Global Experts Contribute Know-How in Integration and Optimization of Unit Operations
Over my career of 40 years in the process industry and unit operations, writing has always been a passion for me. It represents an opportunity to convey concepts, ideas, and technical information in a manner that makes sense to the audience. My technical and marketing application articles — more than 150 to date — culminated in 2015 with the publication of my first book for Elsevier, Handbook of Solid-Liquid Filtration. On the strength of the Handbook’s market acceptance, Elsevier asked me…
Safely mothballing and decommissioning plants
Helping to solve process problems and install equipment and technology solutions is always great fun. I've had forty plus years now meeting these challenges in the chemical, pharma, energy, environmental, and water industries. Now, I'm involved in battery materials processing too! Throughout all these experiences, sometimes the task is mothballing or decommissioning plants. This could be as a result of market conditions, economic forces, or simple process obsolescence. It's sad to see a plant…
Taking Yoga Lessons into Technical Sales
I have long been a devotee of yoga. With business travel limited and most sales calls moving remote in recent years, I've relied on my practice to power my technical sales. How? I find yoga and meditation can help me keep my composure and work towards the desired result: The Sale. The teachings of yoga and meditation can help improve your performance during stressful video calls. After all, some of the key ideas are: Use controlled, deep breathing to stay relaxed and focused. Remain in the…
Addressing Climate Change One Sustainable Martini at a Time
I've found another example of innovation we can toast to — quite literally! With this new discovery, we can feel we're addressing climate change one sustainable martini at a time. Yes, while enjoying my vodka martini with sweet vermouth, I have been known to ponder sustainability and the planet's future. Who doesn't? I came across a company in New York City that has created what it calls the “world’s most sustainable spirit” The Air Company makes its vodka out of carbon dioxide captured from…
Sustainability for Agriculture Irrigation
Did you know agriculture irrigation accounts for 70% of the water used worldwide? That’a a lot. At the same time, most of the world relies on flood irrigation to water crops as a more efficient alternative has proved elusive. Any innovations have not been widely adopted due to expense. Yet, one Israeli soil physicist has provided a sustainable solution in a tiny plastic widget. This modest innovation in drip irrigation could forever change agriculture, especially in resource-starved…