November 2010 In ThIs Issue volume 117, No. 12 www.che.com covEr Story 30 Cover Story Process pump control Understanding how pumps are controlled is important for overall process control and to minimize risks during the scaleup of new processes nEwS 11 Chementator A new twist in compressor design reduces energy consumption; An oil shale process will be commercialized in China; The direct synthesis of aqueous H2O2 solutions; Making syngas from coal in one step; A less-expensive process for leaching Ni from laterite; Commercial debut slated for a new MMA process; and more 17 Newsfront The Chemical Engineering Personal Achievement Award The winners of this biennial award, which has been offered since 1968, are waste management expert Tom McGowan and green chemistry pioneer Kris Mani 23 Newsfront Explosive solutions From the first line of defense to the last, explosion prevention and protection firms are upping their game to preserve yours EnginEEring 27 The Fractionation Column Hazards of column entry Obtaining a degree or even a professional license in chemical engineering doesn't prepare you for everything that you need to know on the job. This real-life experience teaches a hard-learned lesson not taught in school 28 Facts at Your Fingertips Viscosity measurement This one-page reference guide describes viscosity basics, which are valuable in predicting several parameters relevant to many CPI processes 34 Feature Report Connecting process simulators to the control room The benefits are no longer restricted to high-end integrations or large projects. Here is how to do it in small-to-medium sized projects and why 37 Engineering Practice Predict and prevent air entrainment in draining tanks The proper use of vortex breakers at tank outlets can prevent entrained vapors from flowing downstream commEntary 5 Editor's Page A passion for breakthroughs Breakthroughs in the chemical process industries require not only novel inventions, but the ability to convince others to adopt them dEpartmEntS Letters . . . . . . . . . . 6 Bookshelf . . . . . . 8-9 Who's Who ...... 29 Reader Service page ........... 58 Economic Indicators . . . . 59-60 44 Engineering Practice Steam generation thermodynamics Efficiency improvements can quickly be identified with back-of-theenvelope calculations 48 Solids Processing Mechanical centrifugal air classifiers Improved understanding of air classification systems and their application can help in selecting the right device EquipmEnt & SErvicES 28D-1 New Products (Domestic Edition) This monitor detects toxic and hazardous gases; An air nozzle that resists corrosion and high temperature; Measure flow and pressure in microfluidic systems; These stirred reactors are for high-pressure chemistry research; Measure molecular interactions with this system; Share data across systems with new modeling software; and more 28I-1 New Products (International Edition) Analyze plant matter quickly, without grinding; This macerator features a cartridge of blades; A leak-free bellows valve with twice the Cv; Detect high solids level with customized extended rotaries; Mag-drive pumps safely transfer hazardous fluids; Metering pumps for very high flowrates; Contact-free level sensing with this ultrasonic device; Higher resolution improves the details of 3D models; and more 51 Focus on Process water treatment Clean the air from wastewater treatment plants without carbon; A platform for monitoring and control of cooling water systems; This check valve has a low headloss; Advanced oxidation using more than ozone advErtiSErS Product Showcase 52 Classified Advertising ... 53-56 Advertiser Index . . 57 coming in dEcEmbEr Look for: Feature Reports on Heat transfer fluids; and Centrifuging; an Environmental Manager article on Chemical lifecycle management; Focus on Personal protective equipment; News articles on ChEs' employment outlook; and Level measurement; an Engineering Practice article on Reciprocating compressors; Facts at Your Fingertips on Cost engineering; New Products; a new installment of The Fractionation Column; and more Cover: David Whitcher Cover Photos: Viking Pump ChemiCal engineering www.Che.Com november 2010 3http://www.che.com http://www.Che.Com