December 2011 CEP Preview

COMPUTATIONAL METHODS: Understand Thermodynamics to Improve Process Simulations Selecting a thermodynamic model is an important step in process simulation -- one that many engineers overlook. This overview of applied thermodynamics can help you choose the right model for your process. BACK TO BASICS: Learn to Effectively Operate and Maintain Pumps (click here to read this article now) Centrifugal pumps play a central role in chemical processing. Proper pump operation and maintenance can improve a facility's productivity, reduce downtime, and trim costs. MANAGEMENT: Evaluating the Economics of Energy-Saving Projects Uncertainty in fuel prices makes it difficult to assess the potential financial return on such investments. GLOBAL OUTLOOK: The Chemical Industry of South Korea: Progress and Challenges South Korea's chemical industry is entering a position of leadership in the world market. However, new investments in energy resources, a shift to higher-value-added products, and development of core environmentally friendly technologies are needed for South Korea to better compete with the most advanced chemical economies. News: Airbrushed Carbon Nanotubes Form Electronic Skin ... Next-Generation Solar Cells Get an Efficiency Boost ... Tiniest Four-Wheeled Molecule Drives Forward ... Nanomaterials Improve Biosensor Performance ... Chem Economics: The Future Looks Bright for Plastics Exports ... AIChE Journal Highlight: Thermoresponsive Platforms for Tissue Engineering ... and more. Plus: Process Automation Corner: The Great Job-Creation Myth (or, In Praise of Private Greed) ... Spotlight on Safety: "?Gran trabajo!" -- 3rd Latin American Conference on Process Safety ... Process Safety Beacon: Caps and Plugs ... What's New ... Product Digest: Measurement Equipment ... Institute News: Annual Meeting Highlights; President's Corner; New Industry Award; Headquarters Relocation; Election Results; Member News; Calendar ... Profile: Solutions Unlimited: Tara Henriksen. The December 2011 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.