Options engineering

Under some circumstances, reverse engineering is one of the few options engineers have to accomplish a task for example, when the OEM design data are not available but repair to the original part is required, or the original designer is now out of business but more parts are needed. 

Figure 4.4 Introduction of an impurity with the feed creates further options for recycle structures. (From Smith and Linnhoff, Trans. IChemE, ChERD, 66 195, 1988 reproduced by permission of the Institution of Chemical Engineers.)...

Working down this list, we see more innovative approaches. The unmanned option using computer assisted operation (discussed in Section 11.2) would improve safety of personnel and reduce operating cost. This is an example of innovation and the use of technology by the engineer, and is driven by an awareness of safety. 

The timely acquisition of static and dynamic reservoir data is critical for the optimisation of development options and production operations. Reservoir data enables the description and quantification of fluid and rock properties. The amount and accuracy of the data available will determine the range of uncertainty associated with estimates made by the subsurface engineer. 

S. Uimasch, C. B. Moyer, M. D. Jackson, and K. D. Smith, Emissions Control Options forHeavj-Duty Engines, SyPE 861111, Society of Automotive Engineers, Warrendale, Pa., 1986. 

In choosing a SAM system for surface engineering, there are several options. Silane monolayers on hydroxylated surfaces are an option where transparent or nonconductive systems are needed. However, trichlorosilane compounds are moisture-sensitive and polymeri2e in solution. The resulting polymers contaminate the monolayer surface, which occasionally has to be cleaned mechanically. CarboxyUc acids adsorb on metal oxide, eg, AI2O2, AgO through acid—base interactions. These are not specific therefore, it would be impossible to adsorb a carboxyUc acid selectively in the presence of, for example, a terminal phosphonic acid group. In many studies SAMs of thiolates on Au(lll) are the system of choice. 

Because of the problems with some recycling options, the ASTM committee on engine coolants is exploring a specification for recycled coolants. 

AH the foregoing faciUties form part of the spectmm of options that, in addition to the permanent system data bank, enable the engineer to get the most out of a flow-sheeting system. The following Hst shows the physical properties that are often required for process simulation. The methods of estimating these properties, when direct measurements are not available, are indicated in the references following the properties (also see Thermodynamic properties). 

Engine Expansion Cycle. In this process, a refrigerant fluid is compressed, optionally precooled, and expanded to a lower pressure through an expander while producing work to reduce both the enthalpy and temperature of the fluid. The expanded refrigerant fluid is warmed to provide cryogenic refrigeration. 

One method that can be used to enhance the efficiency of technology transfer presents itself when a client has a laboratory or pilot plant producing the materials. When this is so, the toller s personnel can visit the site, observe the processing and ask questions of the research and development team. Conversely, the research and development team or chemists and engineers from the client can witness any test runs taking place at the toller s plant. These options allow both companies to ask questions, give advice on process and... 

Many clients specify and buy pumps with the back pullout option, and they -----take advantage of the option. This is like buying a car with an air conoi. -r never turning it on. Many engineers, operators, and even pump sale . i t the back pullout feature is designed to facilitate maintenance. This is wr<. . c back pullout pump exists to facilitate the rapid and frequent impeller change -- the pump to the ever-changing needs of production. The back pullout pump exists to facilitate production. 

Rarely do design engineers request the L/D faetor in their quotes. Some engineers don t know they have the option. Most pumps are bought based on priee, and beeause a high defleetion resistanee (low L/D Faetor) indieates a larger diameter shaft with oversized bearings these U pe pumps don t normally win a competitive hid process. 

A third alternative design is to ehill the gas and separate the water eontent. In this option, water and hydroearbon speeifieations may be satisfied simultaneously if the gas temperature is kept above hydrate formation. This option is the simplest proeess and most engineering studies have shown it to be the least expensive gas treatment method. 

Sandoz (Ankers, 1995) has developed a software tool to assist chemists and engineers in identifying hazards, and inherently safer process options. 

To answer the above-mentioned questions, one can envision so many alternatives they cannot be enumerated. Typically, an engineer charged with the responsibility of answering these questions examines few process options based on experience and corporate preference. Consequently, the designer develops a simulation model, performs an economic analysis and selects the least expensive alternative from the limited number of examined options. This solution is inappropriately designated as the optimum. Normally it is not Indeed, the true optimum may be an order of magnitude less expensive. 

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