Chemical Engineering Design: Principles, Practice and Economics of Plant and Process Design [Englisch] [Gebundene Ausgabe]

It can be helpful to know the background of the person leaving the review: I obtained both a Bachelor's and Master's degree from the University of Toledo, and for the last three years, I have worked both as a process and process control engineer in industry (2007-2010). Before I purchased a process control book, I did much research and I know now that I made the right decision. Whether you are student who is trying to learn process design for the first time or if you are already in your career (academia or industry), this is a book that compiles much information in one place. The chemical engineering student, as well as the process engineer in industry, would benefit from this wealth of information pertaining to the design of unit operations equipment. Now I use this as reference material for potential, future capital projects at work.

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"The art and practice of design cannot be learned from books. The intuition and judgement necessary to apply theory to practice will come only from practical experience." --Ray Sinnott, Ch. Engineer, Manual Co-author
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This articulate systematic guide to Chemical Engineering Design introduces the subject of a graduate level study of the process design principles, practice and plant economics, and serves as a hand book for Chemical project Engineers. The expert authors come from UOP, pioneering licensors of oil and gas (catalytic) processes, and Chemical manufacturer Dupont, who eloquently explore hands on experience in design, and evaluation of CPI/HPI projects. Their approach is in two parts, Process Design: the software, and Plant Design, projecting in detail the hardware selection, design and specification, a mere 1300 pages, in twenty chapters.

In Part I, Process Design unfolds as the 'engineering package, set by owners to engineering contractors, in a call for tenders. This covers the design basis, and the project structure Flow chart, and describes the design documents. Starting with PF development to a P&I D as the main detailed piping and instrument diagram. two main roots are discussed, the grass roots and modification of existing units (Revamp), PFD review slightly different, in both cases. Process reviews are discussed on all levels. Chapter 3 discusses utilities and energy management/ recovery. Process Simulation follows covering programs, physical properties, and optimization.

Chapter 5 cover Process control, starting from P&I D, describing Alarms, Safety trips & interlocks, and computer control systems (initiated in the 70's, with problms and references. Chapter 6 covers materials of construction, mechanical properties to types of corrosion, with a nice tip on corrosion charts, and different used alloys and plastics. Ch. 7-9 cover capital cost estimates, revenue, and production cost, economic evaluation of projects follows. Ch. 10-12 discuss safety & loss prevention, site selection, and design optimization. These last three chapters can form in fact be an integral part of Plant Design.

Plant Design, as Part II, considers equipment and (rotating) machinery, stressing selection and specs with process and mechanical internals design of pressure vessels, underlining Codes & standards. Reactors include reaction systems, catalysts and R internals. Separation columns: distillation, Absorption & extraction, Plate and packed internals well covered,concisely but clearly. Solid handling is reviewed in Ch. 18: particle size, mixing, and separation from liquids & gases. Fluidization, conveying and cyclone separators are covered, amended with fines as hazards in solid processing .

Heat transfer equipment, the backbone of plants, is articulated with a complete application list of Heat exchangers, finned air coolers, condensers design are explained with calculations. Fired heaters, and reboilers are combined with two phase flow, and boiling regime description. Kern design method and pressure drop, a nostalgic HE practice, are included. Ch. 20 on Fluid transport and storage, covers pressure drop in pipes, valves for single and two phase fluids. Pumps and compressors design, system curve, selection & performance curves are provided, with numerical examples, drivers and accessory description, and control valve sizing.

The authors hands on experience in process and project management is crystal clear. System approach is always considered including those of steam, relief, and other minor systems. API codes, and AIChE good practices, Safety codes, process review audits, and numerous project procedures were enumerated and clarified. Appendices cover corrosion Charts, physical properties data base, with problem statements in project design definition forms. It was hard for me to find any missing plant equipment, even a propriety one, coalescers are missed! I was wrong; they are briefly described (pp. 778) It has been delightful to review this fine guide.

My engineering background is in electrical power production rather than chemical engineering (chemistry being a weak subject for me), so I opened this text with some trepidation -- Not to worry! I found this Towler/Scott second edition of "Chemical Engineering Design" to be exceptionally comprehensive, practical/applicable, and the presentation style to be quite accessible. Much more so than the texts I cut my teeth on in the 70's and 80' (I actually rather enjoyed going through this one).

Without breaking down chapter titling, I'll just again say that the content is notably comprehensive (or "holistic", as the back cover info terms it), and current. Beside the core information on process design, such needful issues as cost efficiency and realistic economics, environmental aesthetics, and newer technologies (such as reverse osmosis processes, or such as providing website addresses for obtaining current metal prices) are included.

All the expected chemical process coverage is there (reactions, separations, material properties, etc). I was pleased to see the book close with very hands-on coverage of practical thermodyamics, with coverage on heat exchangers, pumping and piping. Also some nice sections on hazards, safety margin, failure modes and such. Nicely illistrated (generally charts or black/white line diagrams - no photos). Nicely indexed.

Suggested for the student/beginner - but not a bad look through resource for a seasoned designer preparing for a major project or just wanting another input on a narrow problem area.

Great resource - maybe the best out there.