An immense treasure trove containing hundreds of equipment symptoms, arranged so as to allow swift identification and elimination of the causes. These rules of thumb are the result of preserving and structuring the immense knowledge of experienced engineers collected and compiled by the author - an experienced engineer himself - into an invaluable book that helps younger engineers find their way from symptoms to causes.
This sourcebook is unrivalled in its depth and breadth of coverage, listing five important aspects for each piece of equipment:
* area of application
* sizing guidelines
* capital cost including difficult-to-find installation factors
* principles of good practice, and
* good approaches to troubleshooting.
Extensive cross-referencing takes into account that some items of equipment are used for many different purposes, and covers not only the most familiar types, but special care has been taken to also include less common ones.
Consistent terminology and SI units are used throughout the book, while a detailed index quickly and reliably directs readers, thus aiding engineers in their everyday work at chemical plants: from keywords to solutions in a matter of minutes.

Only decades of experience allow the compilation of such a guide for engineers - the author, Donald R. Woods, possesses them. He is a highly renowned Professor Emeritus and recognized expert from McMaster University, Canada, having received two honorary doctoral degrees in this field as well as being one of the 20 persons which received the Century of Achievement Award for major contributions to the science and engineering of Canada in the 20th century.