Plant Equipment Feature Library

Operations Engineer's library catalogues editorial features going back five years.

Access to all archive material is free to all, including non-members of IPlantE (the Institution of Operations Engineers) or BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors), under the umbrella of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). However, to discover the many benefits of becoming an SOE member, please click here.

16/05/2023 The networker

If society could be described as a network of connections between individual people, industry is defined as connections between companies and organisations. Facilitating relationships with government and information exchange at a higher ... » Read More

20/02/2023 The proper way to do pressure testing

EEMUA and SAFed have released guidance on pressure tests following a series of deaths and injuries. Each comes at the issue from a slightly different angle. By Ben Spencer » Read More

22/04/2021 Under pressure from COVID

While the inspection of pressure vessels is of huge importance, the HSE has understandably made allowances for the way that COVID has impacted this. But what exactly are the rules – and what actions remain non-negotiable? By Brian Wall » Read More

22/04/2021 The benefits of reducing steam pressure

A back-to-basics look at the drawbacks and benefits of high-pressure steam, and how to best manage it in process conditions. By Spirax Sarco trainer Mike Maslanka » Read More

11/03/2021 Small bore, big problem: a guide to prevent corrosion in tubing

More delicate than pipework, small-bore tubing can still resist even highly corrosive offshore environments, if the right materials are specified and installed properly. If not, damage can lead to dangerous and costly leaks. By Deborah ... » Read More

01/10/2009 Under pressure

Boiler plant safety is generally well understood, but the demands of work may leave pressure systems exposed to danger. Brian Tinham re-examines concerns and best practice » Read More

01/02/2009 The pressure is on

In the post Buncefield era, both the HSE and competent persons have been finding plant operators failing in their statutory duty. Brian Tinham reports » Read More

01/10/2008 Unreasonable engineering

So how do you fancy a bit of unreasonable engineering? How about building a variable speed electric motor, rated at 2.5MW for pumping operations 3,000 metres down on the sea bed? Oh, and, for good measure, let's have it driven by an 11kV ... » Read More

01/02/2008 Atomic kitten

Ever wondered about nuclear submarines and the issues for plant engineers in operational and supporting roles, either onboard or dockside? Andrew Law, specialist in the operational plant support department at Rolls-Royce Nuclear Propulsion ... » Read More

01/06/2007 Steaming efficiency

Engineers know there are significant opportunities for improving energy efficiency in boiler houses - saving cost and reducing carbon footprint, while also helping users to be eligible for the Carbon Trust's Energy Efficiency Accreditation ... » Read More

01/02/2007 Safety that boosts the bottom line

In a world where the failure of even a modest-sized steam boiler can cause millions of pounds' worth of damage, as well as injuries and even fatalities, the management of risk should always figure high on the agenda of any business. » Read More

01/02/2005 Risk Management - Taking the pressure

Before 1989, the Factories Act 1961 detailed the requirements for the examination of, and reporting on, steam and air plant within the power industry by the Competent Person (often the insurance company). Where water tube boilers were ... » Read More

01/03/2004 Keeping it simple saves cash

Factory services like compressed air and steam systems are classic examples of functions that are only noticed when they go wrong. Nowadays, like - thankfully - modern cars, these systems can be relied upon to work consistently. But - also ... » Read More