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Recently Published Books for the CPI: March 2020

The following is a list of recently published books selected because of their relevance to the chemical process industries (CPI) Simultaneous Mass Transfer and Chemical Reactions in Engineering Science: Solution Methods and Chemical Engineering Applications. By Bertram Chan, Elsevier Press,…

2019 CEPCI Updates: December (prelim.) and November (final)

The preliminary value for the CE Plant Cost Index (CEPCI) for December 2019 (the most recent available) decreased from the previous month’s value, the ninth decline in the last eleven months. Of the four major subindices comprising the overall CEPCI,…

Joint venture formed for production of bio-based levulinic acid

Towell Engineering Group (Muscat, Oman; www.towellengineering.com) and GF Biochemicals (Geleen, the Netherlands; www.gfbiochemicals.com) announced the formation of a joint venture (JV) for the production and marketing of biochemicals using GF Biochemicals proprietary technology.The aim of the JV, NXTLEVVEL Biochem (Geleen,…

Cooling Towers: Water-Treatment Options Advance

Water-treatment programs for cooling towers have evolved in recent years, favoring non-phosphorus programs today. This article reviews the impact on water chemistry and operating reliability Cooling towers are a critical component of many industrial facilities. Cooling towers evaporate only pure…

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A Bright Future for Quantum Dots

The novel performance characteristics and tunability of quantum dots make them a promising nanomaterial in numerous emerging applications Quantum dots (QDs) represent a broad group of semiconducting nanoparticles that feature a unique combination of optical and electronic properties. For example,…

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Accelerating Six Sigma Research with the Definitive Screening Design (DSD) Technique

DSD is a new design-of-experiments (DOE) technique that is expected to bring huge benefits when using a Six Sigma optimization strategy Statistical tools are deeply ingrained in the Six Sigma methodology to optimize processes and products during chemical process industries…

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Commercializing Process Technologies

New technologies can provide competitive advantages compared to established processes, but significant effort is required to transition a promising concept into a commercial reality Many students study chemical engineering with the aspiration of someday inventing an innovative process that could…

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Get the Most Out of an Owner-Contractor Alliance

This article provides guidance for setting up a robust alliance between plant owners and EPC contractors to minimize risk and maximize synergies during complex, capital-intensive projects The most meaningful collaboration pathway among plant owners and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC)…

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Improving Data Analytics in Batch Manufacturing

Producing a perfect batch is easy for some products but harder for others. Using analytics to dig into production data can help operators identify where variability might be creeping into a process For many batch manufacturers in the chemical process…

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The Unrecognized Problems of Relocating Laboratories

Follow the guidance provided here to avoid many of the problems that can arise during the relocation of laboratory facilities The decision to move a laboratory from an existing space to a new research facility is often warranted. A merger…