Articles covered in this issue:
What is the Future of Plastics?
Interview with Michael Carus, Managing Director of Nova Institute
Plastics is under attack worldwide due to the mammoth problem it has created in the accumulating plastic wastes in our ecosystems. The problems are due to its non- biodegradability as well as its irresponsible disposal by human beings. However, in this interview, Michael, a leading advocate of bio-based economy says that plastics are versatile materials and they can be made environment friendly.
The Fourth Wave in Chemical Industry
– R R Sonde, Thermax Ltd.
Like in the evolution of human civilisation, the growth of chemical industry to what it is today has been through various game changing technological developments that created major shifts in its manufacturing, termed as waves. These are the honing of unit operations and the development of outstanding process chemistries, process intensification and now the fourth wave of Pinch Analysis & Resource Optimisation. These are explained in the article with elaboration on how alternate sources of energy can integrate into chemicals manufacturing.
Innovations in Steam Systems in Process Plants
– Datta Kuvalekar, Forbes Marshall
Steam forms an essential part of the energy portfolio in any process plant and is critical to plant energy costs. Therefore, ensuring that steam losses are zero is the important objective of steam management. In this article, the author explains innovative measures in steam management in process plants.
Pinch Analysis in Oil and Gas Sector
– Dr Anjan Ray, Dr Sunil Kumar, CSIR-IIP
Enhancing energy efficiency by optimizing energy utilization in processes and systems in manufacturing companies is crucially important to reduce energy costs and remain competitive. Pinch Analysis is an important tool to improve energy efficiency of industrial processes. This systematic procedure is elaborated with applications and case studies in the oil and gas sector.
Energy Audit and Benchmarking for Energy Saving in the Process and Equipment Operation
– Bharat Yadav, Tata Consulting Engineers
As energy costs soar, efficient utilisation of energy in a chemical plant is of paramount importance to remain competitive. Energy audit is a very scientific method of assessing
the energy consumption in existing energy systems in a chemical plant and identifying the potential for conserving energy & improving energy efficiency. This article explains the procedure in detail.
