6 replies to this topic

[Pushker]

Hi all,
I've final year project on Naphtha Reformer. How can i carry out MB and EB on whole plant? Where can i get the detailed flow sheet of the latest design process? Which is newer than UOP's Platforming and IFP's Octanizing process?
I am in great need for it.. please suggest me something..
Regards,
Vishwa.

[Allen]

At risk of stating the obvious, what information have you been given by your design project supervisor? Looking back at my final year design project, we were given a certain amount of base data. Drawing on that I then headed down to the library and reviewed the available literature to obtain data on the process. Combining the two it was then possible to prepare the necessary material and energy balances. To be frank I don't see how members of this forum are in a better position to advise you than your supervisor.

Its interesting to ponder how students managed before the creation of the internet and online forums. The answer? We used the library and talked to our peers and our lecturers - funnily enough, we survived!

[Art Montemayor]

Allen:

Great, helpful, detailed, and constructive response! I wish all final year Chemical Engineering students reading this pay particular attention and follow your detailed example and specific recommendations.


Vishwa:

I think you owe Allen a ton of gratitude for steering you in the correct and proper path that will lead you to a successful design project completion.

There are no arcane or secretive "short cuts" (such as a detailed flow sheet of the latest design process), ready for your immediate employment in your project and designed to give you zero work input and a top grade. There are however:

1. The traditional (and always successful) methods of hard work, research, and study. Included in the research portion are ChE Forums such as ours. Note that I state "research" – this means that you come to the Forum with specific problem areas and can present detailed unsuccessful methods or results with specific question or doubts on the work presented. We can comment, recommend, or advise. BUT WE WILL NOT DO YOUR WORK FOR YOU.

2. The Design Basis. This document – or listing of all the required project design bases – is the information needed to successfully complete the project. It should include a detailed and concise Scope of Work – detailing the conditions, constraints, and parameters related to the desired project results. Your Instructor should not only furnish you with this information, but should also instruct you on what it represents and why you should follow and employ the contents. If, for some strange or inexplicable reason you have not received this type of information or instruction, you should take your legitimate complaint to your instructor or head of your Chemical Engineering Department. You are owed and deserve this type of instruction if you are to complete a comprehensive Design Project.

3. The normal, routine class instruction and lectures you have received (or will receive) should be designed to instruct you and orient you with regards to producing the required and mandatory Material Balance (MB) and Energy Balance (EB) for your project. This entails you using the normal and well-known Chemical Engineering skills and training you should already have studied and mastered in your previous courses involving Fluid Mechanics, Unit Operations, Unit Processes, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, etc. etc. The question, "How can i carry out MB and EB on whole plant?" is an "oxy-moron" one. The answer is obvious – as Allen has indicated and as I have detailed out in my previous sentence.

We are here to specifically help you in your efforts and work towards your development into a professional engineer. However, you must put out the effort AND the work.

Await your response or comments on the above and ready to help you with specifics problem areas.

[Qalander (Chem)]

Dear Allan Hello,

I really admire your comments and without admonishing any one or to hurt anybody's feelings; if we are able to walk on our feet we do not require (use) crèches. This is the true healthy approach in simple terms.

I hope this helps
Qalander

[Allen]

Dear Qalander

I think the important question to ask ones-self is what is the purpose of a college/university eductaion?

I would suggest the following:

1. To provide the knowledge, understanding and tools to perform effectively as a Chemical Engineer
2. To provide the student with an ability to assimilate information and understand what information is needed to address a problem
3. To get the student used to dealing with problems by drawing on established sources of information such as the available literature, established text books etc.

While we often work in teams we are often required to operate on our own. Of course we can discuss a problem with colleagues but the onus is more frequently than not on the idividual.

The existance of on-line forums is seductive. It is so easy to seek help through them without first exhausting all the other routes to solving a problem. My response was really to espouse the "old school" approach which has certaibnly served me well.

A final question would be - Should the members of a forum offer detailed help on a problem, who would be responsible for any foul-ups? I bet the forum members wouldn't be lining up to take responsibility!

[Qalander (Chem)]

Dear Allen Hello,
I endorse your view point that
we have to go forward from what we are taught/supposed to learn.
rather than most of the time asking other's to do our work.
Best Regards
Qalander

[Pushker]

Thanks for responding all of you..