Replacing an Old CSTR 3

[T-Eng]

Hello Fellow Engineers. We have an old CSTR that we have to replace. I've been given the task to come up with a scope of work for a new replacement. What are your tips on how to approach this ?

 

[moltenmetal]

Before you decommission it, do a tracer study and get its real residence time distribution under operating conditions.

Don't just make a geometric copy.

Get a copy of Levenspiel's Omnibook if you don't know what a tracer study is or why you need it. Or retain somebody who has a copy and knows that already.

Good luck otherwise.

 

[jari001]

I assume this is a somewhat major undertaking that you and other engineering and operations staff will be collaborating on. Spend some time upfront making the actually needed documentation (not too much, not too little) so that there is a well understood data collection and retention strategy. This will help keep latecomers from coming into the process and asking for things too late. A group walkdown of the areas are a must to have the best discussion when it comes time to generate any sort of time and cost estimate.

Also, walk the full path from where the reactor is and where the reactor will go once it's taken out to make sure the reactor can make it from point A to point B without knocking into anything too important =)

 

[T-Eng]

Thank you jari001. This is my first time undertaking a project like this. I'm pretty much the only engineer in the operations staff, so I don't really have anyone to bounce ideas off. You are right in saying this is a major undertaking, so my immediate goal is to talk to all the stakeholders from the chemist to the various operators to see what our needs are. My first task this morning was to understand the process, the reactor and its auxiliary equipment. I will be developing a scope of work document that will be divided into three phases; Phase 1: Understand our process, talk to stakeholders, and then create a request for proposal document. Phase 2: Solicitation of quotes/bid and submission of winning bid to upper management for approval Phase 3: Installation and commissioning. This would be an opportunity for me to really learn about project management.

 

[jari001]

Do you have engineers from other sites or related areas that you can get to help/advise on this project? On something like this where there's potential for major safety and cost concerns, it's necessary to have some varied input.

 

[T-Eng]

@jari001, I have reached out to other another engineer from a sister site, and we will be setting up a meeting to discuss the project by week's end. Thank you.

 

[jari001]

Good luck and stay safe =)