After a 15-year wait, China was recently granted membership into the World Trade Organization. This new status is expected to bring with it sweeping economic reforms and lowered import tariffs, making it more lucrative for global suppliers to reach the Chinese market. Several local and global chemical-process operators are already planning major facility investments there.

Today's multi-tasking dryers do more than just dry. To speed processing times and reduce equipment costs, some vendors are offering state-of the-art units that combine drying with filtration, mixing, spraying or freezing.

Since Sept. 11, the stakes are higher than ever, in terms of protecting CPI assets, personnel and the environment from industrial failures whether accidental or intentional. Follow these guidelines to develop a crisis-contingencv plan for your facility.