#Ethylene Industry

[surbhijamdade]

Ethylene Market Analysis Report: Size, Share, and Trends Forecast for the Next Period

Ethylene Market Strategies: Taking Advantage of Trends to Drive Growth in 2032

The Ethylene Market Report provides essential insights for business strategists, offering a comprehensive overview of industry trends and growth projections. It includes detailed historical and future data on costs, revenues, supply, and demand, where applicable. The report features an in-depth analysis of the value chain and distributor networks.

Employing various analytical techniques such as SWOT analysis, Porter’s Five Forces analysis, and feasibility studies, the report offers a thorough understanding of competitive dynamics, the risk of substitutes and new entrants, and identifies strengths, challenges, and business opportunities. This detailed assessment covers current patterns, driving factors, limitations, emerging developments, and high-growth areas, aiding stakeholders in making informed strategic decisions based on both current and future market trends. Additionally, the report includes an examination of the Automatic Rising Arm Barriers sector and its key opportunities.

According to Straits Research, the global Ethylene Market market size was valued at USD 189.38 Billion in 2022. It is projected to reach from USD XX Billion in 2023 to USD 301.43 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

Get Free Request Sample Report @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/ethylene-market/request-sample

TOP Key Industry Players of the Ethylene Market

SABIC

The Dow Company

Exxon Mobil Corporation

Royal Dutch Shell

China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company

Total SA

LyondellBasell Industries Holdings BV

China National Petroleum Corporation

Repsol

BASF SE

Westlake Chemical Corporation

Sasol

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

Nova Chemicals Corporation.

Global Ethylene Market: Segmentation

As a result of the Ethylene market segmentation, the market is divided into sub-segments based on product type, application, as well as regional and country-level forecasts. 

By End-User

Automotive

Packaging

Healthcare

Textile

Agrochemical

Building & construction

By Application

Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Polystyrene (PS)

Fibers & other organic chemicals

By Raw-Material

Naphtha

Natural gas

Browse Full Report and TOC @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/ethylene-market/request-sample

Reasons for Buying This Report:

Provides an analysis of the evolving competitive landscape of the Automatic Rising Arm Barriers market.

Offers analytical insights and strategic planning guidance to support informed business decisions.

Highlights key market dynamics, including drivers, restraints, emerging trends, developments, and opportunities.

Includes market estimates by region and profiles of various industry stakeholders.

Aids in understanding critical market segments.

Delivers extensive data on trends that could impact market growth.

Research Methodology:

Utilizes a robust methodology involving data triangulation with top-down and bottom-up approaches.

Validates market estimates through primary research with key stakeholders.

Estimates market size and forecasts for different segments at global, regional, and country levels using reliable published sources and stakeholder interviews.

About Straits Research

Straits Research is dedicated to providing businesses with the highest quality market research services. With a team of experienced researchers and analysts, we strive to deliver insightful and actionable data that helps our clients make informed decisions about their industry and market. Our customized approach allows us to tailor our research to each client's specific needs and goals, ensuring that they receive the most relevant and valuable insights.

Contact Us

Email: sales@straitsresearch.com

Address: 825 3rd Avenue, New York, NY, USA, 10022

Tel: UK: +44 203 695 0070, USA: +1 646 905 0080

[b2bbusiness]

Ethylene Industry: The Building Block of Our Modern World

Ethylene, often referred to as the world's most important chemical, plays a crucial role in our everyday lives. It's the foundation for countless products we rely on, from plastic packaging to clothing and building materials. This article delves into the fascinating world of ethylene, exploring its production, applications, and impact on various industries.

The Birth of Ethylene: Steam Cracking

Ethylene is primarily produced through a process called steam cracking. Here, hydrocarbons like ethane, propane, and naphtha are subjected to intense heat (750-950°C) along with steam. This high-temperature environment breaks down the larger hydrocarbon molecules, creating smaller ones, including ethylene. The resulting mixture then undergoes separation through processes like compression and distillation to isolate pure ethylene.

Ethylene: A Versatile Building Block

Ethylene's true strength lies in its versatility. It undergoes various chemical reactions to form a vast array of products. Here's a glimpse into some of its key applications:

Polyethylene (PE): The champion of ethylene derivatives, PE accounts for over half of global ethylene consumption. PE's flexibility, durability, and lightweight properties make it ideal for food packaging, bottles, bags, and various industrial applications.

Ethylene Oxide and Glycol: This duo paves the way for the creation of polyester, a prominent fiber used in textiles. Ethylene glycol also finds use as antifreeze, keeping our vehicles running smoothly.

Ethylene Dichloride (EDC): This vital intermediate transforms into PVC, a plastic extensively used in pipes, siding, medical devices, and even clothing.

Styrene: Ethylene's role in creating styrene is essential for the production of synthetic rubber, a key component in tires and foam insulation.

Beyond Industrial Applications: Ethylene in Agriculture

Interestingly, ethylene market plays a role beyond the realm of industry. It acts as a ripening agent for fruits and vegetables like citrus, tomatoes, and bananas. By mimicking the natural ripening process, ethylene helps regulate the shelf life and quality of these produce items.

The Ethylene Industry: A Global Powerhouse

The ethylene industry is a global giant, with a market size exceeding 150 million tonnes and a projected growth of over 4% annually. This growth is driven by the rising demand for plastics and other ethylene derivatives in developing economies. The industry leaders include major petrochemical companies across the globe.

Ethylene's Environmental Impact: A Cause for Consideration

The significant production and consumption of ethylene raise environmental concerns. The process of steam cracking generates greenhouse gases, and plastic waste from ethylene derivatives can pose challenges if not managed responsibly. The industry is constantly evolving, with research focused on cleaner production methods and improved plastic recycling technologies.

The Future of Ethylene: Innovation and Sustainability

As the world strives for a more sustainable future, the ethylene industry is embracing innovation. The exploration of alternative feedstocks like bio-based ethylene derived from renewable sources holds promise. Additionally, advancements in recycling technologies aim to create a more circular economy for ethylene-based plastics.

Buy the Full Report for More Insights into the Ethylene Industry Installed Capacity Forecast, Download A Free Report Sample

[equilateralsolutions]

Choosing the Right Ethylene Oxide Sterilizer for Your Industry Needs

Sterilization is a critical process in various industries, from healthcare to pharmaceuticals, ensuring that medical devices and sensitive equipment remain free from harmful microorganisms. Ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization is one of the most effective methods for sterilizing heat- and moisture-sensitive materials. However, selecting the right ethylene oxide sterilizer for your industry needs requires careful consideration of several factors, including size, functionality, safety features, and compliance with industry regulations. This guide will help you navigate the key aspects to consider when choosing an EO sterilization machine to meet your specific requirements.

Understanding Ethylene Oxide Sterilization

Ethylene oxide sterilization is widely used to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens from medical instruments, surgical tools, and laboratory equipment. Unlike other sterilization methods such as steam or dry heat, EO sterilization is suitable for delicate items made from plastic, rubber, and electronics that cannot withstand high temperatures. The process involves exposing products to ethylene oxide gas under controlled conditions, ensuring complete sterilization while maintaining the integrity of the materials.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Ethylene Oxide Sterilizer

1. Industry Requirements and Compliance

Each industry has specific sterilization requirements and regulatory standards that must be met. Healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device manufacturers need EO sterilization machines that comply with global standards such as the FDA, ISO 11135, and EPA regulations. Ensuring that your ethylene oxide sterilizer meets these guidelines is crucial for safety and legal compliance.

2. Capacity and Throughput

The size and capacity of an ethylene oxide sterilization machine should match your industry’s production needs. Small clinics may require compact tabletop sterilizers, while large-scale medical manufacturers may need industrial-sized units capable of handling high-volume sterilization cycles. Assessing your daily or monthly sterilization demands will help you determine the right capacity for optimal efficiency.

3. Safety Features and Operator Protection

Since ethylene oxide is a hazardous gas, safety is a top priority when selecting a sterilizer. Look for models equipped with advanced safety features, including:

Gas leak detection systems to monitor EO levels and prevent exposure risks.

Automated aeration cycles to remove residual gas before handling sterilized items.

Pressure and temperature controls for precise sterilization settings.

Sealed chamber design to prevent gas leaks and ensure operator safety. Investing in a sterilizer with enhanced safety features not only protects employees but also ensures compliance with workplace safety regulations.

4. Efficiency and Cycle Time

The efficiency of an EO sterilizer plays a crucial role in maintaining workflow productivity. Advanced ethylene oxide sterilization machines are designed with optimized cycle times, reducing downtime while ensuring complete sterilization. Some modern units offer pre-programmed sterilization cycles, allowing users to customize settings based on the type of materials being processed. Faster cycle times translate to increased productivity and cost savings for businesses.

5. Energy and Resource Consumption

With the growing focus on sustainability, selecting an ethylene oxide sterilizer that minimizes energy and resource consumption is beneficial. Some models are designed to use less EO gas while maintaining high sterilization efficacy. Features such as vacuum sealing, gas recapture systems, and energy-efficient heating elements can help reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

6. Maintenance and After-Sales Support

Like any industrial equipment, EO sterilization machines require regular maintenance to ensure long-term performance. Before making a purchase, consider the availability of spare parts, technical support, and warranty coverage. Companies like Equilateral Solutions provide reliable after-sales support, ensuring that your sterilizer remains in optimal working condition for years to come.

Popular Applications of Ethylene Oxide Sterilization

EO sterilization is commonly used in multiple industries, including:

Medical and Healthcare: Sterilizing surgical instruments, catheters, and syringes.

Pharmaceuticals: Ensuring the sterility of drug packaging and lab equipment.

Biotechnology and Laboratories: Sterilizing research tools and sensitive components.

Veterinary Clinics: Disinfecting surgical tools and animal care equipment.

Cosmetics and Personal Care: Sterilizing beauty instruments and packaging materials.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Investing in the right ethylene oxide sterilizer is essential for ensuring effective sterilization, safety, and compliance with industry standards. When selecting an EO sterilization machine, consider your industry’s specific needs, production volume, safety features, and long-term operational efficiency. Partnering with a trusted supplier that offers high-quality sterilization solutions and reliable customer support can help you achieve optimal results.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose an EO sterilizer that enhances your sterilization processes while maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Whether you run a hospital, pharmaceutical company, or research facility, having the right sterilization equipment ensures that your products remain contamination-free and safe for use.

For businesses looking for high-quality EO sterilization solutions, companies like Equilateral Solutions offer cutting-edge sterilization machines designed for efficiency and compliance with industry standards. Selecting the right ethylene oxide sterilizer will not only improve your sterilization workflow but also ensure the safety and reliability of your products for years to come.

[adinathinternationalindia]

Production Scale ETO Sterilizer

Production Scale ETO Sterilizer or industrial eo gas sterilizer has been specially designed for sterilization of products sensitive to high temperature and to humidity (Syringes, DE fluxers, Catheters, Cartridges for Dialysis, Plastic articles, Bandages, Sutures etc.).  Sterilizer can be uses even for sterilization of powders which deteriorate by heating exposure. For the wide range of product that can be treated, such sterilizer find application in Disposable Surgical Products, Para Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Industry, Laboratories, Hospital and Food Processing Industries.

Adinath Ethylene Oxide Gas Sterilizer Manufacturer can be realized in to satisfy different requirements working under pressure (1.5 kg/cm² + vacuum) with mixtures of Ethylene Oxide and Carbon Oxide (usual composition 10% ETO + 90% CO₂, 20% ETO + 80% CO₂)

Ethylene Oxide gas infiltrates packages as well as products themselves to kill microorganisms that are left during production or packaging processes. This gas, mixed with air at a ratio of at least 3% ETO gas, forms an explosive mixture. Pure ETO gas boiling point is 10.73 ºC at atmospheric pressure. Most of the time, it is mixed with Nitrogen or CO2. EO Gas Sterilizers uses to sterilize to surgical instruments and medical disposables.

The system has been designed to operate on eto+co2 combination gas cylinders. The chamber and all contact parts shall be made from S.S 304. The chamber has been provided with a single door, easy locking arrangement and silicon gasket for leak proof operation. Electronically controlled heating system to ensure uniform heating of the chamber at 50 degrees centigrade. The chamber is provided with a adequate capacity rotary vacuum pump enclosed in sturdy cabinet duly powder coated for durability. We provide four of control switches with built in indicator light to regulate evacuation, feeding of gas, fresh air inlet through filter and aeration facility. Ethylene Oxide Gas Sterilization Unit is compact stand-alone sterilizer chamber.

[me-amaraja]

[reasonsforhope]

"The sleeping giant of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stirred.

In the past month, an avalanche of anti-pollution rules, targeting everything from toxic drinking water to planet-heating gases in the atmosphere, have been issued by the agency. Belatedly, the sizable weight of the US federal government is being thrown at longstanding environmental crises, including the climate emergency.

On Thursday [May 18, 2023], the EPA’s month of frenzied activity was crowned by the toughest ever limits upon carbon pollution from America’s power sector, with large, existing coal and gas plants told they must slash their emissions by 90% or face being shut down.

The measure will, the EPA says, wipe out more than 600m tons of carbon emissions over the next two decades, about double what the entire UK emits each year. But even this wasn’t the biggest pollution reduction announced in recent weeks.

In April, new emissions standards for cars and trucks will eliminate an expected 9bn tons of CO2 by the mid-point of the century, while separate rules issued late last year aim to slash hydrofluorocarbons, planet-heating gases used widely in refrigeration and air conditioning, by 4.6bn tons in the same timeframe. Methane, another highly potent greenhouse gas, will be curtailed by 810m tons over the next decade in another EPA edict.

In just a few short months the EPA, diminished and demoralized under Donald Trump, has flexed its regulatory muscles to the extent that 15bn tons of greenhouse gases – equivalent to about three times the US’s carbon pollution, or nearly half of the entire world’s annual fossil fuel emissions – are set to be prevented, transforming the power basis of Americans’ cars and homes in the process...

If last year’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), with its $370bn in clean energy subsidies and enticements for electric car buyers, was the carrot to reducing emissions, the EPA now appears to be bringing a hefty stick.

The IRA should help reduce US emissions by about 40% this decade but the cut needs to be deeper, up to half of 2005 levels, to give the world a chance of avoiding catastrophic heatwaves, wildfires, drought and other climate calamities. The new rules suddenly put America, after years of delay and political rancor, tantalizingly within reach of this...

“It’s clear we’ve reached a pivotal point in human history and it’s on all of us to act right now to protect our future,” said Michael Regan, the administrator of the EPA, in a speech last week at the University of Maryland. The venue was chosen in a nod to the young, climate-concerned voters Joe Biden hopes to court in next year’s presidential election, and who have been dismayed by Biden’s acquiescence to large-scale oil and gas drilling.

“Folks, this is our future we are talking about, and we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity for real climate action,” [Michael Regan, the administrator of the EPA], added. “Failure is not an option, indifference is not an option, inaction is not an option.” ...

It’s not just climate the EPA has acted upon in recent months. There are new standards for chemical plants, such as those that blight the so-called "Cancer Alley" the US, from emitting cancer-causing toxins such as benzene, ethylene oxide and vinyl chloride. New rules curbing mercury, arsenic and lead from industrial facilities have been released, as have tighter limits on emissions of soot and the first ever regulations targeting the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkylsubstances (or PFAS) in drinking water.” ...

For those inside the agency, the breakneck pace has been enervating. “It’s definitely a race against time,” said one senior EPA official, who asked not to be named. “The clock is ticking. It is a sprint through a marathon and it is exhausting.” ...

“We know the work to confront the climate crisis doesn’t stop at strong carbon pollution standards,” said Ben Jealous, the executive director of the Sierra Club.

“The continued use or expansion of fossil power plants is incompatible with a livable future. Simply put, we must not merely limit the use of fossil fuel electricity – we must end it entirely.”"

-via The Guardian (US), 5/16/23

[mariacallous]

Our planet is choking on plastics. Some of the worst offenders, which can take decades to degrade in landfills, are polypropylene—which is used for things such as food packaging and bumpers—and polyethylene, found in plastic bags, bottles, toys, and even mulch.

Polypropylene and polyethylene can be recycled, but the process can be difficult and often produces large quantities of the greenhouse gas methane. They are both polyolefins, which are the products of polymerizing ethylene and propylene, raw materials that are mainly derived from fossil fuels. The bonds of polyolefins are also notoriously hard to break.

Now, researchers at UC Berkeley have come up with a method of recycling these polymers that uses catalysts that easily break their bonds, converting them into propylene and isobutylene, which are gases at room temperature. Those gases can then be recycled into new plastics.

“Because polypropylene and polyethylene are among the most difficult and expensive plastics to separate from each other in a mixed waste stream, it is crucial that [a recycling] process apply to both polyolefins,” the research team said in a study recently published in Science.

Breaking It Down

The recycling process the team used is known as isomerizing ethenolysis, which relies on a catalyst to break down olefin polymer chains into their small molecules. Polyethylene and polypropylene bonds are highly resistant to chemical reactions, because both of these polyolefins have long chains of single carbon-carbon bonds. Most polymers have at least one carbon-carbon double bond, which is much easier to break.

While isomerizing ethenolysis had been tried by the same researchers before, the previous catalysts were expensive metals that did not remain pure long enough to convert all of the plastic into gas. Using sodium on alumina followed by tungsten oxide on silica proved much more economical and effective, even though the high temperatures required for the reaction added a bit to the cost.

In both plastics, exposure to sodium on alumina broke each polymer chain into shorter polymer chains and created breakable carbon-carbon double bonds at the ends. The chains continued to break over and over. Both then underwent a second process known as olefin metathesis. They were exposed to a stream of ethylene gas flowing into a reaction chamber while being introduced to tungsten oxide on silica, which resulted in the breakage of the carbon-carbon bonds.

The reaction breaks all the carbon-carbon bonds in polyethylene and polypropylene, with the carbon atoms released during the breaking of these bonds ending up attached to molecules of ethylene. “The ethylene is critical to this reaction, as it is a coreactant,” researcher R.J. Conk, one of the authors of the study, told Ars Technica. “The broken links then react with ethylene, which removes the links from the chain. Without ethylene, the reaction cannot occur.”

The entire chain is catalyzed until polyethylene is fully converted to propylene, and polypropylene is converted to a mixture of propylene and isobutylene.

This method has high selectivity—meaning it produces a large amount of the desired product: propylene derived from polyethylene, and both propylene and isobutylene derived from polypropylene. Both of these chemicals are in high demand; propylene is an important raw material for the chemical industry, while isobutylene is a frequently used monomer in many different polymers, including synthetic rubber and a gasoline additive.

Mixing It Up

Because plastics are often mixed at recycling centers, the researchers wanted to see what would happen if polypropylene and polyethylene underwent isomerizing ethenolysis together. The reaction was successful, converting the mixture into propylene and isobutylene, with slightly more propylene than isobutylene.

Mixtures also typically include contaminants in the form of additional plastics. So the team also wanted to see whether the reaction would still work if there were contaminants. They experimented with plastic objects that would otherwise be thrown away, including a centrifuge and a bread bag, both of which contained traces of other polymers besides polypropylene and polyethylene. The reaction yielded only slightly less propylene and isobutylene than it did with unadulterated versions of the polyolefins.

Another test involved introducing different plastics, such as PET and PVC, to polypropylene and polyethylene to see if that would make a difference. These did lower the yield significantly. If this approach is going to be successful, then all but the slightest traces of contaminants will have to be removed from polypropylene and polyethylene products before they are recycled.

While this recycling method sounds like it could prevent tons upon tons of waste, it will need to be scaled up enormously for this to happen. When the research team increased the scale of the experiment, it produced the same yield, which looks promising for the future. Still, we’ll need to build considerable infrastructure before this could make a dent in our plastic waste.

“We hope that the work described … will lead to practical methods for … [producing] new polymers,” the researchers said in the same study. “By doing so, the demand for production of these essential commodity chemicals starting from fossil carbon sources and the associated greenhouse gas emissions could be greatly reduced.”

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Polyethylene waste could be a thing of the past

An international team of experts undertaking fundamental research has developed a way of using polyethylene waste (PE) as a feedstock and converted it into valuable chemicals, via light-driven photocatalysis. The University of Adelaide's Professor Shizhang Qiao, Chair of Nanotechnology, and Director, Center for Materials in Energy and Catalysis, at the School of Chemical Engineering, led the team that published their findings in the journal Science Advances. "We have upcycled polyethylene plastic waste into ethylene and propionic acid with high selectivity using atomically dispersed metal catalysts," said Professor Qiao. "An oxidation-coupled room-temperature photocatalysis method was used to convert the waste into valuable products with high selectivity. Nearly 99% of the liquid product is propionic acid, alleviating the problems associated with complex products that then require separation. Renewable solar energy was used rather than industrial processes that consume fossil fuel and emit greenhouse gases."

Read more.

[tomorrowusa]

It's foolish to think that Putin isn't orgasmic over what the Trump administration has been doing to screw America.

Trump and his co-president Elon Musk have now targeted the EPA for revenge and retribution.

Trump, Musk move to oust EPA staff in the Great Lakes region, including dozens responsible for protecting drinking water for 30 million in U.S. and Canada

Trump purged dozens of career officials in the Chicago office during his first term. His latest attempt to cull the workforce is led by billionaire Elon Musk, whose companies Tesla and SpaceX have been fined by the EPA for multiple violations of environmental laws. “Elon Musk wants to turn EPA into every polluter’s ally,” U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, said Thursday at a rally in front of the agency’s headquarters. “He wants to take environmental cops off the beat.” History suggests Musk and scores of other polluters are going to catch a break during the next four years. Water pollution cases filed by the EPA in the Great Lakes region declined during each of the first three years Trump was president, according to an analysis of agency records by the nonprofit Environmental Law and Policy Center. Meanwhile, the number of chronic violators of the Clean Water Act in the heavily industrialized states skyrocketed under Trump, who as a candidate in 2016 vowed to abolish the EPA. [ ... ] More than 8 million people in Illinois get their drinking water from a utility where at least one PFAS has been detected, a 2022 Chicago Tribune investigation found. The discovery of high levels of ethylene oxide pollution led to the closure of a sterilization plant in southwest suburban Willowbrook and prompted a state law requiring another facility in north suburban Waukegan to dramatically reduce emissions.

Trump feels it's his right to make life easy for polluters who have given him and other far right Republicans huge campaign contributions.

States like Illinois can step up enforcement. But they don't have the reach and resources of the federal government. Be prepared to get sicker over the next few years.

[handeaux]

Gas Alley Has Somehow Endured, While Its Notorious Neighborhood Faded Away

If you really want to visit Gas Alley today, you’ll have a bit of an adventure. Less than 300 feet in length, Gas Alley runs south from Longworth Hall to Mehring Way. It is paved with cobblestones interrupted by patches of gravel and surrounded by warehouses, a couple of light industrial sheds and a Duke Energy substation. There’s a street sign at the southern terminus.

No evidence remains of the little alley’s unsavory past. So disreputable was this byway that it lent its name to the entire surrounding neighborhood. The Cincinnati Times, in 1853, summed up Gas Alley’s reputation:

“This neighborhood, located in the Sixth Ward, is the most degraded in the city – rivaling, in some things, the noted Five Points of New York. Its dance-houses and grog-shops are numerous, and are the continual scenes of bloody fights, rows, and not unfrequently murders. The families who reside there, appear to be too fond of the degrading pleasures of the neighborhood; and drunken brawls, between man and wife, father and son, mother and daughter, are not uncommon in Gas Alley. Mothers and fathers are often found dead drunk, and their children ragged, starved and filthy, seen running around the streets, pilfering whatever they can lay their hands upon.”

Gas Alley got its name because it ran alongside the city’s gasworks. Before 1909, the Cincinnati Gas, Light & Coke Company manufactured its own gas, and resisted the use of natural gas. It was this so-called “town gas,” also known as “coal gas,” that was piped into Cincinnati homes. Town gas is manufactured by heating coal and the process results in a noxious and volatile mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane and ethylene. By contrast, natural gas is mostly methane. Between 1841 and 1909, Cincinnati’s town gas flowed from a plant located adjacent to Gas Alley.

The Gas Alley neighborhood was centered around a compact triangle bordered by Gas Alley on the east, Second Street on the north and Front Street on the south. Today, Second Street is Pete Rose Way and Front Street is Mehring Way. It is inconceivable now, but there were once 45 tenement buildings plus the gasworks crammed into this little triangle. If you lived in Cincinnati prior to the Civil War, you knew to stay out of the place. A Cincinnati Gazette [2 June 1853] report is tragically typical:

“A man, named John Goller, while walking along the street near Gas alley, Tuesday evening, was attacked by a party of five or six men, who, with clubs and a large whip, beat him in a very severe manner, and left him on the sidewalk for dead.”

With no explanation about why they were fighting, as if no rationale, given the locality, was needed, the Gazette [19 February 1853] related another such incident:

“Thursday evening an affray took place in Gas alley, in which a female named Mary Finn raised a large bar of iron and struck a man over the head, cutting a frightful gash. She has been arrested.”

That summer, the regular disputes turned deadly, according to the Gazette [18 July 1853]:

“Gas Alley, a noted place for rowdyism, drunkenness and murders, was the scene of another bloody affray on Saturday night, which resulted in the murder of a man named Joseph Adams. We learn that a man named James Heffner and Adams got into a quarrel in regard to a trivial matter, when Adams picked up a brickbat and threw it at Heffner, striking him on the back. Heffner drew a pistol and fired back at Adams, the contents entering his forehead and lodging in his brain.”

Almost forty years later, Gas Alley was sadly maintaining its reputation. The Cincinnati Enquirer [1 March 1890] reported yet another melee in the storied neighborhood:

“Bowlders, clubs and clinched fists were the weapons used in a pitched battle last night between the police and a gang of rowdies in that classical thoroughfare, Gas alley.”

In that incident, a band of fifteen young toughs loitered along Front Street, spitting tobacco juice on passersby. Two police officers ordered the group to move along and were rebuffed, so the cops called in reinforcements from the Fourth District Station on Third Street and, according to the paper, “a general tumult ensued.”

Despite the frequency of violent crimes originating in Gas Alley, far too many news items related heart-breaking tales spawned by the oppressive poverty of the neighborhood. In his memoir, “Thirty-Five Years Among The Poor And The Public Institutions Of Cincinnati” (1887), Joseph Emery presents a common Gas Alley tragedy:

“One Sabbath evening, after a hard day's labor, during the severe frost in January, I was desired to visit a dying woman on Gas Alley, one of the most degraded sections of our city. On entering the dismal room, a dim candle revealed six or seven colored people, nearly intoxicated. On a scantily furnished bed lay the wife of the occupant, who appeared to be past medical aid, and had quite lost the power of speech. On proposing to read and pray, they consented. There was not a chair in the room, but an old box formed the only seat. The only window in the room was left open to let out the smoke, but it let in the strong odor from the Gas House and the sharp breath of winter. During prayer the dying woman wept, but spoke not one word. I left money with a friend, and an order for food on the Relief Union. I then gave a solemn warning to all to give up liquor, which was hurrying them all to perdition. Soon after my departure, and the other friends left, all these wretched people went off drinking, and in the morning the woman was found frozen to death! Her own husband had left her to die alone!”

Over the years, Cincinnati has created quite a few disreputable slums, from Bucktown to Rat Row to Sausage Row to Frogtown to Charcoal Alley. Each has exhibited a unique character. The Gas Alley community distinguished itself because its inhabitants were an incendiary admixture of Irish and African American, two tribes that more commonly segregated themselves into different parts of town. There is every indication that the Irish residents of Gas Alley were too poor to aspire to a hovel on Rat Row and the Black population could not afford to reside in Bucktown.

Despite repeated efforts by the city to vacate the little thoroughfare, Gas Alley has somehow endured. On a recent autumn afternoon, the cobblestones gave not a clue to their storied past of blood and tears. Perhaps Gas Alley needs a historic plaque of some sort. If so, it would appropriately be manufactured of tin rather than bronze.

[allthegeopolitics]

More than 200 chemical plants in the U.S. will be required to reduce toxic emissions that are likely to cause cancer under a new rule issued Tuesday by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rule advances President Joe Biden's commitment to environmental justice by delivering critical health protections for communities burdened by industrial pollution from ethylene oxide, chloroprene and other dangerous chemicals, officials said.  Areas that will benefit from the new rule include majority-Black neighbourhoods outside New Orleans that EPA administrator Michael Regan visited as part of his 2021 Journey to Justice tour.

Continue Reading

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

Two chemical industry groups are asking President Trump for a complete exemption to free their factories from new limits on hazardous air pollution.

Under a new rule finalized by the Biden administration last year, chemical plants would soon be required to monitor and reduce emissions of toxic pollutants, like ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing ingredient used in antifreeze and plastics.

Now the two groups, the American Chemistry Council and the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, which represent the nation’s major chemical companies, are seeking a temporary presidential waiver for all polluters to the rule.

The new requirements burden their member corporations with “significantly costly requirements on an unworkable timeline,” the groups wrote in a letter dated March 31 that was obtained by the Environmental Defense Fund, an environmental advocacy group.

In the letter addressed to Lee Zeldin, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the groups said that the cost to companies of meeting even parts of the new rule would exceed $50 billion, significantly more than the agency’s estimate of $1.8 billion.

The request came after the E.P.A. told companies last month that they could apply for waivers to major clean-air rules by emailing the agency. The E.P.A. pointed to a section of the Clean Air Act that enables the president to temporarily exempt industrial facilities from new rules if the technology required to meet those rules isn’t available, and if it’s in the interest of national security.

Under Mr. Trump, the E.P.A. has moved to roll back many of the same rules. That could mean that companies granted a temporary exemption now would ultimately never have to comply with the new rules.

Taylor Rogers, a White House spokeswoman, said in a statement that she would “not get ahead of the president, but we can confirm President Trump’s commitment to unleashing American energy, protecting our national security interests and ensuring environmental stewardship.”

[me-amaraja]

[darkmaga-returns]

The "No IRIS Act," introduced in Congress, aims to prohibit the EPA from using scientific assessments by its Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program, undermining the agency's ability to regulate toxic chemicals and protect Americans from carcinogens and other harmful substances.

The legislation is driven by the chemical industry, which seeks to avoid the costs of cleaning up pollution and ensuring product safety, prioritizing profits over public health. Critics argue this move represents corporate cronyism rather than genuine conservatism.

Established in 1985 under President Reagan, IRIS provides science-based assessments of chemical toxicity, forming the foundation of EPA regulations. Eliminating IRIS would leave the EPA unable to determine safe exposure levels for hundreds of chemicals, jeopardizing public health.

IRIS assessments have empowered communities to combat pollution, such as in Willowbrook, Illinois, where ethylene oxide emissions were exposed, and in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, where chloroprene risks were identified. These successes highlight the program's importance in safeguarding vulnerable populations.

The No IRIS Act contradicts conservative principles of limited but effective government, prioritizing corporate interests over the government's duty to protect citizens. Critics urge Congress to reject the bill, emphasizing the need to preserve public health safeguards over industry profits.

[greatwyrmgold]

More Factorio speculation!

Vulcanus's metallurgic science introduces the Foundry, a sort of super-smelter that can make metal plates, gears, wire, etc with an inherent +50% production bonus and five module slots.

Fulgora's electromagnetic science introduces the Electromagnetic Plant, a sort of specialized assembler that can make circuits, electrical equipment, modules, etc with an inherent +50% production bonus and five module slots.

I expect that a building like that will be present on every planet in the Space Age expansion. So what's left?

The only big category of resources that isn't touched by either the electromagnetic plant or foundry is oil/chemical stuff; plastic, sulfur, lubricant, fuel, etc. So I feel confident that the third planet's special building will be some kind of enhanced chemical plant.

Which probably means we'll be getting a novel oil processing process on planet #3. Maybe the reverse of what Fulgora's oil sands have? Something that makes heavy oil important for more things than lubricant, some resource type that gives lots of petroleum gas, and a reverse cracking recipe?

If that's true, maybe planet #3 will be something like Titan, or like Titan crossed with Europa. A barren world, cold enough that ethylene condenses into pools on the surface.

But that's just a guess built on a foundation of more guesses. It could be something completely different, like a planet whose industry focuses on weapon stuff or uranium processing or something.

We'll find out eventually. We found out about Vulcanus three months ago, and Wube estimated a release date "about a year" after almost exactly six months from now. So I'm guessing we'll see a FFF about planet #3 some time around late May, and the final frontier either right before or right after the August release. Or at least, that's what I'm guessing Wube has scheduled; time will tell whether that works out!

While I'm here I'm guessing the final planet's Special Building is either some kind of super-rocket-silo, or a way to use science packs for purposes other than science. I think it would make sense for some of the last (non-infinite) technologies unlocked to be things that make linking planets together easier—a way to get resources from planetside to space platforms more easily, or upgrades for space platforms, or maybe something wild like interplanetary teleportation.

[khalid-albeshri]

Key sectors in KSA manufacturing market:

Here’s a concise overview of the key sectors in Saudi Arabia's manufacturing market:

1. Petrochemicals

- Central to Saudi Arabia's manufacturing, leveraging vast oil and gas reserves to produce chemicals like ethylene and polypropylene.

- Major players include SABIC and Saudi Aramco.

2. Pharmaceuticals

- Rapidly expanding with a focus on local production of generics, vaccines, and biotech products.

- Supported by government initiatives to reduce import dependency.

3. Food and Beverage

- Vital for food security and economic growth, focusing on dairy, processed foods, beverages, and halal products.

- Expanding into regional and international markets.

4. Automotive

- Developing sector with a focus on assembling vehicles, manufacturing parts, and electric vehicles (EVs).

- Growing interest from global manufacturers.

5. Construction Materials

- Driven by mega-projects, producing cement, steel, aluminum, and sustainable materials.

- Key to supporting infrastructure development.

6. Metals and Mining

- Emerging sector with significant resources like gold, phosphate, and bauxite.

- Focus on extraction, processing, and downstream industries like aluminum smelting.

7. Textiles and Apparel

- Small but growing, with potential in high-quality textiles and traditional clothing.

- Opportunities in fashion and design.

8. Renewable Energy Equipment

- Focused on producing solar panels, wind turbines, and related components to support renewable energy projects.

- Significant growth potential aligned with sustainability goals.

9. Packaging

- Expanding due to growth in food, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce.

- Innovation in sustainable packaging solutions is on the rise.

10. Defense and Aerospace

- Strategic priority with efforts to localize military equipment production.

- Supported by GAMI, focusing on parts manufacturing and maintenance services.

These sectors highlight Saudi Arabia's drive toward economic diversification, with strong government support and strategic investments fostering growth across the manufacturing industry.

#KhalidAlbeshri #خالدالبشري