Rules of thumb in engineering practice

Abstract

The book Rules of Thumb in Engineering Practice is a synthesis of data from the author s experience which can help the engineers solve problems concerning process design, improvement, operation and maintenance. The author Donald R. Woods, who is Professor Emeritus of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University, conducted research in the field of process design, cost estimation, surface phenomena, problem-based learning, assessment, improvng student learning and developing skills in problem solving, group and teamwork, self-assessment, change management and life-long learning. The book is structured in ten parts and appendices which include: units and conversion of units, dimensionless groups, vapor pressures, very detailed capital cost guidelines for different types of operations and equipment. The book is thought out based on several rules of thumb (which are given a definition in the preface) devoted to guide engineers to make decisions, set goals, check results and help answer questions such as: -When might something be used? -How could an approximate answer be obtained? -How might an approximate estimation of the cost be obtained? -What is a reasonable operating know-how? -What should be done when something goes wrong? The author stresses the uniqueness of the book structure and highlights and gives some reasons which justify this feature: -the consistency in terminology and units -the consistency and its extensive cross-referencing -the range of process equipment -the depth and breadth of coverage for each piece of equipment ...