Russ' Response:

I would broadly classify models as empirical or phenomenological.  

Empirical models are developed by matching flexible mathematical functions to data.  The functions might be neural networks, or classic statistical...

Julie's Response:

Many years ago, one site had an incident where an interruption in the flow of an organic fuel led to a deflagration. As a result, the operators always ran...

Greg's Response:

The basic loop arrangement for dryer temperature control would use cascade control of outlet temperature to set inlet temperature. However, a constant outlet...

Russ' Response:

I would broadly classify models as empirical or phenomenological.

Empirical models are developed by matching flexible mathematical functions to data.  The functions...

Greg's Response:

In kilns and calciners, there are typically four zones. First is a drying zone of constant temperature, followed by a heating zone of rising temperature...

Ron's Response:

In high-pressure situations, even the best technical knowledge is of little use without focus and the ability to manage stress effectively. Simulation training helps operators develop these essential...

Julie's Response:

Back in 2019, the new DuPont was formed after the merger and split with Dow. Many sites were struggling to continue their migration projects...

Greg's Response:

A vessel is defined here as storage, recycle, blend, or surge volume where there is no heat of reaction and no agitator. Fortunately, most vessel volumes are so large...

Ron's Response:

Pattern recognition and tacit knowledge—the instincts gained through experience—are indispensable for problem-solving. But how do you cultivate these skills in a controlled environment?...

Russ' Response:

Traditionally, process design uses steady state (SS) simulation, and it serves its purpose well.  Most analysis of processes and textbook instruction on how processes work use SS...

Greg's Response:

Flows much lower than design causes a high process gain and high process deadtime that can lead to temperature oscillations and possible instability. Low...

Ron's Response:

Curiosity is the cornerstone of a problem-solving mindset. It’s about asking “why” at every opportunity—not just when something goes wrong but to understand the deeper principles at...

Ron's Response:

To answer this question let us approach this from three different perspectives. There are three powerful perspectives that form the foundation of this mindset:

1. Curiosity and Openness to...

Greg's Response:

Temperature RTD sensors should use 4 wires and TC sensors should use extension wires of same material as sensor with length as short as possible to minimize...

Greg's Response:

Temperature is often the most important of the common measurements because it is an indicator of process stream composition and product quality. Temperature...

Ron's Response:

Let us first look at a definition from Kumar Dey “Centrifugal compressor surge is a characteristic behavior of the...

Greg's Response:

Lime feeders have a transportation delay that is proportional to the length of the feeder divided by its speed. This transportation delay may be several...

Ron's Response:

Whenever an incident occurs the investigators freeze time and slowly break down the sequence of events—viewing it from all perspectives. If...

Greg's Response:

A common misconception is that the slope of the titration curve and, therefore, the system sensitivity can be decreased by reagent dilution. Reagent...

Greg's Response:

If the reagent pipeline is partially filled or empty or a dip tube is backfilled with process fluid, the regent delivery delay becomes the biggest...

Greg's Response:

For a reagent dose to be precise enough, the reagent’s logarithmic acid dissociation constant (pKa) should be close to the pH set point so that...

Ron's Response:

In the last pod we discussed how stress can impact performance and what are some of the physiological responses to stress. 

In her book, ...

Greg's Response:

Stick and slip generally occur together and have a common cause of friction in the actuator design, stem packing, and seating surfaces. Rotary valves...

Ron's Response:

Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger was quoted as saying that the moments before the emergency water landing of US Airways Flight 1549 were "the worst...