From the Editors

Recognizing the critical role of natural gas in meeting the need for clean energy, the U.S. Department of Energy has organized a group of individuals focused on improving our nation's natural gas system performance, from " borehole to burner tip. " A new liquid redox sulfur removal process promises more reliability and less cost than existing methods for mid-sized treatment problems. A new process proposed for sweetening natural gas streams carries out the Claus reaction in an organic solvent. It appears to have substantial cost advantages over conventional systems. Accurate computer simulation can help gas processing facility designers take full advantage of amine absorber column internals when dealing with natural gas streams that contain both hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. Greater depths, deeper water and horizontal drill paths are pushing the limits of steel drill pipe. Composite pipe, light but strong, may provide a solution if it can be manufactured cost effectively. The search for natural gas is requiring drillers to reach deeper and deeper depths, economically. A new approach to the manufacturing of tungsten carbide bit cutters could help reduce the cost and improve the performance of bits.