June 2013 CEP Preview

2013 AIChE SALARY SURVEY

Chemical engineering salaries have increased over the past two years, reflecting an improved economy and job market for engineers. The median salary of survey respondents is $120,000 -- a 9% increase over the median reported in 2011. (This article provides an overview of the salary survey results. AIChE members can download an expanded version of the article, with additional information, tables and charts, and more detail, from CEP's website, http://www.aiche.org/cep.)

REACTIONS AND SEPARATIONS: Evaluating Distillation Column Performance

Follow these guidelines to assess the capacity and efficiency of distillation columns containing trays or packing.

SAFETY: Minimize Electrostatic Hazards During Process Operations

Understand the electrostatic hazards of your process so you can limit the accumulation of charge and prevent static discharge in flammable atmospheres. Select the appropriate combination of electrostatic mitigation measures to ensure safety from electrostatic ignition hazards.

BACK TO BASICS: Selecting a Centrifugal Compressor (click here to read this article now)

End users must specify certain performance requirements when requesting a quote for a new centrifugal compressor. Understand your process, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each centrifugal compressor configuration, in order to choose the optimal centrifugal compressor for your application.

GLOBAL OUTLOOK: Chemical Engineering in Nigeria: Development, Challenges, and Prospects

Nigeria is a nation endowed with abundant natural resources and engineering talent. Current policy and reforms in the downstream and natural gas sectors are expected to boost Nigeria's economy and restore growth and vibrancy to its chemical process industries.

News: Squishy Material Toughens Up when Stressed ... Steel Gets a Green Makeover ... Sinewy Fibers Boast Strength and Toughness ... Chemical Looping Hits a Milestone ... And a New Chemical Looping Oxygen Carrier Shows Promise ... Nanowires Debut in Artificial Leaf.

Plus: What's New ... Process Automation Corner: North America's Emerging Energy Independence ... Process Safety Beacon: Why Can't I Open that Valve? ... Software ... Profile: Young Perspectives ... Product Digest: Engineering Services ... Books ... Career Corner: Transitioning to Management ... Institute News: Highlights from the Spring Meeting and Global Congress on Process Safety ... Saudi Arabia Section Will Host an Expanded Middle East Process Technology Conference -- Sept. 29 - Oct. 2, in Bahrain ... Calendars. The June 2013 issue of CEP is now available online. AIChE members receive access to CEP, including a searchable archive of issues dating back to 2001, online at http://www.aiche.org/cep.