common myths about engineers

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)…


filter aids

Troubleshooting Filter Aids and Filtration Systems

  Cellulose filter: Imerys Filtration Minerals Inc. 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…


Troubleshooting filtration technology

Thinking Critically in Process Troubleshooting

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 Critically” offered more to think about on…


troubleshooting filtration technology

Troubleshooting When the Filtration System is Not Working

  Image source 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 around…