| Business and technology news exclusively for chemical engineers |  |
- U.S. refiners prepare for Keystone XL
The Keystone XL pipeline awaits U.S. approval, but domestic refiners are preparing now for the possible influx of plentiful, cheaper oil supplies. "When you think that refineries were going to close a few years ago and now we've got a feedstock advantage, if that advantage carries through, refineries around the Gulf Coast have the ability to export and protect jobs," said Kevin Brown, senior vice president for refining at LyondellBasell. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (tiered subscription model)
(3/16)     
- Officials: U.S. more at risk as terrorists hone cyber skills
The chances of a rogue group using sophisticated cyber techniques to target American interests is higher than ever, according to U.S. government officials, including National Intelligence Director James Clapper, who recently testified there is evidence terrorist groups are refining their cyber skills. Clapper's stance was echoed Sunday by members of the House intelligence committee, who warned the U.S. is facing a triple threat of cyberespionage, cybercrime and cyberterror that has the potential to cripple the economy. CNN/Political Ticker blog
(3/17)
- Chevron banks on feedstock advantage, downstream integration
Chevron's petrochemical unit is enjoying a competitive advantage in North America and the Middle East because of its access to cheap natural gas feedstock. "Our ethylene cracking portfolio is entirely positioned in these two attractive regions," said Mike Wirth, executive vice president of Chevron's downstream and chemicals division. "We will maintain a focused and competitive portfolio, and selectively pursue growth in petrochemicals and lubricants," Wirth added. Platts
(3/12), ICIS News (U.K.)/(subscription required)
(3/12)
 | Lightweight PVC Suction Hose — Complimentary Sample
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| Chemical Technology News |  |  |
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- U.K., Swedish firms team up for lignocellulosic sugar project
U.K. petrochemical group Davy Process Technology has struck a deal with Sweden's Sekab E-Technology to develop a process for making lignocellulosic sugars that could be converted into ethanol and renewable chemicals. The partners will look at ways to improve Sekab's lignocellulosic-based process, which can be applied to a variety of feedstocks, including straw, corn residue and bagasse. Biofuels-News.com (U.K.)
(3/13)
| Energy, Sustainability & Safety | | |
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- Retailers, wholesalers band together on chemical safety in products
Companies such as Staples, Wal-Mart and the British drug firm Boots are working with wholesalers to identify and eliminate potentially hazardous chemicals from products before facing the prospect of a recall. More than 100 companies are members of the Green Chemistry and Commerce Council, founded eight years ago to encourage cooperation in making products with safer chemicals and materials. GreenBiz.com
(3/13)
| Biological Engineering & Pharmaceuticals | |  |
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- NSAIDS may boost the number of cells collected for transplants
 Blocking prostaglandin with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs helps stem cells leave the bone marrow and enter the bloodstream, where they can be collected for use in therapies, according to a study in the journal Nature. The drugs can be linked to fewer adverse effects compared with other methods, according to researchers, who looked at humans, mice and baboons. Charles Craddock, director of the blood and marrow transplant unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, England, said the findings could lead to better methods for integrating the cells with bone marrow in transplant recipients. ScientificAmerican.com/Nature
(3/13)
 | Join us at INTERPHEX in New York | April 23-25 in NYC
Come to INTERPHEX, the leading pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical trade show, where you'll have the opportunity to touch and source new products from over 650 exhibitors, network with over 8,000 industry colleagues, and learn about the latest industry products and trends through 40+ conference sessions led by leading subject matter experts. Register for free exhibit hall admission! |
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| Materials & Nanotechnology | | |
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- Nanotech poised for wider application
Between now and 2020, nanotechnology is expected to break out of its current mold of simply providing stronger and lighter materials and move into new fields on a larger, more affordable scale. Among the fields likely to benefit are sustainability and energy conservation and medicine, where nanotech will play a role in diagnostics and better delivery of cancer-fighting therapies. ASME.org
(3/2013)
| Education & Government Update | | |
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- Appeals court upholds ruling on delayed release of oil, gas leases
A ruling in favor of the Department of the Interior's decision not to immediately issue 118 oil and natural gas leases on federal lands was upheld by a federal appeals court. Industry groups argued that the leases must be released within 60 days of purchase under the Mineral Leasing Act. A federal judge ruled that the department has the flexibility to decide if further environmental impact studies are needed before the leases can be issued. The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah)
(3/12)
| Career Focus | | |
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- Facebook users find jobs faster, study finds
Job seekers who regularly engage on Facebook find jobs faster, are more motivated, less stressed and expand their networks, according to a study by Facebook and a Carnegie Mellon University researcher. However, a small group of job seekers in the study became more stressed when family and friends continually inquired about the job search or provided unsolicited job advice, the study found. AllFacebook.com
(3/14), CNN
(3/15)
| Institute News | | |
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Wednesday webinar: "From Wet Algae to Liquid Fuels"
Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 20, at 2 p.m. EDT, Phillip Savage of the University of Michigan will present a live webinar, "From Wet Algae to Liquid Fuels." Savage will offer an overview of efforts to use algal biomass to produce liquid fuels, with a focus on R&D efforts related to processing algae in its wet state, which eliminates energy-intensive drying. Learn more.
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Just published: A guide to evaluating centrifugal compressors
AIChE's newest Equipment Testing Procedure, "Centrifugal Compressors: A Guide to Performance Evaluation and Site Testing," provides chemical engineers, plant managers, and others with advice for assessing the performance of these important components of petrochemical, natural gas production, air separation and many other industrial processes. AIChE members receive a 20% discount on the book, which emphasizes efficient, safe, and environmentally sound equipment performance. Read more.
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- Tuesday, February 12, 2013
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