More from this perspective...

• Worker Safety: Forget Political Correctness

  Aug 19, 2016

  Ignoring the cost of work-related deaths undermines safety.

• Engineering: Stupidity Endures

  Jul 1, 2016

  Engineers continue to make a wide variety of dumb mistakes

• Biological Wastewater Treatment: Really Get Bugged

  May 24, 2016

  Biological treatment can handle many industrial wastewater streams.

• Should You Work as a Contractor?

  May 2, 2016

  Understand the tradeoffs you will face.

• 10 Tips To Succeed In Commissioning

  Apr 1, 2016

  Take advantage of this expert advice to make a project go smoothly.

• Bridge Batch and Continuous Operations Better

  Mar 8, 2016

  Developing an accurate timeline can lead to important insights.

• Process Engineering: Learn from "Mad Men"

  Feb 9, 2016

  The television series provides a lot of parallels with work at engineering firms.

• Fume Control: Stop the Stench!

  Jan 13, 2016

  Odor control is becoming a more critical task for plants

• Challenge Pipe Specifications

  Dec 10, 2015

  Opting for alternative materials or designs may offer significant benefits.

• Chronic Chemical Exposure Requires a Rethink

  Nov 2, 2015

  Industry must pay more attention to the impact of long-term contact with chemicals

• Career Advice: Avoid Financial Blunders

  Oct 9, 2015

  An independent contractor must think carefully about money-related issues

• Worker Safety: Fight Fatalities

  Sep 11, 2015

  An all-too-common failing fosters disregard of basic safety rules

• Restore Sanity to “Sanitary” Services

  Aug 4, 2015

  Ensure you don’t squander money on misguided mandates

• Tiptoe Around Trouble

  Jul 1, 2015

  Prudently ponder how to approach a problem-plagued project

• Ignore Utility Piping at Your Peril

  Jun 2, 2015

  Don’t wait for a failure to draw your attention to such lines

• Plant Maintenance: Succeed with Run-to-Failure

  Apr 30, 2015

  Some steps can minimize surprises when using this maintenance approach

• Make Your Team More Effective

  Apr 6, 2015

  Include greater diversity and encourage the voicing of varying views

• Worry About Workload

  Mar 11, 2015

  Are your engineers exhausted?

• Establish a Good Reference Library

  Feb 10, 2015

  A few key books should underpin your collection.

• Ethics: Blow the Whistle

  Jan 12, 2015

  Take a stand when you come across a corporate misdeed

• Don’t Flub Front-End Loading

  Dec 22, 2014

  Ignoring the early phases of front-end loading can imperil project success

• You Can’t Duck Responsibility for Safety

  Nov 20, 2014

  Delegating design work doesn’t get you off the hook.

• Learn from a Safety Guru

  Oct 23, 2014

  Take advantage of the insights in the books of a renowned expert

• Make Your Message Clear and Concise

  Sep 16, 2014

  Some common errors plague writing done by many engineers.

• Get Your Head Around Shutoff Head

  Aug 20, 2014

  Specifying control valves that may need to provide tight cutoff requires care

• Equipment Maintenance: Savor Statistics

  Aug 6, 2014

  It can help you uncover important insights from your data

• Carefully Commission Hydrogen Pipe

  Jun 11, 2014

  Safety depends upon scrupulously performing a variety of inspections and tests

• Head Off Hydrogen Hazards

  May 5, 2014

  Proper material selection and piping design are crucial

• Pumps: Check "Standard Conditions"

  Apr 8, 2014

  Otherwise you risk using the wrong value for density in calculations.

• Plant Safety: Leaks Don't Lie

  Mar 19, 2014

  Treat them as calls for action against the underlying problem.

• Rest Easy With a Good BEDD

  Feb 20, 2014

  A basic engineering data document establishes ground rules.

• Match the Flow Meter to the Service

  Jan 23, 2014

  Consider operating conditions not just specifications and price

• Make the Most of Electric Tracing

  Jan 2, 2014

  The technique offers benefits but demands attention to details

• Avoid Project Management Mistakes

  Nov 20, 2013

  A number of common mistakes can sabotage success

• Safety: Douse a Burning Issue

  Oct 22, 2013

  You're not as safe as some fire safety tests may lead you to believe.

• Field Notes: Gun For Better Troubleshooting

  Sep 11, 2013

  Surface temperature measurements often can provide valuable insights.

• Defuse Dust Dangers

  Aug 27, 2013

  Carefully consider and then counter risks of fire and explosion

• Avoid Job Hunting Pitfalls

  Jul 8, 2013

  Heed a few tips to forestall frustrations.

• Move Against Static Electricity

  Jun 6, 2013

  Discharges pose persistent perils at plants.

• Diagram Process Design History: Don't Trip Up on Line Lists

  May 6, 2013

  Resolve discrepancies and other problems early.

• Keep Current on Your Electrical Measurement Equipment

  Apr 4, 2013

  Electrical measurements often can offer valuable insights.

• Consider the Consequences of Chemistry

  Mar 6, 2013

  Reactions can cause a wide variety of non-process problems.

• Protect Pumps and the Bottom Line

  Feb 6, 2013

  Setting an appropriate minimum flow avoids damage and excessive operating costs

• Operational Safety and Maintenance: Fear Ad Hoc Fixes

  Jan 21, 2013

  Interim solutions can lead to dire consequences.

• Ease Packed-Column Commissioning

  Dec 27, 2012

  A few steps can avoid problems when starting up a tower filled with random packing.

• Avoid Problems with Random Packing

  Nov 28, 2012

  Careful internals' selection is crucial for absorbers and scrubbers.

• Don't Blame Regulations

  Nov 5, 2012

  Environmental and safety mandates don't harm U.S. economic growth.

• Process modeling: Find the Right Balance

  Oct 15, 2012

  Eight simple rules can help ensure valid material balances.

• Sharpen Your Speaking Skills

  Sep 5, 2012

  Oral presentations say a lot about you.

• Contracts Don't Come In On Their Own

  Aug 2, 2012

  Your ability to sell may save you and your company.

• Fight Over-Confidence

  Jun 21, 2012

  Most people aren’t as good as they think at their jobs.

• Test the Mettle of FRP Tanks

  May 9, 2012

  Commissioning and operating such vessels demands special care.

• Don't Add Pressure to Relief Valve Surveys

  Apr 18, 2012

  Consider the time and cost necessary to do a proper analysis.

• Look at the Big Picture

  Mar 22, 2012

  Ensure that dealing with a safety problem doesn't cause a second risk.

• Properly Tackle Fluid Flow Problems

  Feb 22, 2012

  This requires far more than modeling software.

• Watch Out for Cross-Contamination

  Jan 26, 2012

  Commissioning can pose risks unless you plan carefully.

• Make Your Drawings Match Your Process

  Dec 21, 2011

  Outdated P&IDs can lead to tragedy

• Savor Construction Sites

  Nov 17, 2011

  But make sure the excitement remains enjoyable.

• Don't Devalue Isometrics

  Oct 19, 2011

  They sometimes can tell you a lot more than P&IDs

• Silence Kills

  Sep 26, 2011

  Foster an atmosphere where workers speak up about concerns.

• Work On Workarounds

  Aug 31, 2011

  Treat them as problems that can compromise plant safety.

• Succeed at Process Troubleshooting

  Aug 8, 2011

  Take advantage of five easy techniques to find the root cause of problems.

• Survey the Sources of Electrical Risks

  Jun 14, 2011

  A walk-down helps determine the need for purged electrical boxes.

• Don't Push the Envelope

  May 5, 2011

  Take a sensible approach to avoid ignition dangers.

• Don't Zone Out On Area Classifications

  Apr 6, 2011

  Electrical ratings must start with analysis of chemicals present.

• Know Your Rights

  Mar 3, 2011

  Intellectual property agreements can pose significant concerns.

• Heat Exchangers -- Keep Out of Hot Water

  Feb 3, 2011

  Some simple steps can ease heat exchanger commissioning.

• Stop Loops Driving You Round the Bend

  Jan 12, 2011

  Practical pointers trump educators' edicts for real-world process control.

• Do Your Level Best

  Nov 29, 2010

  Level control with dP transmitters appears simple but really isn't.

• Weak Oversight Can Doom a Project

  Nov 2, 2010

  Don't timidly accept whatever a contractor proposes.

• Keep Confined Space Work Safe

  Sep 27, 2010

  Rigorous attention to detail is essential to minimize risks and enhance response.

• Avoid Surprises During Pump Startup

  Aug 26, 2010

  A well-thought-out approach can eliminate potential problems.

• Watch Out When Job Hunting

  Jul 29, 2010

  Some simple steps can avoid risks and pitfalls.

• Size Pumps Like a Pro

  Jul 1, 2010

  Use a step-by-step process to avoid pitfalls.

• Use Ergonomics To Improve Safety

  Jun 3, 2010

  During design always consider ease of construction and use.

• Expand Your Plant Not Your Problems

  May 10, 2010

  Careful project planning and good communications with vendors can avoid hassles.

• Treat Rules of Thumb Right When Measuring

  Apr 1, 2010

  These rules can save time but require a strong dose of skepticism.

• Take the Write Steps for Career Advancement

  Mar 3, 2010

  The ability to compose clear and effective documents is an important asset.

• Avoid a Bad Turn

  Feb 5, 2010

  Centrifugal pump selection demands attention to details.

• Learn Office Politics

  Jan 7, 2010

  Improving your political savvy can help you survive.

• Safety Statistics Can Get You into a Scrape

  Dec 3, 2009

  Focusing on minor accidents can foster false perceptions.

• Properly Estimate Engineering Hours

  Nov 6, 2009

  Don’t come up short on a project.

• Don’t Gamble With LOTO

  Oct 12, 2009

  Develop a common-sense plan for lockout/tagout.

• Field Notes: Strive for a Surveyor’s Eye

  Sep 2, 2009

  Surveying and drafting skills can pay off for process people.

• Abandon-in-Place Must End

  Aug 3, 2009

  Leaving equipment derelict instead of demolishing it can prove costly.

• Please Don't Hire Me!

  Jul 6, 2009

  Some contracts simply aren't worth winning.

• Take the Right Approach to Projects

  Jun 12, 2009

  Remember the real fun begins after approval.

• Don't Dismiss Process Flow Diagrams

  May 14, 2009

  Understand the role these diagrams can play and how to use them effectively.

• Don't Let Design Errors Doom Your Project

  Apr 16, 2009

  Engineering quality assurance demands more attention than it usually gets.

• Reduce Your Energy Needs

  Mar 10, 2009

  Achieving savings may provide a powerful career boost.

• Brain Drain Brings Big Headaches

  Feb 15, 2009

  Inexperience and a tough production schedule can be a lethal combination

• Choose Your Next Position Wisely

  Jan 20, 2009

  Finding your dream job takes a bit of soul searching and answering some tough questions.

• Finding The True Cost of Data-Collecting Equipment -- Can You Really Afford It?

  Dec 15, 2008

  Consider all costs before you opt to install an instrument.

• Deftly Deal with Management of Change

  Nov 20, 2008

  Consider some proven tactics to survive this grueling process.

• Make the Most of Contractors

  Oct 15, 2008

  Using hired help effectively starts by treating them as part of your team.

• Correctly Manage Change

  Oct 10, 2008

  How you begin is at least as important as your eventual goal

• Solve the real problem

  Aug 27, 2008

  Sometimes solving a problem causes more harm than good

• Get Pipe Specifications Right in the Beginning!

  Aug 8, 2008

  Good pipe specifications can avoid costly and dangerous mistakes

• Keeping Peace While Managing Unions

  Aug 7, 2008

  Dealing with unions often poses challenges to engineers

• Maintain an open mind about maintenance options

  Jun 17, 2008

  Sometimes it’s better to take a preventive rather than predictive approach

• A haphazard approach can hobble hazard reviews

  Jun 2, 2008

  Taking some simple steps can help you avoid common pitfalls in assessing changes

• Keep plant layout from laying you low

  May 2, 2008

  Spot mistakes before they literally become set in stone on the site

• An Alert Operator Is a Safe Operator

  Apr 24, 2008

  Maintaining a good work environment can contribute to a safer plant

• Take a studied approach to plant studies

  Mar 13, 2008

  Carefully address the challenges of managing and directing specialized teams

• Stick to the basics

  Feb 13, 2008

  Getting immersed in details can doom a basic design contract to financial failure.

• It really isn’t your problem

  Feb 5, 2008

  A manager shouldn’t try to be a Mr. Fix-it.

• Build reliability in during design

  Dec 19, 2007

  Instrumentation that promises to improve reliability may not always be what they seem. You have to consider whether a site can properly maintain sophisticated instruments.

• Make the most of newly hired, experienced engineers

  Oct 29, 2007

  Contributing Editor Dirk Willard reminds readers that an old dogs can learn new tricks and plants should keep this in mind when hiring new, yet experienced, engineers.

• Learning foreign languages can make your job easier

  Oct 4, 2007

  Don’t build walls, by ignoring foreign languages, says Contributing Editor Dirk Willard, in this month's Field Notes column. Learning foreign languages can make your job easier.

• Don’t get zapped by spark testing

  Aug 28, 2007

  Understand the intricacies of checking for defects in a liner, advises Dirk Willard, contributing editor, in this month's Field Notes column.

• Know when to call for help

  Aug 20, 2007

  Sometimes a construction manager is a necessary evil, says Dirk Williard, in this month's Field Notes column.

• Electives can contribute significantly to professional growth

  Jul 24, 2007

  Taking electives can help you broaden your skills, says Dirk Willard, in this month's Field Notes installment.

• Protect your electronics

  Jun 6, 2007

  Ignoring exposed electrical boxes can cost you a bundle, says Contributer Dirk Willard, in this month's Field Notes column.

• Strike the Right Balance

  Apr 30, 2007

  Make the walk-through your first line of defense, advises Dirk Willard in this month's Field Notes column.

• Choose the right fluid for your pressure test

  Apr 12, 2007

  Compressed gas often makes the most sense for checking a process, according to Senior Editor Dirk Willard, in this month's Field Notes column.

• Pressure tests can spur successful start-up

  Mar 1, 2007

  Push it: if it breaks it probably needed to be replaced, says Dirk Williard, in this month's Field Notes column. Doing so can help improve your processes.

• Rely on an Ombudsman for a Smoother Project

  Feb 12, 2007

  Working with someone who speaks the operator’s language will avoid problems, according to Dirk Willard, in this month's Field Notes column.

• Know when to leave a sinking ship

  Jan 3, 2007

  The unspoken truth about projects is that they all come to an end, according to Dirk Willard in this month's Field Notes column. The key, he says, is knowing when to leave.

• Making Your Process Operator-Proof

  Dec 5, 2006

  Senior Editor Dirk Willard discusses Shigeo Shingo's take on mistake-proofing, or Poke Yoke, if you speak Japanese. The practice suggests the following devices: eliminate — redesign, facilitate — guide, mitigate — lessen the damage caused by the error, or flag — identify the error.

• Work to build coalitions with difficult teams

  Oct 24, 2006

  Managing feuds is the first step toward a successful project, according to Senior Editor Dirk Willard in his monthly installment of Chemical Processing's Field Notes column.

• Choosing the right contract

  Sep 20, 2006

  A contract can be a stone in your shoe. Knowing which type of contract to choose can make your job easier. Chemical Processing's Senior Editor Dirk Willard provides tips on various types of contracts.

• Flow Meter: Remember the Old Reliable Orifice Plate

  Sep 11, 2006

  The cost-effective dP flow meter is ideal for utility surveys, Senior Editor Dirk Willard says in this month's Chemical Processing Field Notes column.

• Twisting the dragon's tail

  Aug 18, 2006

  Complacency is a problem when violating safety rules has no repercussions.

• Don’t Be the Hub of a Wheel

  Aug 17, 2006

  Successful ‘green-field’ site start-ups depend on developing a team, says Senior Editor Dirk Willard.

• Level transmitter — art not science

  Jun 13, 2006

  There is much more to setting up a transmitter than a mere equation. Design and control errors can certainly compromise performance. Follow these simple tricks to get it right.

• Solve the real problem

  May 6, 2006

  Sometimes solving a problem causes more harm than good.

• Field Notes: Don't Know Much Geometry

  Apr 12, 2006

  The cornerstones of chemical engineering are often overlooked. Teaching theory to operators is crucial to safe operations.

• Check out before you start up

  Feb 28, 2006

  In his monthly Field Notes column, Senior Editor Dirk Willard reveals that regardless of the preparation, check-out tests always bring out some surprises.

• A methodical approach to construction and commissioning

  Feb 10, 2006

  A start-up is only as easy as the preceding steps: construction and commissioning, says Senior Editor Dirk Willard in his monthly column.

• Don'’t let a start-up finish you off

  Jan 24, 2006

  Dirk Willard spent years as a "start-up" engineer. He advises that proper planning is crucial for achieving a happy ending.