Petrochemicals in Nontechnical Language [Hardcover]

Donald L. Burdick (Author), William L. Leffler (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0878143440 | ISBN-13: 978-0878143443 | Publication Date: May 1990 | Edition: 2nd

Use it as a nontechnical encyclopedia or as a primer in petrochemical economics. DLC: 1. Petroleum chemicals.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 360 pages
• Publisher: Pen Well Books; 2nd edition (May 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878143440
• ISBN-13: 978-0878143443
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #123,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely useful for non- technical professionals, April 6, 2008

By 

Z. Khan (AL JUBAIL INDUSTRIAL CITY, EASTERN PROVINCE Saudi Arabia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Petrochemicals in Nontechnical Language 3rd edition (Hardcover)

I have been working in the petrochemical industry as a financial advisor for 15 years. I often have to interact with chemical engineers in various aspects of my profession. This book has provided me a clear understanding of the complex petrochemical industry and its various processes.

When chemical engineers use terms,such as,sovent extraction, extrative distillation,adsorption,dehydrogenation,hydroformylation and the like,I am not only able to understand what is being said but I have often been able to respond effectively by asking pertinent questions in an area in which I am not an expert.

In order to wade smoothly through the book it is essential for the non-technical person to read and re-read the first chapter which provides all of the chemistry that you will need for the rest of the book. Even this first chapter has been written to make anyone understand the required chemistry.

Each of the subsequent chapters is devoted to different petrochemicals and lucidly explains the chemistry, the manufacturing processes,the uses of the chemicals being discussed, the handling of the chemical,etc.
Simplified diagrams of the manufacturing plant and various processes have helped me to quickly grasp the required essentials.

The chapters have been written in an easy to understand language with a touch of humor.

I would advise all technical and non-technical persons working for firms in the pertochemical industry to buy this book and keep it acessable at all times.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun to read, technically complete, May 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Petrochemicals in Nontechnical Language (Hardcover)

If you want to understand the oil refining and petrochemical industry, this is it. Although these books focus on technology, by reading them, you will gain valuable insight into how the industry works and how to market your products more effectively to these companies.

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely recommended!, October 15, 2010

By 

Nese ISIK (Izmir, TURKEY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Petrochemicals in Nontechnical Language (Hardcover)

As someonce in the petrochemicals industry, I wanted to buy a comprehensive reference book so to start understanding the relations between feed stocks & prices and to look at the market in a wider perspective, etc.

There are rather limited number of available reference books in this topic, so I bought this book automatically. But, I almost become addicted to this book, reviewing it 10 mins everyday and still learn something new everday.

The book starts with a general overlook of the organic chemicals with reference to atomic structure & periodic table. Then, all the monomers, important hydrocarbons are explained in detail along with production methods and application areas.