Practical engineering for lab & pilot systems
Creating reactor systems that actually work.
The science defines what you need to test. The engineering determines whether you can test it accurately, reliably, and safely. Practical Reactor Systems covers the design, equipment specification, automation, commissioning, and troubleshooting required to turn experimental requirements into a working physical system.
Featured article
Process Device or Safety Device? The Question We Never Ask About Check Valves
Is a check valve a process device or a safety device? A shared-helium reverse-flow incident shows why the distinction matters for valve selection, maintenance, and verification.
Reactor Systems
Design, equipment selection, flow systems, pressure control, reactor configuration, and practical design topics.
Explore categoryAutomation & Instrumentation
PLC architecture, control philosophy, instrumentation, alarms, interlocks, and data acquisition.
Explore categoryProcess Safety
Safeguards, failure scenarios, PHA considerations, pressure protection, and abnormal operation.
Explore categoryLatest Articles
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Engineering Notes
Focused observations from designing, operating, and reviewing lab and pilot reactor systems.
Engineering Note · 06
A Bypass Can Help Startup—and Defeat Control
A small bypass line around a control valve can make startup easier—but can also defeat the control strategy if left open.
Engineering Note · 05Don't Overlook Dead Legs in Sampling Systems
Don't overlook dead legs in sampling systems. They can create slow response and misleading analytical readings.
Engineering Note · 07Pressure Doesn't Disappear When the Pump Stops
One thing I look for immediately when reviewing a reactor feed system is what happens when the pump stops but reactor pressure remains.
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Practical experience behind the engineering.
Kevin Bazazzadeh has a background in chemical R&D, laboratory reactor design and construction, automation and control systems, and process safety. Practical Reactor Systems focuses on the details that determine whether a laboratory or pilot-scale system works in the real world.
About Kevin