This book is a "world first," since the furfural industry has been traditionally secretive to the point of appearing shrouded in clouds of mystery. Even renowned encyclopedic works have published but scant and often erroneous information on the subject.
Striking a healthy balance between theory and practice, the book leads the reader from reaction mechanisms and kinetics to the technology of making furfural by various old and new processes, using conventional raw materials or sulfite waste liquor. Detailed discussions of means of increasing the yield are of great chemical and technological interest as well as of immense economic importance.
From furfural proper, the treatise shifts to the fascinating field of wanted and unwanted by-products ranging from largely unutilized carboxylic acids to troublesome impurities such as 5-methyl furfural and 2-furyl methyl ketone, and then to extremely valuable serendipitous flavor compounds such as diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. A wide variety of derivatives are discussed; considerable space is devoted to polytetrahydrofuran, an important building block of stretchable synthetic fibers, while furan resins from both furfural and furfuryl alcohol are given the attention commensurate with their industrial importance.
Notable supplementary chapters cover the in-line measurement of furfural, the treatment of furfural waste water, and various aspects of corrosion. A chapter on the applications of furfural elaborates not only traditional uses in extracting petroleum and vegetable oils but also the sensational discovery that furfural is a highly effective "indirect nematocide." Without becoming toxic, it changes the microflora of the soil by stimulating bacteria antagonistic to nematodes, thereby reducing the nematode population to zero, at an unprecedented low price. It is believed that this application will be the principal outlet for furfural in the future.
A comprehensive list of physical properties, some never published before, make the book an indispensable companion for producers, users and researchers alike.

Drawing on his own extensive experience, Jones provides rules of thumb essential for the new engineer in industry. Covering responsibilities such as project management, installation of new facilities and implementation of contracts, this book offers a wealth of experience and knowledge, helping newer process engineers to find a foothold in their chosen industry.

Bretherick's Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards, Eighth Edition presents the latest updates on the unexpected, but predictable, loss of containment and explosion hazards from chemicals and their admixtures and actual accidents. The extensively cross-referenced book enables readers to avoid explosion and loss of containment of chemicals. Primary and more specialized sources are easily traced, and this new edition includes available record updates, also adding a number of new records. In this newly updated and expanded edition, the content is presented in a clear and user-friendly format.

Fluid-membrane material interfaces, morphologies of membrane surface and the sub-layer underneath the membrane surface, and fluid transport through the membrane governed by the above interface and morphology parameters, and driving forces involved in process operatio- all these three aspects together constitute the fundamental physico-chemical and engineering basis for the practical success of Membrane Separation Technology (MST) in all its applications. Quantitative data on the above interface and morphology parameters and applicable transport equations involving the above parameters, are needed for membrane design, specification of membranes, modules and systems, and prediction of their performance for any given separation application. Even though more than 40 years have elapsed since the emergence of the field of MST, there are very few books which deal with all the above three aspects of the subject in an integrated manner. This simply shows that the field of MST is still in its early stages of development and only a small fraction of its vast potential has been practically realized to-date. Still, what has already accomplished is extraordinary both in its scope, and in its impact, on scientific research and service to society at large.

Selective Oxidation by Heterogeneous Catalysis covers one of the major areas of industrial petrochemical production, outlining open questions and new opportunities. It gives keys for the interpretation and analysis of data and design of new catalysts and reactions, and provides guidelines for future research. A distinctive feature of this book is the use of concept by example. Rather than reporting an overview of the literature results, the authors have selected some representative examples, the in-depth analysis of which makes it possible to clarify the fundamental, but new concepts necessary for a better understanding of the new opportunities in this field and the design of new catalysts or catalytic reactions. Attention is given not only to the catalyst itself, but also to the use of the catalyst inside the process, thus evidencing the relationship between catalyst design and engineering aspects of the process. This book provides suggestions for new innovative directions of research and indications on how to reconsider the field of selective oxidation from different perspectives, outlining that is not a mature field of research, but that new important breakthroughs can be derived from fundamental and applied research. Suggestions are offered on how to use less conventional approaches in terms of both catalyst design and analysis of the data.

This volume describes recent advances in the bioconversion of lignocellulosics. It starts with two articles on genetics and properties of cellulases and their re- tion kinetics and mechanisms. The cost of cellulases has been a hindrance to large scale use of enzymatic hydrolysis. Two articles on cellulase production by submerged fermentation and by solid state fementation are included to describe the state of the art in this area. Dilute acid hydrolysis of cellulose continues to be of interest as well as potentially useful. The most recent advances in this area is also covered. A great deal of progress has been made in genetic engineering for improved regulation of xylose fermentation by yeasts. An article on genetically engineered Saccharomyces for simulteaneous fermentation of glucose and xylose describes the importance advances made in production of fuel ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass. In recent years, there has been increasing interests in recycling and the reuse of scrap paper as well as environment considerations. A contribution is presented which describes the research perspectives in that area. Finally, recent advances in the use of lignocellulosic biomass for the p- duction of ethanol and organic acids are presented in two articles. Renewable resources are inevitably of great importance in the years to come. There is a never-ending search for better living conditions for human beings. The more resource materials can be recycled, the richer we will be.

Phase transfer catalysis is a sophisticated chemical technique which can be used to perform a variety of chemical reactions under mild conditions and with improved control. Since the concept was developed, both the theoretical and practical synthetic applications have seen considerable development, to the point where the technique can be applied to many areas of chemistry. Thus, phase transfer methods are now utilized in many applications, from research chemistry to full-scale production, where the benefits of faster, cleaner and more selective reactions are required. In this new book, the editors have brought together a range of contributors, each of whom is working at the forefront of the technology, to provide a clear, concise and ahtoritative review of this important area of chemistry. Industrial and academic chemists working on the synthesis, scale-up, production or analysis of a wide range of chemical products will find this book an essential reference on phase transfer technology.

Phosphate Fibers is a singular detailed account of the discovery, chemistry, synthesis, properties, manufacture, toxicology, and uses of calcium and sodium calcium polyphosphate fibers. Author Edward J. Griffith-the inventor and developer of this safe, biodegradable material-takes a multidisciplinary approach to this subject, considering the social, legal, medical, and industrial issues surrounding the use of asbestos and other mineral fibers. This compelling study is a beneficial resource to both readers interested in mineral fibers as well as those who want to understand the complexities of bringing new substances into the modern marketplace.

to the Third Edition Following the success of the first two editions of this book in which the core subject matter has been retained, we have taken the opportunity to add substantial new material, including an additional chapter on that most important activity of the chemical industry, research and development. Topical items such as quality, safety and environmental issues also receive enhanced coverage. The team of authors for this edition comprises both those revising and updating their chapters and some new ones. The latter's different approach to the subject matter is reflected in the new titles: Organisational Structures - A Story of Evolution (chapter 5) and Environmental Impact of the Chemical Industry (chapter 9). The chapter on Energy retains its original title but different approach of the new authors is evident. We have updated statistics and tables wherever possible and expanded the index. We hope readers find the brief 'pen pictures' of authors to be interesting. It is worth stressing again that this book is designed to be used with its companion volume - The Chemical Industry, 2nd Edition, ed. Alan Heaton (referred to as Volume 2) - for a complete introduction to the chemical industry. Thanks are due to all contributors and to my wife Joy for typing my contributions.

The development of photosensitive materials in general and photoreactive polymers in particular is responsible for major advances in the information, imaging, and electronic industries. Computer parts manufacturing, information storage, and book and magazine publishing all depend on photoreactive polymer systems. The photo-and radiation-induced processes in polymers are also active areas of research. New information on the preparation and properties of com mercially available photosensitive systems is constantly being acquired. The recent demand for environmentally safe solvent-free and water-soluble materials also motivated changes in the composition of photopolymers and photoresists. The interest in holographic recording media for head-up displays, light scanners, and data recording stimulated development of reconfigurable and visible light sensitive materials. Photoconductive polymerizable coatings are being tested in electrostatic proofing and color printing. The list of available initiators, poly meric binders, and other coating ingredients is continually evolving to respond to the requirements of low component loss (low diffusivity) and the high rate of photochemical reactions."

This sourcebook is the detailed review of the chemistry, manufacturing processes, and uses of resorcinol and its derivatives. Citing over 1,900 references, the author clearly explains the chemical 's complex development, discussing the many tests, techniques, and instruments used.

Ammonia is one of the 10 largest commodity chemicals produced. The editor, Anders Nielsen, is research director with one of the largest industrial catalyst producers. He has compiled a complete reference on all aspects of catalytical ammonia production in industry, from thermodynamics and kinetics to reactor and plant design. One chapter deals with safety aspects of ammonia handling and storage.

This book provides an integrated account of the phenomenon of acidity set against the background of the acidic substances which are of major significance in the chemical industry and commerce.

A complete guide to petrochemicals production processes-fully revised to cover the latest advances Get all the information you need on petrochemical processes for major organic chemicals inside this industry-standard one-stop reference. Prepared by leading petrochemical licensing firms, Handbook of Petrochemicals Production Processes, Second Edition clearly explains the powerful techniques used to create the most economically important chemicals in the world. The book offers cutting-edge production methods along with detailed product properties. You will discover how to effectively evaluate licensable processes for new production through the comparison of technologies, environmental factors, and economics. Coverage includes: *General process descriptions, feed definitions, product yields, and simplified flow diagrams *Process chemistries and thermodynamics *Commercial process perspectives, including plant locations and long-term plans *Process details, with flow diagrams and mass and energy balances for major process variations *Feeds and details on unique and key equipment *Brand-new details on gas to petrochemical conversion, biomass to petrochemical conversion, and bisphonal A (BPA)

Producing large quantities of waste is not only environmentally unacceptable, it is also not viable in economic terms. The chemical industry, particularly the speciality and pharmaceuticals sectors, is becoming increasingly aware of the advantages associated with clean technology, particularly in terms of competitive advantage and environmental benefits. Bringing together an understanding of the concepts and values of clean technology by using case studies from some leading European countries, this book provides an insight into subjects such as catalysis; process intensification; and how to measure the "green" value of a process. It also highlights the role played by both the chemical and chemical engineering disciplines in the development of cleaner processes. Clean Technology for the Manufacture of Speciality Chemicals will prove valuable reading for process development chemists and engineers, particularly those in the specialities and pharmaceuticals sectors, and will also be an important source of teaching material for the growing number of clean technology chemistry courses.

Modern look at the thermodynamics of hydrocarbon reservoirs

This brilliant, original work offers novel formulations of thermodynamic principles for hydrocarbon reservoirs. The book is packed with valuable step-by-step derivations for retrograde phenomena in capillaries, diffusion and convection, stability and criticality in mixtures, precipitation from complex mixtures, and numerous examples that show in detail how to calculate and apply concepts using the most contemporary techniques.

The book is not only a valuable reference for petroleum and chemical engineers, but can be used by engineers and scientists in different disciplines.

Fossil hydrocarbons form a continuous series whose"heavy"members--heavy oils, bitumens, oil shale kerogens, and coal--are important sources of conventional lighter fuels. These hydrocarbons are much more abundant and easier to extract than natural gas and oil. This book discusses the origins and compositions of fossil hydrocarbons and shows how the"heavies"can be chemically transformed into environmentally clean gas, liquid transportation fuels, and an almost unlimited range of petrochemicals.
Dr. Berkowitz explodes the entrenched dichotomy between"petroleum hydrocarbons"and coal that has shaped popular perceptions of energy, showing that it is feasible to develop new technologies that capitalize on the availability of"synthetic"natural gas and light oils.
Fossil Hydrocarbons: Chemistry and Technology is a comprehensive treatment of fossil hydrocarbons, covering the source materials, biosources, metamorphic histories, geochemistry, classification, and molecular structure. It discusses the use of fossil hydrocarbons as a viable energy source in our future, detailing the preparation, processing and conversion technologies, as well as discussing the environmental issues that arise from production, processing, and use of various fossil hydrocarbons.
Key Features
* Approaches various fossil hydrocarbons as chemically related entities, thus dispelling the unwarranted distinctions between crude oils and coal
* Explains how heavy fossil hydrocarbons can be processed by much the same methods as crude oils for good economic and environmental purpose
* Illustrates how bitumens, oil shales, and coals are convertible into synthetic natural gas and oils
* Shows a path for reasonable energy self-sufficiency, through conversion of heavy hydrocarbons into synthetic natural gas and oils
* Augments each chapter with end-of-chapter notes and a detailed bibliography
* Provides more than 200 useful tables, schematics, and figures

This book provides an overview of the chemical and physical concepts of instability and incompatibility of petroleum and liquid fuels. It helps the petroleum refinery personnel to handle liquid fuels from other sources as feedstocks for the refinery system.

Dr. Smil is the world's authority on nitrogenous fertilizer. The industrial synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen has been of greater fundamental importance to the modern world than the invention of the airplane, nuclear energy, space flight, or television. The expansion of the world's population from 1.6 billion people in 1900 to today's six billion would not have been possible without the synthesis of ammonia. In Enriching the Earth, Vaclav Smil begins with a discussion of nitrogen's unique status in the biosphere, its role in crop production, and traditional means of supplying the nutrient. He then looks at various attempts to expand natural nitrogen flows through mineral and synthetic fertilizers. The core of the book is a detailed narrative of the discovery of ammonia synthesis by Fritz Haber-a discovery scientists had sought for over one hundred years-and its commercialization by Carl Bosch and the chemical company BASF. Smil also examines the emergence of the large-scale nitrogen fertilizer industry and analyzes the extent of global dependence on the Haber-Bosch process and its biospheric consequences. Finally, it looks at the role of nitrogen in civilization and, in a sad coda, describes the lives of Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch after the discovery of ammonia synthesis.

Oil, energy, and chemical industries consultant Wells presents information on 76 petrochemicals and their processes, giving details of the chemical reactions involved in transforming raw materials into chemicals, plastics, and synthetic fibers. She describes the competing processes for each product

Resorcinol is a white crystalline compound used largely in the rubber industry and in wood bonding applications and is an important source of chemical intermediate in the manufacture of specialty chemicals. Other uses of the chemical include the manufacture of dyestuffs pharmaceuticals flame retardants agricultural chemicals fungicidal creams and lotions and hair dye formulations. This Concise International Assessment Document (CICAD) evaluates the scientific literature on the health and environmental effects of resorcinol based on selected national and regional evaluations. Uncertainties in the risk assessment are set out for both human health and the environment.

Expanded and updated, this new edition of a bestseller treats this important field in a holistic manner. The structure of the previous book has been retained, but enhanced with new text and illustrations, and more numerical problems with a wider scope. Readers will find much on the background to the industry and details of such centrally important operations as refining, heat exchange, cracking, polymerisation and hydrogenation. There is a chapter on offshore matters, which includes some incidents that occurred since the first edition. National and international standards are considered as these relate to such things as site layout. The coverage of the fire and explosion behaviour of hydrocarbons has been extended, in particular in relation to flash points. The topic of leaked gas detection has been introduced, and there is considerable extension of the coverage of static electricity hazards. There is more on liquefied natural gas (LNG), including details of processes for its regasification. Natural gas condensate features, having grown considerably in importance since the first edition. Re-refining of crude oil products that have previously been used as lubricants or as hydraulic fluids has also experienced growth, and this too has its place in the book from the perspective of safety. Tight gas and coal bed methane feature, as does the controversial matter of hydraulic fracture to obtain them. The chemical processing chapter has been extended to include hydrocracking, hydrodesulphurisation and hydrodenitrogenation. The COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) regulations are covered and sign conventions for hazards are explained with illustrations.