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  1. Amphoteric

    Estimating New Plant Nitrogen Demands

    You're right, I'm not being specific because I was hoping (ideally) for general guidance. Some utilities fall out of your design naturally (e.g. cooling water), and some I have rules of thumb for, but nitrogen and waste water loads are proving intractable. It's a 75kBPSD heavy middle eastern...
  2. Amphoteric

    Education Improvements?

    Here are some techniques I've seen schools adopting, and other ideas that are worth chewing on: -We want courses on design taught by experienced engineers but are worried about finding the instructors. Have a few multi-discipline "Design Courses" taught by generalists from industry; people who...
  3. Amphoteric

    Estimating New Plant Nitrogen Demands

    BUMP. If no one knows, does anyone know someone that would know? I mean some major companies must have design procedures for this sort of thing, right? Are any willing to sell these kinds of procedures, or perhaps be hired for a one-day consultation?
  4. Amphoteric

    Scaling relief loads by orifice size?

    CHD01, thank you for the excellent reply. I believe I understand what you are saying. Even though w3 > w2, scenario 2 controls because a2_req > a3_req. The lines will be sized using wreq = w2 * a_act/a2_req = 1085 lb/hr. The flare header will be sized assuming w1, w2, or w3, is relieved...
  5. Amphoteric

    Scaling relief loads by orifice size?

    Hello, I've just started working through my first relief project and am getting conflicting advice sizing relief valve lines. Allow me to explain with a hypothetical example, because I'd like to learn the general principle/approach instead of just getting through a single problem: Say I have...
  6. Amphoteric

    Estimating New Plant Nitrogen Demands

    I'm working on basic engineering (P&ID-level initial design) of a proposed new refinery. We will need a nitrogen plant to generate N2 for start-up/shutdown/continuously purging some lines/etc. I've had no problems finding information and vendors to get a nitrogen plant to SUPPLY the N2. But I...
  7. Amphoteric

    PSV in the turbine exchaust line

    I believe that you can just use the steam equation in API 520 Section 3.7 to size the PSV orifice, taking the maximum operating turbine steam feed for the load W (lb/hr). I'm not 100% certain, though. It would be great if someone with more experience could comment.
  8. Amphoteric

    Style and Detail in Design Calculations?

    At work I get passed around to different bosses and even departments, and one point of contention is the "calculation record" - also called a design brief or design calculation. Datasheets and technical drawings have a really defined structure, but calc. records do not. It seems that everyone...
  9. Amphoteric

    Reviewing the work of another engineer

    There is a similar rule where I work, and it cheesed me off too. Why can't a client get their own independant review whenever they want? And what exactly is meant by "terminated?" Do I have go tell my coworker who got moved to a different project that I'm looking at his calcs? This thread has...
  10. Amphoteric

    Simulation softwares

    Yeah, MortenA is correct. Right now UniSim is 99% identical to Hysys because they have almost the same code, and UniSim can open and save as Hysys files. But both are being supported and both will develop in different directions.
  11. Amphoteric

    Equilibrium flash calculations

    JAIFAR, I have attached my old calculation to this post. It may help you formulate a strategy to tackle your problem. Please note the disclaimer.http://files.engineering.com/getfile.aspx?folder=a2627c65-0aa4-4b77-8ee4-ebc421d0bbf5&file=Equilibrium_Flash_Calculation.xls
  12. Amphoteric

    Equilibrium flash calculations

    Back in school, 3rd year thermo, I did a L+V=1 calculation using Smith/Van Ness/Abbott and the Wilson method. I'm pretty sure you're trying to do the same kind of calculation. So you can do it. But it took ages to do for a simple three-component mixture when I was given the correct pressure to...
  13. Amphoteric

    Simulation softwares

    Try looking up UniSim Design by Honeywell as an alternative to Hysys. It's almost identical and may be cheaper. For the programs you consider, you should find out what support is available at what price. Can you call a support line for help? Can you hire some experts (from the software people...
  14. Amphoteric

    Estimate pressure drop/equivalent length on a diaphragm valve?

    Thank you all for the great advice. After browsing a catalog or two using vzeos' suggested equation, it looks like K~4.5 is the right number. I may be able to replace the valve with a larger line to cut down the velocity/corrosion. If not, I'll use 4.5 + some fat.
  15. Amphoteric

    Estimate pressure drop/equivalent length on a diaphragm valve?

    Hi folks, To empty a tank on occasion, I'm planning to install a PD pump, pumping about 30-60 gpm of warm water through a 2" line. At the end of the line my circuit will join into a larger 50 psig line. I'll add a check valve for when my line's not in use. Right now I'm doing the hydraulics and...
  16. Amphoteric

    Request: Accurate cradle to grave costs of fuels wanted

    Sorry, thought of something to add. If you've got access to technical journals, this is a fantastic summary on the state of ethanol's pro/cons. (Energy, emissions, everything). Kiven, Robert K. “Ethanol in gasoline: environmental impacts and sustainability review article.” Renewable and...
  17. Amphoteric

    Request: Accurate cradle to grave costs of fuels wanted

    As mentioned above everyone can get a different answer on this topic. Nevertheless, here's a summary list of "Energy returned on energy invested." The concept is, if I spent 30 BTU to generate 60, by EROI is 2:1. At least this is referenceable...
  18. Amphoteric

    Why should someone mentor?

    Assuming the hypothetical mentor is not at the end of their career, it could easily pay back in networking. SHORT TERM: If you mentor someone you will learn how good they are and what they can and can't do. You'll know if you want to snag them on your future projects or avoid them. And if you...
  19. Amphoteric

    ABBREVIATION

    One thing to add: PID can also refer to a very common type of controller, a Proportional-Integral-Derivative controller. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PID_controller) Therefore, it is a good idea to always write "P&ID" and to say "P-and-I-D," like pennpier mentioned, when referring to drawings...
  20. Amphoteric

    Engineering Consulting Firms

    Depends a great deal on the type of work and the preferences of the people doing the hiring. Some people will put a lot of faith in a higher degree, either as developing required skills, or showing an ability for independent learning. A consulting company is only as good the people who work...
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