Voices: Plant InSites

Understanding a fundamental of flow systems is a powerful troubleshooting tool.

The final installment in this three-part series uncovers a faulty weir plate.

Andrew Sloley takes a look at another uncommon kettle re-boiler problem as heavy liquid accumulation reduces heat transfer.

Andrew Sloley examines kettle-reboiler failures and offers solutions.

Plant InSites columnist Andrew Sloley shares five sound ways to keep projects moving forward.

Modifying vacuum systems using a sealed vent leg in the hot-well improves safety and reliability.

One plant’s struggle with an evaporator system could have been avoided with proper maintenance.

Explore a refinery client's vacuum crude distillation tower replacement and the safety implications of proposed modifications to the high-temperature, low-pressure environment...

Despite the consequences of poor drum performance, many engineers do not fully understand the basic assumptions often built into separator sizing. Basic drum sizing has three ...

Rainwater networks are often old, poorly documented (if at all), subjected to unseen wear and tear and lacking in comprehensive maintenance. Keep the following complications in...

Effective communications and verifications are essential for project success

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 ...

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

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.

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.

The comfort they provide can come at considerable cost and complexity

Understanding velocity limits to prevent erosion and corrosion is crucial

The Froude number can offer important insights

Carefully consider the consequences of configuration on flow distribution