Andrew Sloley, Plant InSites columnist

Factors to consider for ensuring pump performance and resilience in chemical facilities

A chemical processing plant’s innovative approach to adapting a heat exchanger for extreme operating-rate ranges

A look at one plant’s shift from vacuum ejectors to a centralized liquid ring-pump system.

Early purchasing is done when time is critical. Experienced engineers are required to balance factors and make quick decisions to reduce time from concept to execution.

After years of hibernation, spring is here, and it’s time again for in-person events. Here are some tips on making the most of your travel experience.

In the right conditions, a simple T-junction mixer can be an effective way to mix gases. Here, we look at the many variations.

Don’t rely on ‘experienced-based’ estimates to identify critical operating issues in chemical process facilities.

A reliable configuration will improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions

This month’s Plant InSites column explains the struggle of accumulation of foam in chemical storage, and how one company addressed the issue.

Traditional approaches to measuring heat exchanger fouling may be a recipe for equipment failure.

Care should be taken when adding parallel equipment to make sure that adequate flow happens in all paths.

A hazard and operability study (HAZOP) mostly is a safety design check, not a design development review. Making and finalizing major design choices should occur long before a ...

Avoid surprises when altering heat-exchanger operating conditions

Understanding velocity limits to prevent erosion and corrosion is crucial

The Froude number can offer important insights

Effective communications and verifications are essential for project success

Carefully consider the consequences of configuration on flow distribution

Real plant conditions may vary markedly from assumptions

Understand the possible impact of changed dynamic head

The differences in the way devices work can profoundly affect readings

Positioning the lowest tap for a measurement demands care

Temperature rises can cause significant increases in equipment size or pipe length, leading to potential damage from internal stress.

The type of instrument can make a big difference in deciphering measurements

Allocating fluids in a tubular exchanger demands care.

Confusion about what the term means can spell trouble.

This "obvious solution" for heat-transfer problems may not work.

Lack of flow doesn't mean lack of problems.

Check simulator results against calculations using actual data.

It often can provide important but underappreciated advantages for vessels

Determine the differences between a cited installation and yours, Andrew Sloley, contributing editor, says in this month's Plant InSites column.