Common Myths About Engineers
Photo by Scott Blake on Unsplash 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…
Troubleshooting Filter Aids and Filtration Systems
Filter aid pretreatment can improve filtration properties and efficient removal of fine solids. Whether the filter aids are used in Plate-and-frame filter presses, horizontal and vertical pressure leaf filters, candle or tubular filters, Nutsche filters, or rotary vacuum drum filters, these practical tips can help this part of the process run smoothly. We typically see diatomite, perlite and cellulose filter aids today. They meet the requirements of a filter aid in that they: Consist of rigid,…
Thinking Critically in Process Troubleshooting
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash In past blogs, I’ve talked about reactive and proactive process troubleshooting. Reactive troubleshooting requires quick action to look at mechanical issues, upstream and downstream equipment, and operational procedures. In proactive troubleshooting, we ask probing questions and walk around the plant to uncover potential problems and offer solutions. Dirk Willard, Contributing Editor of Chemical Processing, in his recent article “Read and Think…
Troubleshooting When the Filtration System is Not Working
Photo by Tormius on Unsplash These are five dreaded words that no engineer wants to hear on a Saturday night or Sunday morning: “The filtration system is not working.” Of course, we never seem to get this call at 10 in the morning on a work day! No matter the time of day, let’s not panic, take a deep breath and begin the analysis. There are normally three main areas that must be examined when you learn the filtration system is not working: The filter itself for mechanical reasons The equipment…