Equipment Selection Methodology

Equipment selection is seldom based on rigorous equations or elaborate mathematical models. Where equations are used, they fimction as a directional guide in evaluating data or process arrangements. Projected results are derived most reliably from actual 

The use of pilot-plant filter assemblies is both common and a classical approach to design methodology development. These combine the filter with pumps, receivers, mixers, etc., in a single compact unit and may be rented at a nominal fee from filter manufacturers, who supply operating instructions and sometimes an operator. Preliminary tests are often run at the filter manufacturer s laboratory. Rough tests indicate what filter type to try in the pilot plant. 

Comparative calculations of specific capacities of different filters or their specific filter areas should be made as part of the evaluation. Such calculations may be performed on the basis of experimental data obtained without using basic filtration equations. In designing a new filtration unit after equipment selection, calculations should be made to determine the specific capacity or specific filtration area. Basic filtration equations may be used for this purpose, with preliminary experimental constants evaluated. These constants contain information on the specific cake resistance and the resistance of the filter medium. 

Within the subject of filtration, a distinction is made between micro- and macromodeling. The first one is related to modeling cake formation. The cake is assumed to have a well defined structure, in which the hydrodynamic and physicochemical processes take place. Macromodeling presents few difficulties, because the models are process-oriented (i.e., they are specific to the particular operation or specific equipment). If distorting side effects are not important, the filtration process may be designed according to existing empirical correlations. In 

Existing statistical methods permit prediction of macroscopic results of the processes without complete description of the microscopic phenomena. They are helpful in establishing the hydrodynamic relations of liquid flow through porous bodies, the evaluation of filtration quality with pore clogging, description of particle distributions and in obtaining geometrical parameters of random layers of solid particles. 

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The Joint Panel proposed no in vivo requirements, but individual dissolution testing requirements were adopted in 12 compendial monographs. USP tests measured the time to attain a specified amount dissolved, whereas NF used the more workable test for the amount dissolved at a specified time. Controversy with respect to equipment selection and methodology raged at the time of the first official dissolution tests. As more laboratories entered the field, and experience (and mistakes ) accumulated, the period 1970-1980 was one of intensive refinement of official test methods and dissolution test equipment. 

Raman spectroscopy is one of the most versatile spectroscopies for the characterization of solid catalyst surfaces and of surface species under reaction conditions. Banares and Mestl provide an in-depth description of catalytic reaction cells that allow recording of Raman spectra simultaneously with measurements of catalytic activities and selectivities. The authors discuss the advanced modem equipment and methodologies that permit the detection of Raman spectra at elevated pressures and temperatures (>1270 K) with good time resolution and spatial resolution (Raman microscopy). Measurements can be made during catalyst... 

The first step in the equipment planning methodology is to define the function the equipment must perform what must the chosen equipment be able to do in order to accomplish the desired objective This question is crucial, and it must be thoroughly answered before one begins to identify alternatives. Failure to adequately specify the objective the equipment must accomplish, and the minimum capabilities the proper equipment should have to achieve that objective, will often result in selection of equipment that fails to solve the real problem. It is amazing how often poor specification of requirements provides a brilliant solution to the wrong problem. 

Several available textbooks review strain screening and selection methodologies. For example. Crook and Alper (2013) describe several strategies for strain improvement and strategies to improve phenotypic parameters, while the methodology behind the isolation of bacteriophage-resistant mutants is described by Hpier et al. (2010). Finally, it can be mentioned that the web sites of companies providing equipment for automation of laboratory procedures is a rich source of information on what types of equipment are available as well as inspiration for what this equipment can be used for. 

The purpose of this chapter is twofold, firstly to introduce a methodology for equipment selection and secondly to describe the principal features of Filter Design Software (FDS). With respect to the former, a technique for preliminary equipment selection is presented and it is shown how an equipment list can be ranked to help refine further selection considerations. Descriptions of FDS illustrate how equipment selection, data analysis and equipment simulation procedures can be combined into computer software, a basic flowsheet is shown in Figure 5.1. Worked examples are given. 

Although comprehensive descriptions of equipment selection are given in this chapter the specifics of data analysis and equipment simulation are presented elsewhere. Chapter 4 provides practical methodologies, theories and principles that underpin the analysis of filtration, jar sedimentation and expression tests. Chapters 6 and 7 respectively present extensive descriptions of batch and continuous filter simulations, however, an introduction to simulation is described here. 

The goal of the implementation phase is to provide detailed design and installation diagrams for a few extremely effective interlock schemes. The schemes are constructed with equipment selected by the methodology outlined in the integrity section. The interlock schemes are selected in the following priority order ... 

Various software tools have been developed to identify environmentally benign alternative solvents or equipment modifications to reduce the amount of toxic and volatile solvents. Some tools have attempted to consider Ufe cycle impact in their selection methodologies, but these are the exceptions rather than the rule. This section provides a brief description... 

Below, the procedure for the determination of dominant campaigns in a version that was proposed by Lazaro et al. (1989) is outlined. Their methodology includes enumeration of feasible production sequences, selection of dominant production lines, task sequencing, and search for an optimum with constraints. All possible production variants are generated by an enumeration procedure that takes into account the possibility of available equipment working in parallel, initial and final task overlapping, and instability of intermediate products. Non-feasible sequences are eliminated so that only favourable candidates are subjected to full evaluation. Dominant production lines are selected by maximizing the criterion ... 

Although no methodology has been selected for evaluating the costs associated with full-scale deployment of Clemson s SCS technology, approximately 200,000 has been spent on equipment needed for the pilot-scale demonstration. This includes the purchase and installation of the required mixers, extruders, and furnaces to treat the 100 kg of U.S. DOE Waste Experimental Reduction Facility (WERF) incinerator fly ash. 

Selection of appropriate methodology, equipment, and instrumentation to ensure that testing of the product meets specifications... 

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