DISTILLATION DIAGNOSTICS AN ENGINEER’S GUIDEBOOK

Distillation Diagnostics is a thorough guide to troubleshooting problems in distillation and absorption towers, drawing on over 40 years of real-world experience from the author, widely known as “The Tower Doctor.” The book introduces a wide range of diagnostic tools, explains their strengths and limitations, and provides practical guidance on how to apply them effectively. Each technique is illustrated with real case studies and includes comprehensive “dos and don’ts” lists.

Readers will learn how to:

• Identify root causes of tower issues such as flooding, foaming, plugging, weeping, maldistribution, channeling, low efficiencies, assembly errors, and internal or external leaks

• Correctly interpret gamma scans, thermal scans, and pressure drop data

• Apply techniques like gamma scanning, neutron backscatter, wall temperature surveys, column testing, and mass and energy balance analysis

• Combine multiple diagnostic methods to discard incorrect theories and pinpoint the proper solution

• Conduct turnaround inspections and apply advanced scanning methods

• Implement the “doctor and patient” troubleshooting strategy for systematic, low-cost, and effective fixes

Distillation Diagnostics also provides guidance on reducing unnecessary expenditures, minimizing energy use, and lowering carbon footprints by offering simple, time-tested solutions. This essential reference is ideal for plant managers, operators, production and startup supervisors, and chemical, process, and design engineers seeking practical, hands-on strategies to improve tower performance and reliability.