Chemistry And Industry

Background This book provides an introduction to the main sectors of the chemical industry, and complements An Introduction to Industrial Chemistry (sub sequently referred to as Volume I) which covers the physico-chemical principles of the subject, as well as introductory technical economics and chemical engineering. Processes considered include the large-scale production of polymers (up to 1000 tonnes per day for a single plant); the chlor-alkali, nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorus industries; and the production, on a smaller scale, of dyestuffs, pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The rapidly developing area of biotech nology is dealt with under biological catalysis. The consequences of scale of operation are also highlighted in Chapter 7. Each chapter includes common themes, such as brief history, present position, major products and the future. The final chapter links together the predictions made for the future of each sector, to give an overall projection for the whole chemical industry; the quadrupling of oil prices in 1974 and the widespread recession at the beginning of the 1980s provide a salutary lesson about the difficulty of such projections.

There have been several attempts to write the history of Britain's chemical industry as a whole, and countless others concentrating on individual companies. Some have looked at the technical aspects of the industry, whilst others have addressed economic issues. Few have, however, attempted to analyse the effects of the chemical industry on society in general. The current environmental crisis can only be fully understood in the light of its history. This is the first such book to look critically at the whole development of industrial chemistry in the UK in the context of its effects on the environment. No one from industry, government or academia can afford to be unaware of the historical roots of our present dilemma. Industrial chemists can take heart from the realization that their predecessors were remarkably aware of the problems and often found satisfactory solutions. Industrial chemistry has traditionally been seen as the great 'polluter'. Without any attempts at 'whitewash' this book puts the record straight. From academic chemist to industrialist to politician, Chemistry, Society and Environment: A New History of the British Chemical Industry will be of relevance to all those concerned with the social and environmental impact of the chemical industry.

As chemical companies strive to be more competitive in the world economy, it is essential that their employees, including sales and marketing personnel, as well as administrative support groups understand the basic concepts of the science upon which the industry is based. The authors, who have over 100 years of combined experience in the chemical industry, developed this easy-to-read book to provide a fundamental understanding of the chemical industry for non-chemists and those poised to enter the chemical profession. Designed specifically for self-study, Chemistry and the Chemical Industry: A Practical Guide for Non-Chemists reviews the important aspects of industrial chemistry in a way that can be easily understood even if you have not taken any formal chemistry courses. The authors provide a clear, concise presentation of the foremost issues behind the chemical discipline along with key definitions and concepts so you can readily obtain an appreciation of the nature of the industry and its contribution to society. Even though you are not at the lab bench, you can still understand, recognize, and partake in discussions about the work being done at your company. Compiled in a straightforward and accessible manner, this book is unique in that it bridges the gap between nonscientific employees and the scientific world in which they operate. The first chapter begins with a description of the chemical industry. It defines the most common terms used in chemistry, drawing on nonscientific analogies whenever possible. In the following chapters, the authors review the concepts and terminology of organic and inorganic chemistry, polymer chemistry, high volume chemicals, and environmental concerns about chemical production with each subject presented as a graphic representation accompanied by a description. Finally, there is a short compilation of general information sources for further study. Chemistry and the Chemical Industry: A Practical Guide for Non-Chemists will allow you to communicate effectively within your organization and become more familiar with this vital industry.

Survey of Industrial Chemistry arose from a need for a basic text dealing with industrial chemistry for use in a one semester, three-credit senior level course taught at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. This edition covers all important areas of the chemical industry, yet it is reasonable that it can be covered in 40 hours of lecture. Also an excellent resource and reference for persons working in the chemical and related industries, it has sections on all important technologies used by these industries: a one-step source to answer most questions on practical, applied chemistry. Young scientists and engineers just entering the workforce will find it especially useful as a readily available handbook to prepare them for a type of chemistry quite different than they have seen in their traditional coursework, whether graduate or undergraduate.

Fred Aftalion's international perspective of the history of chemistry integrates the story of chemical science with that of chemical industry. This new edition includes events from 1990 to 2000, when major companies began selling off their divisions, seeking to specialize in a particular business. Aftalion explores the pitfalls these companies encountered as well as the successes of "contrarians"--those companies that remained broad and diversified. He uses BASF, Dow, and Bayer as examples of true contrarians.

In this introduction to each of the major sectors of the chemical industry the authors cover the important chemistry, products, processes and relevant statistics. Each contributor draws on his/her extensive industrial experience to give a balanced coverage which is both easy to read and authoritative. New chapters on quality and safety issues, environmental issues and an extended chapter on chlor-alkali, sulphur and nitrogen industries, reflect the importance of these subjects today.