March 2012 Issue Preview
Ad Closing: February 10, 2012 | Material Closing: February 17, 2012
Cover Story
"Lean" Can Mean Fatter Profits
By Adam Russell, Eastman Chemical
Too few firms in the chemical industry have taken advantage of "Lean" manufacturing although the approach offers significant strategic benefits. Effectively deploying Lean requires consideration of five critical factors.
Maintenance and Operations
Make the Most of Reverse Osmosis Membranes
By Gregg Poppe, Dow Water & Process Solutions
Industrial water purification systems often depend upon reverse osmosis membranes. A thoughtful approach to monitoring, maintenance and cleaning can maximize the life and performance of such membranes.
Solids and Fluids Handling
Mechanical Conveying Moves Forward
By Seán Ottewell, Editor at Large
Many plants rely on mechanical conveyors to transport raw materials, intermediates and products. Technical innovations promise greater conveying efficiency and reliability. Here's a rundown on some key developments.
Instrumentation and Control
Succeed at Control System Migration
By Ian Verhappen, Industrial Automation Networks
Replacing an obsolete control system poses questions of timing and what to replace. Factors such as up-front planning, power and space requirements, and communication and interface issues can doom migration projects.
Making it Work
Process Improvements Save Water and Cut Waste
By Mary Beth Hudson and D. J. Lutz, Wacker Chemicals, and Mike Wood and Brannon Thompson, GE Power & Water
Water treatment processes generated substantial sludge at a Calvert City, Ky., site. The plant achieved sizable gains by redesigning manufacturing operations to use less water and by increasing water-treatment efficiency.
Plant InSites
Seal Fluid Switch Vexes Vacuum Pump User
By Andrew Sloley, Troubleshooting Columnist
Aiming to achieve deeper vacuum from a liquid ring vacuum pump, a plant changed the seal fluid to oil from water. But it didn't understand all the consequences of the change, including high oil use. Modifications were needed.
Advertising Information
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