Customer Reviews

Distillation Design

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This one book, and its brother, "Distillation Operations," seem to capture all the theoretical and empirical knowledge of vapor-liquid separation in two tidy volumes. I just don't see how Henry Kister can top this with his new book, "Distillation Troubleshooting." Donald Schneider wrote an excellent review of this book for Amazon. When you buy "Distillation Design" take "Distillation Operations" as well. If you must choose, pick "Distillation Operations." However, if you do, you will miss some excellent design information. "Distillation Operations" describes several mis-steps in commissioning and operating columns.

"Distillation Design" is divided into tray columns and packed columns. Each section begins with theoretical development and ends with empirical data. Where else can you expect to find methods to compare different random packing or estimates for stage height? As an engineer experienced in packed tower design, I found his descriptions of different classes of packing very useful. He took the point of view of a historian on this subject allowing the reader to follow the development of random packing from the raschig ring through to modern packing.

How do these volumes compare to other references such as Ludwig's "Applied Process Design?" Ludwig is excellent but it is more difficult to find what you need. Kister's two volumes are more specific and slightly easier to follow. Consider Ludwig's book later when you are designing nuts and bolt details of columns. For case histories, and basic knowledge of vapor-liquid separation, you can't beat "Distillation Design" and "Distillation Operations."

If you don't have this book on your shelf you should. If you are just starting out in the business, and can't afford both volumes, buy "Distillation Operations." But, if you will be involved directly in the design business, as I am, buy both volumes.

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Highly recommend book for those who are looking for distillation know-how or practice experience to solve problems. It is equally useful for designers as well as for industrial engineers.

This book is must for process engineer esp. engineer in Petroleun and Refinery business. Written in very lucid manner shows the author is not only technically competent but has extensive experience in the industry. His book on " Distillation Operation" is also highly recomended.