Cost Estimate Computer Programs

Because there are so many variables, it is difficult to assess what the exact cost of recycling will be for a locality. Computer programs can be used to estimate the various costs involved in recycling. 

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This brief outline suggests that the plant-design project involves a wide variety of skills. Among these are research, market analysis, design of individual pieces of equipment, cost estimation, computer programming, and plant-location surveys. In fact, the services of a chemical engineer are needed in each step of the outline, either in a central creative role, or as a key advisor. 

Spreadsheet Applications. The types of appHcations handled with spreadsheets are a microcosm of the types of problems and situations handled with fuU-blown appHcation programs that are mn on microcomputers, minis, and mainframes and include engineering computations, process simulation, equipment design and rating, process optimization, reactor kinetics—design, cost estimation, feedback control, data analysis, and unsteady-state simulation (eg, batch distillation optimization). 

Numerous analyses of data routinely collected in the United States have been performed by the U.S. National Climatic Center, results of these analyses are available at reasonable cost. The joint frequency of Pasquill stability class, wind direction class (primarily to 16 compass points), and wind speed class (in six classes) has been determined for various periods of record for over 200 observation stations in the United States from either hourly or 3-hourly data. A computer program called STAR (STability ARray) estimates the Pasquill class from the elevation of the sun (approximated from the hour and time of year), wind speed, cloud cover, and ceiling height. STAR output for seasons and the entire period of record can be obtained from the Center. Table 21-2 is similar in format to the standard output. This table gives the frequencies for D stability, based on a total of 100 for all stabilities. 

Kuri, C. J. and A. B. Corripio. Two Computer Programs for Equipment Cost Estimation and Economic Evaluation of Chemical Processes. Chem Engr Educ pp. 14-17 (Winter, 1984). 

Fig. 19.6 was developed with the aid of the B-JAC computer program to provide approximate cost estimates with minimal available information. The curve is based on the following parameters ... 

A more detailed calculation of the cost of membrane operation can be found in some articles and books (50, 51). A computer program, named the Water Treatment Cost Estimation Programme (WTCost) can be used to estimate costs of water treatment... 

Some computer programs, in addition to the roll drawings, also provide tool cost estimates, bill of materials for the roll blanks, and prepare setup charts. More sophisticated programs also provide stress calculations to indicate potential problems before rolls are cut. Several computer-aided systems provide guidelines for the number of passes and calculate bend allowances. 

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