Midland, MI - July 09, 2007
A Dow engineering team led by Bridget Schoonover, senior improvement specialist, Environmental Tech Center, has won the 2007 Chemical Processing Magazine’s Plant Innovation Award for work in recycling chlorinated organic production by-product materials. Team members are: Stephen Jones, Wes Heinlein, Joel Welch, Johanna Graishe, Sowmya Akula, Kristin Cole, Mike Rixon, Phil Listak, Jamshid Mohebalian, Arturo Lopez, Robert Prescott, Greg Bond, Steve A. Smith, Glenn Lord, Steve Gluck and Ralph Pons.
“It is my great pleasure to congratulate the members of this team for delivering significant results around eco-efficiency,” said Mike Gambrell, executive vice president “Their success in delivering innovation and technology based solutions related to water-use is exactly how Dow will achieve its promise to solve some of the most pressing problems facing the world today,” he continued.
The team validated and implemented a solution for lost revenue through a waste stream based on managing a feedslate for up to six different operating units through fundamental chemistry and operating discipline. Instead of incinerating chlorinated organic by-products, the material is now recycled as a vinyl feedstock. The project is delivering $600-800M/yr in savings and reduced pollution potential and reduced treatment costs.
“We believe in delivering processes and products that support economic, social and environmental improvements for Dow and society. We are honored to be recognized for our efforts and pleased that our work is making a difference in the way our company’s footprint is impacting the globe,” said Bridget.
“Six-sigma methodology, clear expectations from project sponsors and sound scientific methodology supported by human ingenuity combined to deliver significant value to Dow and the environment,” said Maggi Walker, vice president Engineering and Technology Centers.
Criteria for the Plant Innovation Award include successful implementation of a solution with significant improvements in capacity, quality, safety, environmental compliance, reliability and other factors. The award recognizes engineers for resolving chemical facility challenges with creativity and ingenuity. This award is exclusive in its public presentation.
Previous winners of PIA are Praxair in 2006 and Baxter Healthcare in 2005.
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For Editorial Information:
Rebecca Frye
The Dow Chemical Company
(989) 638-7711
Barb Korol
The Dow Chemical Company
(989)638-7746
