Problem Solving Approaches for Maintaining Operational Excellence in Process Plants

Comprehensive reference providing methods for process engineers and operators to solve challenging process problems and develop working hypotheses for typical process equipment

Problem Solving Approaches for Maintaining Operational Excellence in Process Plants provides a template for achieving an enhanced level of operating efficiency in chemical processing plants and refineries. With examples included throughout to demonstrate key concepts, this book includes methods for formulating working hypotheses for typical process equipment such as pumps, compressors, heat exchangers/furnaces, fractionating towers, and reactors, with additional information on defining and setting metrics and the application of the techniques in unusual situations, as well as the application of these techniques in view of commercially available computer simulation programs.

This book covers topics including initial considerations in problem solving, basic steps in problem solving, and verification of process instrument data, with solved problems showing how techniques can be applied to prime movers, plate processes, kinetically limited processes, and unsteady state problems. This newly revised and updated Second Edition includes coverage of the latest research and developments in the field.

Written by a team of highly qualified industry professionals, Problem Solving Approaches for Maintaining Operational Excellence in Process Plants includes discussion on:

• Lumped parameters as the ideal approach to determine values for key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Theoretical KPIs in comparison to actual operation as a method to find “hidden problems”
• Situations where experience-based solutions are unavailable due to lack of technically trained personnel
• Solutions to problems where a previous analysis has confirmed a need for new equipment or enhanced operating procedures
• Digital twins and their usefulness in predicting yields, executing plant operations, and training operating and technical personnel

Problem Solving Approaches for Maintaining Operational Excellence in Process Plants is an essential reference on the subject for chemical engineers, industrial engineers, process operators, process shift supervisors, chemical engineers with minimal exposure to industrial calculations, and industrial managers who are looking for techniques to improve organization problem solving skills.

Joseph M. Bonem is an engineering consultant specializing in the area of polymers with prior experience at ExxonMobil Chemicals in the fields of elastomers and plastics.

Nattapong Pongboot is a chemical engineer with hands-on experience in refining and petrochemical technologies. He is a Project Manager under the Refinery Catalyst Testing group at Avantium R&D Solutions.

Wiroon Tanthapanichakoon is a process engineering consultant, engineering training business owner, and the CEO of Global R&D Co. Ltd., Thailand.