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    • Dirk Willard

    Dirk Willard Small 63766eff1e1c4
    Contributing Editor

    DIRK WILLARD is a former ASBPE award-winning columnist for Chemical Processing's Field Notes column. During his 10+ years as a contributing editor for CP, he wrote hundreds of valuable and insightful pieces on design and operational issues. He retired in 2023. 

    Sustainability: Capture Recycling Business Opportunities

    Dirk Willard
    Nov. 30, 2022
    Better attention to waste could be key to your bottom line

    Avoid Hazards in Dust Remediation

    Dirk Willard
    Nov. 15, 2022
    Inspections, constant vigilance and good design are critical to mitigating dust hazards.

    Explosion Protection: Zone In On Dust Hazards

    Dirk Willard
    Oct. 5, 2022
    Selecting appropriate electrical area classification is crucial

    Safety: Winterization Goes Beyond Equipment

    Dirk Willard
    Aug. 22, 2022
    Pay attention to how your people dress for the cold.

    Prevent Dust Explosions During Processing

    Dirk Willard
    July 20, 2022
    Many plant operations pose under-appreciated risks

    Safety Advice: Get Fired Up About Combustible Dust

    Dirk Willard
    June 20, 2022
    Take adequate steps to defuse dangers posed by such particles

    Maintenance: Make A Walkdown An Essential Step

    Dirk Willard
    May 18, 2022
    Inspecting operations can provide invaluable insights

    Polish Your Project Estimates

    Dirk Willard
    April 17, 2022
    Keep in mind a number of key points including the value of some padding

    Career Advice: Master Cold Calls

    Dirk Willard
    March 18, 2022
    Honing phone skills with vendors is important

    Career Advice: Appreciate The Help You Receive

    Dirk Willard
    Feb. 23, 2022
    Many people will have a hand in your successful project

    Sensibly Estimate Project Time And Cost

    Dirk Willard
    Jan. 26, 2022
    Properly account for the impact of the pandemic and other issues

    Profit From Portable Ultrasonic Flow Meters

    Dirk Willard
    Dec. 13, 2021
    Follow some practical pointers to properly use these handy devices

    Engineering Advice: Properly Vet Contractors

    Dirk Willard
    Oct. 19, 2021
    Some sensible steps can stave off unwelcome surprises

    Consider The Effects Of Global Warming

    Dirk Willard
    Sept. 20, 2021
    We won’t recognize chemical processing by 2100

    Utilities Pose Underappreciated Safety Risks

    Dirk Willard
    Aug. 18, 2021
    Air, water, steam and gas systems may harbor some unpleasant surprises

    Improve Communication With Contractors

    Dirk Willard
    July 24, 2021
    Better integrating them into our teams would boost safety significantly

    Design Management: See The Positive Side Of Insecurity

    Dirk Willard
    June 25, 2021
    Review of past decisions can show if they really were right

    Management: Keep Cool When Thawing Projects

    Dirk Willard
    May 24, 2021
    Changes since a proposal was frozen can pose risks and opportunities

    Intelligently Edit P&IDs

    Dirk Willard
    April 23, 2021
    Getting mechanical details right requires some knowledge of pipe construction

    Correctly Cope With Career Challenges

    Dirk Willard
    March 29, 2021
    Take some sage advice on dealing with touchy situations

    Concentrate On Critical Thinking

    Dirk Willard
    Feb. 16, 2021
    School teaches you how to learn not how to think

    Corrosion: Don’t Put Peddle To The Metal

    Dirk Willard
    Jan. 20, 2021
    The benefits of stainless steel sometimes blind users to its limitations

    Maintenance: Don’t Jump The Gun

    Dirk Willard
    Jan. 3, 2021
    Evaluate causes and service life left before rushing to repair

    Write Engineering Reports Right

    Dirk Willard
    Nov. 3, 2020
    Follow an effective format rather than rigid corporate standards

    9 Pointers To Do Pressure Relief Right

    Dirk Willard
    Oct. 9, 2020
    Consider these pointers to develop a suitable design

    Pipeline Cleaning Demands Care

    Dirk Willard
    Sept. 9, 2020
    The way you do the job and what you use really matters

    Maintenance: Inspect Your Inspection List

    Dirk Willard
    June 9, 2020
    Are you checking everything you should and at the right frequency?

    Essential Plants Need Effective Engineers

    Dirk Willard
    April 21, 2020
    Operating during a pandemic demands a different attitude and approach

    ChE Students: Take A Broader View

    Dirk Willard
    April 8, 2020
    A job in industry requires much more than chemical engineering.

    Protect Your Centrifugal Pumps

    Dirk Willard
    March 11, 2020
    Check if crucial ones lack sufficient safeguards