 |  Plant Design and Economics for Chemical Engineers, 5/e Max S. Peters,
University of Colorado
Klaus Timmerhaus,
University of Colorado, Boulder
Ronald E. West,
University of Colorado, Boulder
Book PrefaceProcess design is probably one of the most creative activities enjoyed by chemical
engineers. Throughout the activity, there are many opportunities to develop
imaginative new chemical or biochemical processes or to introduce changes in
existing processes that could alter the environmental or economic aspects of the
process. This activity clearly involves creative problem-solving abilities on the part of
the chemical engineer, often in a team effort, in which basic knowledge of chemical
engineering and economic principles is applied.
Chemical engineering design of new processes and the expansion and revision of
existing processes require the use of engineering principles and theories combined
with a practical understanding of the limits imposed by environmental, safety, and
health concerns. However, the development of a new process from concept evaluation
to profitable reality can become rather complex since process design problems are
open-ended. Thus, there may be many solutions that are profitable even when not
optimal.
Advances over the past two decades in the level of understanding of chemical
principles, combined with the availability of new techniques and computer-based
tools, have led to an increased degree of sophistication that now can be applied to the
design of chemical and biochemical processes. This fifth edition takes advantage of
this widened spectrum of chemical engineering knowledge with special emphasis on
the engineering and economic principles involved in the design of processes that meet
a societal or industrial need.
The purpose of this textbook is to present economic and design principles as applied
in chemical engineering processes and operations. No attempt is made to train the reader
as a skilled economist, and, obviously, it would be impossible to present all the possible
ramifications of the multitude of different plant designs. Instead, the goal has been to
give a clear concept of the important principles and general methods. The subject matter
and manner of presentation are such that the book should be of value to advanced
chemical engineering undergraduates, graduate students, and practicing engineers. The
information should also be of interest to administrators, operation supervisors, and
research or development workers in the process industries.
Chapters 1 through 3 provide an overall analysis of the major factors involved
in process design. The use of computer software in process design is described early
in the text as a separate chapter to introduce the reader to this important topic,
with the understanding that this tool will be useful throughout the text. The various
costs involved in industrial processes, capital investments and investment returns, cost
estimation, cost accounting, optimum economic design methods, and other subjects
dealing with economics are covered both qualitatively and quantitatively in Chaps. 6
through 9. Aguide for selecting materials of construction is presented in Chap. 10, followed
by a discussion on report writing in Chap. 11. The last four chapters provide extensive design procedures for many of the equipment items utilized in process design.
Generalized subjects, such as waste disposal, structural design, and equipment
fabrication, are included along with design methods for different types of process
equipment. Basic cost data and cost correlations are also presented for use in making
cost estimates.
Illustrative examples and sample problems are used extensively in the text to illustrate
the applications of the principles to practical situations. Problems are included
at the end of the most chapters to give readers a chance to test their understanding of
the material. Practice session problems, as well as longer design problems of varying
degrees of complexity, are included in App. C. Suggested recent references are presented
as footnotes to show the reader where additional information can be obtained.
Earlier references are listed in prior editions of this book.
A large amount of cost data is presented in tabular and graphical form. The table
of contents for the book lists chapters where equipment cost data are presented, and
additional cost information on specific items of equipment or operating factors can be
located by reference to the subject index. To simplify use of the extensive cost data
given in this book, all cost figures are referenced to the Chemical Engineering plant
cost index of 390.4 applicable for January 1, 2002. The McGraw-Hill website
http://www.mhhe.com/peters-timmerhaus provides the mathematical cost relations for
all the graphical cost data provided in the text integrated with economic evaluation
routines. Because exact prices can be obtained only by direct quotations from manufacturers,
caution should be exercised in the use of the data for other than approximate
cost estimation purposes.
This textbook is suitable for either a one- or two-semester course for advanced
undergraduate chemical engineers. A one-semester course covering plant and process
design would utilize Chaps. 1 through 11. A second-semester course involving equipment
design would utilize Chaps. 12 through 15. For either approach it is assumed that
the student has a background in stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and chemical engineering
principles as taught in normal undergraduate degree programs in chemical engineering.
Explanations of the development of various design equations and methods
are presented. The book provides a background of design and economic information
with a large amount of quantitative interpretation so that it can serve as a basis for further
study to develop a complete understanding of the general strategy of process engineering
design.
Although nomographs, simplified equations, and shortcut methods are included,
every effort has been made to indicate the theoretical background and assumptions for
these relationships. The true value of plant design and economics for the chemical engineer
is not found merely in the ability to put numbers into an equation and solve for
a final answer. The true value is found in obtaining an understanding of the reasons
why a given calculation method gives a satisfactory result. This understanding gives
the engineer the confidence and ability necessary to proceed when new problems are
encountered for which there are no predetermined methods of solution. Thus, throughout
the study of plant design and economics, the engineer should always attempt to understand
the assumptions and theoretical factors involved in the various calculation
procedures, particularly when computer software is being used for the first time. Because applied economics and plant design deal with practical applications of
chemical engineering principles, a study of these subjects offers an ideal way for tying
together the entire field of chemical engineering. The final result of a plant design may
be expressed in dollars and cents, but this result can only be achieved through the application
of various theoretical principles combined with industrial and practical
knowledge. Both theory and practice are emphasized in this book, and aspects of all
phases of chemical engineering are included.
The authors are indebted to the many industrial firms and individuals who have
supplied information and comments on the material presented in this edition. The authors
also express their appreciation to the following reviewers who have supplied constructive
criticism and helpful suggestions on the presentation for this edition: Luke
Achenie, University of Connecticut; Charles H. Barron, Clemson University; James R.
Beckman, Arizona State University; David C. Drown, University of Idaho; Steinar
Hauan, Carnegie Mellon University; Marianthi Ierapetritou, Rutgers University; Jan
A. Puszynski, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; Johannes Schwank,
University of Michigan; Thomas L. Sweeney, Ohio State University; Eric J. Thorgerson,
Northeastern University; and Bruce Vrana, Dupont Engineering Technology.
Acknowledgment is made to Barr Halevi, HBarr, Inc., for his many contributions
to the text and his preparation of Chap. 5 and much of Chap. 13. Special thanks are also
expressed to L. T. Fan, Kansas State University, and F. Friedler, Veszprem University,
for their preparation of the “Algorithmic Flowsheet Generation” section in Chap. 4.
The assistance in typing of the manuscript by Cynthia Ocken, CSLR University of
Colorado, and Ellen Romig, chemical engineering department, University of Colorado,
is greatly appreciated.Max S. Peters
Klaus D. Timmerhaus
Ronald E. West |
|
2003 McGraw-Hill Higher Education