TriplePoint.Threads by TriplePoint.Engineering

Relief devices are the last line of defense when pressure builds up in a vessel or pipeline and things start to go sideways. Whether it’s a runaway reaction, a blocked outlet, or fire exposure, you need a way to vent that pressure safely. But sizing these devices isn’t just about plugging numbers into a spreadsheet. It’s about understanding the physics of what’s happening inside the system—and that’s where DIERS comes in. DIERS (Design Institute for Emergency Relief Systems) revolutionized how we think about emergency venting. Before DIERS, most relief systems were sized using vapor-only assumptions. That worked fine for simple systems, but it failed miserably for reactive or foamy ones. DIERS showed that two-phase flow—where gas and liquid vent together—can choke the vent line, reduce flow efficiency, and lead to catastrophic failure if not properly accounted for. So let’s break it down. Why do we care? How do we calculate it? And what does DIERS actually tell us?   ...

In the world of industrial engineering, the pressure to deliver reliable , safe , and cost-efficient plant operations has never been greater. Whether you're managing a chemical plant, a food processing facility, or a power generation site, the challenges are complex, and the stakes are high. At TriplePoint.Engineering, we specialize in helping plant managers and engineering teams achieve operational excellence through tailored consulting, training, and project execution. In this post, we’ll explore the most common challenges in plant operations and share actionable strategies to overcome them.   Common Challenges Faced by Plant Managers Despite technological advancements, many industrial plants continue to struggle with: Unplanned downtime due to reactive maintenance Inefficient processes that waste energy and resources Safety risks from outdated systems or poor training Skill gaps in process engineering and project execution Increasing fixe...

  The Triple Point Principle: A Thermodynamic Metaphor for Industrial Project Success In thermodynamics, the triple point is a rare equilibrium where a substance exists in solid, liquid, and gas simultaneously. It’s not just a scientific curiosity, it’s a metaphor we embrace at TriplePoint.Engineering . In industrial project management, the three states become Cost , Schedule, Scope which determine overall Quality . These elements must coexist in harmony. Change one, and the others will respond. Push too hard on cost quality will suffer. Accelerate the schedule, and costs can spiral. Over-engineer for scope, and timelines may collapse. “You can’t have it all, but you can have enough, if you balance wisely.” This is the Triple Point Principle,  a concept that should guide every industrial project, from greenfield construction to brownfield upgrades, from chemical plants to you name it. It is universal law.   The Risk of Imbalance: Real-World Lessons from the...

Something goes wrong, a failure, a defect, a safety incident, and the Root Cause Investigation (RCI) begins. But instead of digging deep, the team lands on: “It was a communication issue.” “The procedure wasn’t followed.” “Training was insufficient.” These are contributing factors, not root causes. They’re symptoms. And if we stop there, we’re not solving the problem, we’re just treating the noise. The real issue remains buried, ready to resurface.   The Real Root Cause Is Often Uncomfortable True root causes are rarely convenient. They often point to: Flawed systems or processes Leadership blind spots Organizational culture Conflicting priorities Lack of ownership or accountability These are hard to face. They require change. That’s why teams often settle for easier answers, ones that feel actionable but don’t challenge the status quo. It’s easier to retrain staff than to redesign a broken process. Easier to blame communication than to confront misa...

The last weld is inspected. The system is commissioned. The plant hums to life. The project team moves on. And somewhere, months later, the “as-built” documentation trickles in. This is the reality of project closure in capital-intensive industries. It’s not a clean finish. It’s a slow fade. And in that fade, vital information is lost.     As-Built Files: Late, Light, and Lacking By the time the general mechanical contractor delivers the final documentation, the project is already in operation. The team that built it? Long gone. The team that runs it? Often unaware of what’s missing. And what’s missing is more than just equipment manuals. It’s the full technical backbone of the asset: Specification sheets Design calculations Relief scenarios Control narratives Commissioning reports Warranty conditions These aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re essential for safe, efficient, and compliant operations. Yet 10 years down the l...