Free Technical Articles
Practical insights on laboratory safety, pilot plant design, electrical classification, hazard analysis, and research operations — drawn from decades of real-world experience.
These articles are published on LinkedIn and made freely available to the research community. They address common design mistakes, safety misconceptions, cost estimation issues, and operational challenges in laboratories and pilot plants.
NFPA/ICC versus GHS Flammable and Combustible Liquid Categories
Do I Need To Space My Chemicals Out In A Laboratory To Be In Compliance With NFPA 45?
Groupthink That Can Lead To Inadequate Hazard Analysis And Risk Assessment
Inherently Unsafe: The Hidden Issues Often Overlooked in Research Hazard Analysis
TEFC Motors in Class 1 Division 2 Areas: An Economical Alternative
Combustible Gas Detection and Area Electrical Classification – An Area Requiring Some Care
Laboratory Area Electrical Classification
Ventilated Enclosures for Lowering Area Electrical Classification
Ventilated Enclosures: Why Do They Often Fail to Work Properly
Toxic Gas Storage and Use Per NFPA 55: Hoods and Ventilated Enclosures in Research Applications
Can you apply NFPA-45 to a Pilot Plant?
When Does a Laboratory Have an Explosion Hazard?
Gas Detection Inside Laboratory Hoods: Prudent Safety Measure or Wasted Money?
Too Much of a Good Thing: Exhaust Versus Supply in Laboratories
What is a Laboratory Versus a Process Space?
Types of Space Suitable for Pilot Plant Operations: Laboratories
Types of Space Suitable for Pilot Plant Operations: Open Bays
Types of Space Suitable for Pilot Plant Operations: Containment Cells
Types of Space Suitable for Pilot Plant Operations: Separate Buildings
What is a Good Definition of a Pilot Plant?
Where is the Best Place to Locate a Hood in a Laboratory?
Limiting Hood Openings: A Bad Idea
Electric Heaters for Research Vessels
RTD’s Versus Thermocouples: Which Should I Use?
GFI Protection for Laboratories
Flexible Cords: A Very Abused Connection in Laboratories
Power Strips in Laboratories: How Shocking!
Hood Sashes: The Open (or Closed) Door Policy
Testing the Limit: Ways To Improve Pilot Plant And Laboratory Project Effectiveness
What Will That Design Work Cost? The Problems With Estimating Engineering Requirements
“But What Will It Cost?” The Trials and Tribulations of Pilot Plant Cost Estimating
Pilot Plant and Laboratory Unit Cost Estimates: Should We Progress the Idea or Not?
The Practical Effects Of Budget Constraints
Pilot Plant Project Management – Necessity, Overkill, or Just a Good Idea?
Lump Sum or Cost Plus: Which Makes Sense for Pilot Plants and Research Support?
Reducing Pilot Plant and Laboratory Unit Construction Costs and Schedules
Modular Pilot Plant Construction
How Big Do I Need To Build A Pilot Plant: The Vexing Question of Scale
Contracting Pilot Plants and Research Support: The Good, the Bad, And the Ugly
Tips for Troubleshooting Pilot Plant and Laboratory Equipment
Restarting A Laboratory After an Unexpected Shutdown
The Most Common Pilot Plant and Laboratory Unit Commissioning Problems
Locating Leaks in Pilot Plants and Laboratory Units and Equipment
Testing For Leaks In Pilot Plants
“Not Another Leak!”: Leakage in Pilot Plants, Laboratory Units, and Laboratory Equipment
Does Your Reactor Have a Case of the “Vapors”?
Pilot Plant Analytical Options
Preventing Fires and Explosions in Pilot Plants and Laboratory Units
High or Over Temperature Protection In a Research Environment
A Dozen Ways to Get the Most Pilot Plant for Your Money
Pilot Plant Feed And Product Handling
2012 Plenary Talk on Pilot Plants for the AIChE
Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety In Research Applications
“What Do You Mean It’s Off By That Much?”: Issues With Real World Vs Theoretical Instrument Accuracy