CROSS troubleshooting

The need for weU-trained technical service professionals is expected to continue as an essential aspect of the chemical industry, despite the phenomenal growth ia electronic methods of information storage, retrieval, and transmission. Advanced troubleshooting of complex customer processes and accelerated accurate product development and market introductions should continue to be principal elements of technical service personnel duties. Increased levels of integration, perhaps blurring the lines between suppHer and customer, may come to pass. There are already instances of personnel swapping between customers and suppHers for extended periods to allow cross-fertilization of ideas and provide more accurate perspectives for the companies involved in these efforts. Technical service and research personnel have been those persons most directly involved in such efforts. 

Figure 6-15 Cross-sectional view of a dual-piston reciprocating pump. (From Walker JQ, Jackson MT Jr, Maynard JB Chromatographic systems Maintenance and troubleshooting, 2nd edition, New York Academic Press. 1977.)...

Many of the procedures used in an individual process are identical or similar to those of other processes so the reader interested in a process can gain a different perspective by reviewing the other processes. When an obvious correlation exists, a cross reference is made to the other processes. Other pertinent information provided here includes processing guidelines for troubleshooting, auxiliary equipment, testing procedures, and quality control. 

When troubleshooting a carry-over problem for a wash tower, first calculate the vertical velocity of the discontinuous phase, propane in this case. Divide the volume of propane in cubic feet per minute by the tower cross-sectional area. For velocities of less than 1.0 ft/min, entrainment should be negligible. For 1.2-1.6 ft/min, entrainment may be marginal. For more than 1.8 ft/min, excessive entrainment can be expected. 

---