In Section 3.1 we consider the general rules of thumb for processes and different types of problems, instruments and people and the environment. In Sections 3.2 to 3.10 we consider different types of equipment: transportation, energy exchange, homogeneous phase separations, heterogeneous phase separations, reactions, mixing, size reduction, size enlargement and bins. Sections 3.11 and 3.12 consider "systems" and hazards. Guidelines and trouble-shooting rules of thumb are not available for many pieces of equipment. Often, guidelines for good practice are given since trouble can often results from "poor practice". The style used for presenting information about trouble shooting is as follows. The "symptom" is shown in italics in quotes. This is followed by the root causes, separated by a slash, / root cause/ root cause. The causes are listed with the most-likely cause first, next-likely cause second and so on. Some causes are not root causes. Such causes are shown as [cause]*. Those causes are listed in square brackets with an *, for example [corrosion]* might be listed as a cause. But what is the root cause of the corrosion? Such "cause-symptoms" are listed separately with their root causes. For example, [Corrosion]*: inadequate stress relief for metals/ wrong metals chosen/ liquid flows at velocities > critical value.
3.1
Overall
Consider general rules of thumb and typical causes, rules of thumb about corrosion, for instrumentation and for people, respectively.
3.1. 1
General Rules of Thumb and Typical Causes Gans et al. (1983) suggests that big failures usually have simple causes, such as a compressor that will not start. On the other hand, small failures (or deviations from the norm) often are caused by complex causes, such as the product does not quite meet specifications because of a buildup of contaminants. 3 Rules of Thumb for Trouble Shooting Successful Trouble Shooting for Process Engineers. Don Woods