Dryer Selection and Bulk Solids Handling
Image source: https://www.toolshero.com/decision-making/blindspot-analysis/ Solids handling is not a unit operation. Therefore, it’s not covered in engineering courses. This leaves process engineers struggling to understand the “flowability” of bulk solids. This blind spot is huge. So, let’s talk about dryer selection and bulk solids handling. Recently in The Chemical Engineer, Grant Wellwood described bulk solids handling as the biggest industrial activity on the planet. The article…
Engineer Checklists and Learning from Apollo
Recently, I discussed the five management lessons that we can learn from the Apollo lunar landing in 1969. Continuing on this theme, an article in The Chemical Engineer, “Houston-We have a checklist” a UK magazine that I write for, had an interesting take on the lunar landing and engineer checklists. I was intrigued, of course, as I periodically invoke Sherlock Holmes and the benefits of checklists for testing, analysis, etc. The magazine article, written by Mark Yates, looks at the…
Common Myths About Engineers
Image source As a regular reader of Chemical Engineering Progress (CEP), I was impressed to see its Editor-in-Chief Cindy Mascone writing her monthly editorial as a poem. She mentioned that when she writes for the magazine "accuracy, clarity, and conciseness take precedence over all else." But that doesn't mean she can't be creative too! Her poem got me thinking about common myths about engineers. We aren't creative We lack social skills We want to fix everything (whether it needs it or not)…
Weighing Alternative API Filtration Technologies
Image source: Google images Being a process engineer is all about making choices. When it comes API filtration technologies, many different types of equipment can be used for removing catalyst residues. While conventional filtration equipment is operated manually, I recently worked with PharmTech on an article outlining how both candle filters and pressure plate filters are operated as automated systems. This article reviews what we discussed. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are increasingly…
Rethinking Engineering Standards: The Importance of Getting it Right
Normally, as my readers know, my blogs cover a wide variety of topics. I like to relate and link seemingly unrelated topics to each other in innovative ways. It keeps our critical thinking faculties sharp! However, this blog deviates from the pattern to share two fresh viewpoints on changes in engineering standards. It’s technical, but important. Science textbooks will need to be rewritten! It doesn’t happen often, but after a November 2018 vote at the Congress Chamber in the Palace of…