Achieving and maintaining peak operating efficiency remains a top priority throughout the chemical industry. Suppliers can play a key role in making that quest easier. So, every other year since 1964, Chemical Processing has bestowed the Vaaler Awards to recognize vendor developments that promise to significantly enhance plant operations or economics. This year, we honor seven innovations. Details about them appear on the following pages. The awards are named for John C. Vaaler, Chemical Processing's editor-in-chief from 1946 to 1961, and chairman of the magazine's Editorial Board until his death in 1963. To be eligible for the award, the product or service must have been commercialized in the United States between March 2001 and April 2003. An independent panel of judges evaluates all entries for technological significance, novelty or uniqueness, and breadth of application. This year, the judges assessed more than 60 developments.