Sean Moran's Blog, page 17

HAZOP and Water Issues in Hygienic Industries

I chaired a HAZOP this week, which I was trained in a long time ago, and still do on occasion, focussing on hygienic issues in a nutraceutical plant.  As ever, we all learned something, even the guys who had been operating the plant for thirty years. HAZOP is a powerful tool.

I've also been looking at a few water issues, and I was once again reminded of so many past experiences of people assuming water is simple. I have seen examples of under and overspecification this week. How to avoid this? Ask a water specialist. It is a false economy not to.

Water issues in the hygienic industries

I'm having a lot to do with water issues in hygienic industries at the moment. The EHEDG have a new guidance document out on this that I haven't read yet, but all of the guidance says the same thing, really. I'm pretty sure I can guess what it will say.

Avoid deadlegs, use hygienic materials and methods of construction, etc..

The application of this guidance in practice is where the skill lies....

Hygienic Design. What's that about?

I'm working in neutraceuticals at the moment, so hygienic design is a key concept. Even the process water systems are hygienic, though the word means different things in different industries, and different countries.

I like words, so this just adds to the interest for me. As I signed s contract to write s dictionary of terms used in chemical engineering practice last week for Elsevier, it's just as well I like words...

Food and Pharma Water Engineering

I'm doing a lot of hygienic design at the moment, as I am working mainly in the food, drink and pharmaceutical industry. It's interesting stuff, with a few intellectual challenges.

I'm also finalising the contract for my next book, and discussing producing a few articles about plant layout and location (amongst other things)  

Dairy Effluent Treatment Plant Troubleshooting and Design of Upgrade

A new assignment this week, troubleshooting a treatment plant for dairy effluent. The others continue, still keeping really busy into the end of 2018.

I also have a new book contract....

Expert Witness Commercial Effluent Treatment Plant Problems

I put out an advisory report yesterday about problems at a commercial site with a packaged effluent treatment plant alleged to be to do with fats oils and greases arising during food processing.

I do enjoy a bit of expert witness work, though with all of the other work I have going on, I'm glad to have it off my desk!

Water Effluent and Hygienic Utilities Process Engineering : Fully Booked

Another busy week, with expert witness work to do with food processing effluents, analysis of the results of a trial segregation of effluent at a laboratory facility, and the design of new clean utilities and clean in place systems at an overseas food manufacturing facility.

Also got a new enquiry to offer process support to a package effluent treatment plant manufacturer (one of the few good ones) It's all go...

Water Process Engineering Expert

Ive been busy again this week with issues to do with food, pharma and laboratory effluent treatment in the UK and Europe. I'm writing this on my way back from an expert witness appointment in the North of England. Misbehaving package plant, Ive see a lot of those...

Water Process Engineering Expert

I passed my viva this week for my PhD, though I doubt I will be called "Dr Moran" that often, we don't use titles that much in engineering practice, and I'm a practitioner, not an academic, even though I'll still be entitled to be called "Professor" for another year yet.

I'm really enjoying being back in engineering practice full-time. I wake up early every morning buzzing with ideas of how to design things better. I still love engineering after all of this time. It's a great career for those who love it.  

Pharmaceuticals and Food Clean and Dirty Water Treatment Engineering Expertise

It's been another busy week in laboratory, pharmaceuticals and food production for me. I have both clean and dirty water projects on in the UK and elsewhere.