Human Factors Methods for Improving Performance in the Process Industries

Exploring methods and techniques to optimize processing energy efficiency in process plants, Energy and Process Optimization for the Process Industries provides a holistic approach that considers optimizing process conditions, changing process flowschemes, modifying equipment internals, and upgrading process technology that has already been used in a process plant with success. Field tested by numerous operating plants, the book describes technical solutions to reduce energy consumption leading to significant returns on capital and includes an 8-point Guidelines for Success. The book provides managers, chemical and mechanical engineers, and plant operators with methods and tools for continuous energy and process improvements.

Almost all the major accident investigations–Texas City, Piper Alpha, the Phillips 66 explosion, Feyzin, Mexico City–show human error as the principal cause, either in design, operations, maintenance, or the management of safety. This book provides practical advice that can substantially reduce human error at all levels. In eight chapters–packed with case studies and examples of simple and advanced techniques for new and existing systems–the book challenges the assumption that human error is «unavoidable.» Instead, it suggests a systems perspective. This view sees error as a consequence of a mismatch between human capabilities and demands and inappropriate organizational culture. This makes error a manageable factor and, therefore, avoidable.

Provides a unique overview of energy management for the process industries Provides an overall approach to energy management and places the technical issues that drive energy efficiency in context Combines the perspectives of freewheeling consultants and corporate insiders In two sections, the book provides the organizational framework (Section 1) within which the technical aspects of energy management, described in Section 2, can be most effectively executed Includes success stories from three very different companies that have achieved excellence in their energy management efforts Covers energy management, including the role of the energy manager, designing and implementing energy management programs, energy benchmarking, reporting, and energy management systems Technical topics cover efficiency improvement opportunities in a wide range of utility systems and process equipment types, as well as techniques to improve process design and operation

The complete, hands-on guide to sustainable development Today's process industries must develop natural resources within an eco-friendly framework that balances current demand with future need. Realizing this goal necessitates global vigilance of three key areas—people, planet, and prosperity—known as the Triple Bottom Line or, simply, the Triple P. Sustainable Development in the Process Industries details how worldwide implementation of sustainable processes in present-day industries can positively influence the Triple P going forward by lowering poverty, reducing pollution, and conserving resources. This in-depth guide includes: Real-world case studies and examples Individual chapters written by industry experts Application in industries such as petroleum and fuel, food, recycling, mineral processing, and water processing Focus on the micro (molecules, unit operations, processes) to the macro (industrial sites, value chains, regions, the world) Providing lessons with practical application rather than pure theory, Sustainable Development in the Process Industries offers sound solutions to social, ecological, and economic challenges imperative to assuring our planet's well-being for generations.

Process safety management (PSM) systems are only as effective as the day-to-day ability of the organization to rigorously execute system requirements correctly every time. The failure of just one person in completing a job task correctly just one time can unfortunately lead to serious injuries and potentially catastrophic incidents. In fact, the design, implementation, and daily execution of PSM systems are all dependent on workers at all levels in the organization doing their job tasks correctly every time. High levels of Operational Discipline, therefore, help ensure strong PSM performance and overall operational excellence. This book details management practices which help ensure rigor in executing process safety programs in order to prevent major accidents.

This book provides guidance on characterizing, recognizing, and responding to warning signs to help avoid process incidents and injuries before they occur. The guidance can be used by both process safety management (PSM) professionals in evaluating their processes and PSM systems as well as for operators who are often the frontline defense against process incidents. Warning signs may consist of process deviations or upsets, instrumentation warnings or alarms, past operating history and incidents, observable problems such as corrosion or unusual odors, audit results indicating procedures are not being followed, or a number of other indicators. Filled with photos and practical tips, this book will turn anyone in a process plant into a hazard lookout and will help prevent potential incidents before they turn into catastrophic events.

Competition from emerging and developing countries, challenges related to energy and water, the continuing increase in the global population and the obligation to be sustainable are all impacting developed countries such as the United States, France, etc. Manufacturing has been almost totally neglected by these developed countries and thus there is a strong need to review R&D and the development and industrialization processes. This is a prerequisite for maintaining and improving welfare and quality of life. The industrialization process can be defined as the process of converting research or laboratory experiments into a physical tool capable of producing a product of value for customers of specified markets. Such a process implies knowledge of BAT (best available techniques) in chemical engineering, plant design, production competitiveness, the proper utilization of tools (toolbox concept) such as value assessment, value engineering, eco-design, LCA (lifecycle analysis), process simulation, modeling, innovation and appropriate metrics usage. These are mandatory to ensure commercial success and covered by the authors of this book.

HANDBOOK of IMPROVING PERFORMANCE IN THE WORKPLACE Volume 3: Measurement and Evaluation Volume Three of the Handbook of Improving Performance in the Workplace focuses on Measurement and Evaluation and represents an invaluable addition to the literature that supports the field and practice of Instructional Systems Design. With contributions from leading national scholars and practitioners, this volume is filled with information on time-tested theories, leading-edge research, developments, and applications and provides a comprehensive review of the most pertinent information available on critical topics, including: Measuring and Evaluating Learning and Performance, Designing Evaluation, Qualitative and Quantitative Performance Measurements, Evidence-based Performance Measurements, Analyzing Data, Planning Performance Measurement and Evaluation, Strategies for Implementation, Business Evaluation Strategy, Measurement and Evaluation in Non-Profit Sectors, among many others. It also contains illustrative case studies and performance support tools. Sponsored by International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI), the Handbook of Improving Performance in the Workplace, three-volume reference, covers three core areas of interest including Instructional Design and Training Delivery, Selecting and Implementing Performance Interventions, and Measurement and Evaluation.

A high-level introduction to new technologies andmethods in the field of software engineering Recent years have witnessed rapid evolution of software engineering methodologies, and until now, there has been no single-source introduction to emerging technologies in the field. Written by a panel of experts and divided into four clear parts, Emerging Methods, Technologies, and Process Management in SoftwareEngineering covers: Software Architectures – Evolution of software composition mechanisms; compositionality in software product lines; and teaching design patterns Emerging Methods – The impact of agent-oriented software engineering in service-oriented computing; testing object-oriented software; the UML and formal methods; and modern Web application development Technologies for Software Evolution – Migrating to Web services and software evolution analysis and visualization Process Management – Empirical experimentation in software engineering and foundations of agile methods Emerging Methods, Technologies, and Process Management in Software Engineering is a one-stop resource for software engineering practitioners and professionals, and also serves as an ideal textbook for undergraduate and graduate students alike.

Integrate critical roles to improve overall performance in complex engineering projects Integrating Program Management and Systems Engineering shows how organizations can become more effective, more efficient, and more responsive, and enjoy better performance outcomes. The discussion begins with an overview of key concepts, and details the challenges faced by System Engineering and Program Management practitioners every day. The practical framework that follows describes how the roles can be integrated successfully to streamline project workflow, with a catalog of tools for assessing and deploying best practices. Case studies detail how real-world companies have successfully implemented the framework to improve cost, schedule, and technical performance, and coverage of risk management throughout helps you ensure the success of your organization's own integration strategy. Available course outlines and PowerPoint slides bring this book directly into the academic or corporate classroom, and the discussion's practical emphasis provides a direct path to implementation. The integration of management and technical work paves the way for smoother projects and more positive outcomes. This book describes the integrated goal, and provides a clear framework for successful transition. Overcome challenges and improve cost, schedule, and technical performance Assess current capabilities and build to the level your organization needs Manage risk throughout all stages of integration and performance improvement Deploy best practices for teams and systems using the most effective tools Complex engineering systems are prone to budget slips, scheduling errors, and a variety of challenges that affect the final outcome. These challenges are a sign of failure on the part of both management and technical, but can be overcome by integrating the roles into a cohesive unit focused on delivering a high-value product. Integrating Program Management with Systems Engineering provides a practical route to better performance for your organization as a whole.