Chemical Processing Distilled

In this sponsored Solutions Spotlight, KROHNE experts discuss flow measurement technologies for chlor-alkali processes, covering mag meters, Coriolis meters, entrained gas management and safety integrity levels.

Three Key Takeaways

This episode is sponsored by KROHNE

In this episode, Traci Purdum and Dave Strohbar explore why traditional training approaches fail operators in chemical processing plants. They examine misconceptions about practice, simulator fidelity, motivation, accuracy versus acceptable performance, early assessment reliability, and the gap between theory and practical skills. 

This episode discusses how AI accelerates materials discovery in the chemical industry. While challenges exist—messy data, black box models, and skills gaps—AI enables simulations that once took days on supercomputers to run in seconds on laptops. Young advocates a "crawl, walk, run" approach for implementation, starting with low-stakes trials before full integration. He envisions an "in silico-first" future where materials are screened virtually before physical testing, dramatically reducing R&D timeframes from years to months.

Environmental consultant Dave Russell recounts his involvement in the Ecuador lawsuit against Texaco/Chevron over Amazon rainforest contamination. Hired in 2003 to assess cleanup costs, Russell produced a $6.1 billion estimate based on unverified assumptions—a "SWAG" (Scientific Wild Ass Guess) that helped secure a $9.5 billion judgment. However, his soil samples revealed the primary toxins were missing, and ongoing contamination came from Petro Ecuador, not Chevron. The case unraveled when Chevron exposed massive fraud.

In this bonus episode, which was originally recorded for Chemical Processing's sister brand, Processing, KHRONE's Joe Incontri, director of marketing, discusses the company’s flow meter lineup.

This episode is sponsored by KROHNE

EPA fires staff over dissent letter while industry groups push for faster chemical reviews before 2026 TSCA reauthorization deadline are among the top news stories in September 2025.

Executive Editor Jonathan Katz reviews all you need to know.

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.

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

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

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.