A competitive global economy and a first-to-market mentality may leave little time for reflection. But to advance, it’s wise to review.
Indeed, Eugene S. Ferguson (1916–2004), an engineer and historian of technology, stated: "The training of engineers tends to suppress rather than encourage a sense of history, but it is clear that many engineers transcend their academic background."
To help you embrace history (at least recent history), we’ve compiled a list of the top articles that readers have accessed via ChemicalProcessing.com in 2008.
• “Achieve Optimum Centrifugal Pump Performance” Proper bearings, lubrication and seals as well as proactive maintenance are crucial, advised Dave Mikalonis, 4,640 readers viewed this article, which was posted in early 2008. www.ChemicalProcessing.com/articles/2008/018.html
• “Watch Out with Variable Speed Pumping” In this article, Cecil Smith warned that many engineers don’t understand a variable speed drive's impact on flow and how that affects control. 4,341 ChemicalProcessing.com readers boosted their understanding. www.ChemicalProcessing.com/articles/2008/069.html
• “Succeed with Condensate Control” Using this type of control for steam-heated exchangers requires grappling with a number of issues, noted Cecil Smith. www.ChemicalProcessing.com/articles/2008/107.html
• “Readers' Choice Awards: Who’s a Big Hit with Readers?” Managing Editor Ken Schnepf dared to ask the question in Chemical Processing's annual survey, which covers the bases with technology provider all-stars in 45 categories. We wonder how many of the thousands of readers who accessed this story found their nominees on the list. www.ChemicalProcessing.com/articles/2008/112.html
• “Nanoparticle Safety Raises Questions” In January, our editor at large, Seán Ottewell, examined the U.S. government’s strategy on nanotechnology via its National Nanotechnology Initiative strategic plan. www.ChemicalProcessing.com/articles/2008/009.html
• “What’s on Tap for Water?” Seán Ottewell noted that industry and the public mostly moan about oil supplies and prices but water supplies deserve attention. So, he focused on concerns about water availability. www.ChemicalProcessing.com/articles/2008/133.html
• “Avoid Costly Materials Mistakes” Many readers now are better equipped to avoid common oversights that keep plants from getting the most reliable and suitable vessels. Offering these tips were authors Chip Eskridge Mike Jamesand Steve Zoller. www.ChemicalProcessing.com/articles/2008/003.html
“Avoid Costly Fabrication Mistakes,” from the same authors also was a reader favorite. www.ChemicalProcessing.com/articles/2008/065.html
• “Squeeze More From Your Process” also resonated with readers. Author Rocky Costello explained how process intensification can enhance distillation, heat transfer and other operations. www.ChemicalProcessing.com/articles/2008/166.html
• “Compressed Air Systems: The Secret is in the Pipe” maintained its status as the all-time most viewed article on ChemicalProcessing.com, with nearly 22,000 page views.According to Hank van Ormer, Don van Ormer and Scott van Ormer, there’s no such thing as too large a compressed air line. www.ChemicalProcessing.com/articles/2005/12.html.
Traci Purdum is Chemical Processing's senior digital edtior. You can e-mail her at [email protected].
