Traci Purdum

1 week ago | chemicalprocessing.com | Traci Purdum

In this episode,  Trish and Traci welcome guest Dheerajkumar Narang, whose research examines how AI and machine learning can enhance process safety compliance. Traditional compliance methods are time-consuming and fragmented across different systems, while AI can automate data collection, identify leading indicators and predict compliance outcomes. Key challenges include system integration with legacy infrastructure and maintaining domain expertise for regulatory updates.

2 weeks ago | chemicalprocessing.com | Traci Purdum

How to Estimate Time to TrainTraci:  You had alluded to this a little bit in that answer that you just gave me. How do folks figure out how to estimate how long operators will need to complete a training program? You say that some folks aren't sure how long it's going to take. Is there a way to estimate it? Dave:  Well, yes, and you're going to estimate.

3 weeks ago | chemicalprocessing.com | Traci Purdum

This episode from Chemical Processing's Distilled podcast shares industry best practices for chemical plant reliability and maintenance. Key recommendations include understanding equipment failure modes through predictive maintenance techniques like vibration analysis and thermography, developing balanced preventive maintenance programs that avoid over-maintaining equipment, and conducting thorough root cause analysis using methods such as 5-why analysis and fishbone diagrams.

3 weeks ago | chemicalprocessing.com | Traci Purdum

In this episode, Trish and Traci discuss the catastrophic failure at Queensland's Callide Power Station C4 on May 25, 2021, which caused power outages for 470,000 people.  During a routine switching operation to replace DC battery systems, a voltage drop was misinterpreted as an AC fault, triggering a cascading failure. Both AC and DC systems failed, leaving the turbine without lubrication while it continued spinning backwards at 3,000 RPM.

1 month ago | chemicalprocessing.com | Traci Purdum

The first swipe at President Trump’s budget plan has been inked. The proposal calls for $163 billion in cuts to federal spending. Sent to Susan Collins, chair of the Committee on Appropriations, the cover letter from Russell T. Vought, director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, states:This letter provides President Trump's recommendations on discretionary funding levels for fiscal year (FY) 2026.