Digital Transformation of the Chemical Process Industry: A Practical Guide for Professionals (Synthesis Lectures on Chemical Engineering and Biochemical Engineering)

Digital transformation is an approach to improve industrial processes by employing digital technologies. This book describes the steps involved in planning and implementing a digital transformation process of chemical manufacturing organizations.

The book emphasizes that implementation of digital solutions requires a combination of information technology and data science and efficient workflows, and often, changes in organizational cultures. Practical guidelines and relevant examples and case studies help clarify the digital transformation approach and in so doing make this book useful.

Subir Bhattacharjee has over 30 years of experience in process engineering research, consulting, product development, and sustainability, and has contributed to the development and commercialization of several award-winning technologies, including IntelliFlux, PolyCera, and Active Membranes. He is the founder and CEO of IntelliFlux Controls, Inc., which focuses on digital transformation in industrial operations, and the founder of Envivaqua, a company committed to pioneering sustainable innovations that bridge energy efficiency, environmental stewardship, and water resource management. He also served as CTO at the water technology startups Water Planet, Inc. and Active Membranes, Inc. Prior to entering industry, he was a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta for over a decade, where he held multiple research chair positions and led major interdisciplinary programs in water quality management and interfacial engineering. He has advised multinational companies and government agencies on industrial water management and technology adoption and is the recipient of several research and innovation awards. Dr. Bhattacharjee holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and has co-authored two books, more than 100 journal articles, eight book chapters, and 18 patents.

Jimmy Yu is the Director of Water Sustainability and Processing Technology within Global R&D at PepsiCo, based in Valhalla, NY. He leads the development of innovative water and wastewater treatment processes that advance PepsiCo’s Pep+ mission for water sustainability and support digital transformation across manufacturing sites. As a foresight practitioner, Jimmy applies futures thinking to help PepsiCo anticipate challenges and build resilient operations in a rapidly changing world. Through pioneering technologies and processes, he has contributed to reducing water consumption and enhancing sustainability in the company’s manufacturing operations. Outside of his corporate role, Jimmy actively volunteers with national and international water-focused organizations, including previous service on the Research Advisory Committee for the Water Reuse Association. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, has authored more than 40 publications in the field, and has been inducted as a PepsiCo R&D Fellow.