaders from burnout in high-stakes projects as an extension of design for safety.

In Case You Missed It brings the written word to life. In today’s episode, Chemical Processing's Editor in Chief, Traci Purdum, will be reading an article from Lauren Neal, CP’s Workforce Matters Columnist.  Who Protects the Protectors?

Which was published to chemicalprocessing.com on Sept. 3, 2025

 

August 2025 News Roundup: Chemical Setbacks, Breakthroughs Reshape Industrial Landscape

Executive Editor Jonathan Katz reviews the top news for August 2025:

Eastman Chemical faces setbacks as it appeals the Trump administration's cancellation of $1.2 billion in funding for its Texas plastic recycling facility, while seeking alternative locations for its methanolysis technology. International climate efforts stalled when UN plastics treaty negotiations in Geneva failed to reach an agreement among 2,600 participants from 183 countries over production limits and funding responsibilities. Safety concerns persist at Didion Milling, where federal investigators report unaddressed recommendations eight years after fatal 2017 explosions. On a positive note, researchers have developed a promising water-based electrochemical method for ammonia synthesis using palladium membranes, potentially replacing alcohol-based processes.

Troubleshooting Sticky Solids: Solutions for Particulate Flow Problems

If you spend enough time dealing with particulate solids, you’ll encounter very sticky solids and end up spending countless hours cleaning out a plugged distributor, opening a discharge chute or banging on the vessel to get the solids to flow. There are many reasons solids clump or stick to surfaces. Let’s face it: sticky solids need special attention. But first, we must identify the source of the stickiness. 

In this episode, Traci Purdum, CP's editor-in-chief, reads a column from Solids Advice columnist Tom Blackwood. 

You can read the column here.

Plant Insights: Bubble-Cap Tray Trade-offs

While bubble-cap trays excel in low-leakage and turndown applications, operators should also be aware of additional challenges such as vapor blowing that can occur at high vapor rates and low liquid rates.

Navigating the PFAS Maze

This episode discusses the complex challenge of managing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals amid evolving regulations. Phil Molé from Velocity EHS explains that companies struggle to identify PFAS in their inventories due to vague product names and changing chemical compositions.

PFAS are persistent, bioaccumulative toxins that resist biodegradation and contaminate the environment, driving regulatory action across federal, state and international jurisdictions. Companies must prioritize phase-outs based on their operating locations and applicable regulations, such as EPA's Form R reporting requirements (with a low 100-pound threshold for PFAS) and EU REACH regulations.

 

ExxonMobil, Honeywell Discuss 50 Years of Distributed Control System Evolution

In a recent episode of Amplified from Control magazine, host Keith Larson interviews Brian Reynolds (Honeywell CTO), Alicia Kempf (Honeywell Director Offering Management), and David Patin (ExxonMobil TDC Modernization Program Lead Engineer). The discussion took place at the 2025 Honeywell User Group meeting, celebrating 50 years since the first Honeywell TDC 2000 installation in 1975.

The conversation traces the evolution of distributed control systems from centralized cabinet rooms in the 1970s-80s to today's truly distributed architecture with Universal IO and virtualization. Key developments include automated device commissioning, which reduced loop checks from hours to minutes, and the ability to modernize legacy systems on-process without shutdowns.

EPA Shakeups, Ethane Carrier Christened and Dow Shutters Three Plants

This week's episode includes exclusive, unpublished content related to Trump administration's R&D cuts within the EPA and their potential effects on environmental research priorities.

Recent chemical industry developments highlight regulatory tensions and operational changes. EPA workers are protesting new leadership under Zeldin, with 139 employees placed on administrative leave amid accusations of science politicization and environmental justice program cuts. Trump granted the chemical industry a two-year EPA exemption, addressing industry concerns about previous regulations. Meanwhile, Braskem launched its $89 million Brave Future ethane carrier as part of fleet expansion, while Dow announced closures of three European plants by 2027 to improve margins. Researchers developed a breakthrough catalytic method converting biopolymers into recyclable high-performance plastics.

Why Protective Coatings Damage Metal Artifacts — and How to Fix It

Using new 3D fluorescence imaging, scientists have identified how aging polymer coatings generate corrosive compounds, leading to improved preservation strategies for cultural artifacts.

In today’s episode, Editor-in-Chief Traci Purdum will be reading a column from editor-at-large Seán Ottewell – “Why Protective Coatings Damage Metal Artifacts — and How to Fix It,” which was posted to our site on July 7, 2025