Distillation Revamp Project Problems & Prevention

An idea turns into a proposal which turns into a project for improving the operation of a distillation unit. The road from the idea to the operating improvement is lined with bumps and potholes. How many things can go wrong? This paper will discuss ten of the many issues that can get in the way of a successful project:

1. Economic Objective Reality Check.
2. Long Term Capacity Plan
3. Change in Engineering Personnel
4. Incorrect Process Simulation Model
5. Incorrect Reading of the Simulation Model Output
6. Failure to Consider Fundamental Heat Transfer Capabilities vs. Hydraulic Capacity.
7. Failure to Test/Define Existing Equipment Limitations.
8. Over Dependence on Vendor/Contractor Design Capability
9. Lack of Specialty Expertise Design Review.
10. Incorrect or Unsafe Installation of Revamp Changes.