The aim of this book is to present in a single volume an up-to-date account of the chemistry and chemical engineering which underlie the major areas of the chemical process industry. This most recent edition includes several new chapters which comprise important threads in the industry's total fabric. These new chapters cover waste minimization, safety considerations in chemical plant design and operation, emergency response planning, and statistical applications in quality control and experimental planning. Together with the chapters on chemical industry economics and wastewater treatment~ they provide a unifying base on which the reader can most effectively apply the information provided in the chapters which describe the various areas of the chemical process industries. The ninth edition of this established reference work contains the contributions of some fifty experts from industry, government, and academe. I have been humbled by the breadth and depth of their knowledge and expertise and by the willingness and enthusiasm with which they shared their knowledge and insights. They have, without exception, been unstinting in their efforts to make their respective chapters as complete and informative as possible within the space available. Errors of omission, duplication, and shortcomings in organization are mine. Grateful acknowledgment is made to the editors of technical journals and publishing houses for permission to reproduce illustrations and other materials and to the many industrial concerns which contributed drawings and photographs. Comments and criticisms by readers will be welcome.