Best Chemical Plant Design Books of 2026

Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook, 9th Edition is an industry-standard resource that provides comprehensive coverage of every aspect of chemical engineering, from the fundamentals to the state of the art. This fully updated edition includes topics such as physical and chemical data, mathematics, thermodynamics, and waste management. It also covers bio-based reactions and processing, process safety, and materials of construction. The book is a must-have for engineers and chemists looking for vital information, data, and insights. Overall, Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook is an invaluable resource that is both informative and practical.

Make Ink: A Forager’s Guide to Natural Inkmaking by Jason Logan is a fascinating book that explores the art and science of making eco-friendly inks from natural pigments found on the streets. Logan’s book is a comprehensive guide that covers everything from foraging for materials to testing ink on paper. He encourages experimentation and emphasizes the beauty of handmade inks. With lovely minimalist photography throughout, Make Ink combines science, art, and craft to instill the basics of ink making and demonstrates the beauty and necessity of engaging with one of humankind’s oldest tools of communication.

The Art and Science of Natural Dyes by Joy Boutrup and Catharine Ellis is a comprehensive guide for dyers and printers who want to understand the process of natural dyeing. The book covers every aspect of natural dyeing, from theory to fibers, mordants, dyes, printing, and finishing. With over 450 samples and detailed information on organic indigo vats, the book is an ideal resource for dyers of all levels of experience. What makes this book unique is its emphasis on safe and sustainable practices, making it a must-have for anyone interested in natural dyeing.

Botanical Inks: Plant-to-Print Dyes, Techniques and Projects is a must-read for anyone interested in sustainable and mindful crafting. Author Babs Behan shares her expertise on how to extract natural color from plants, garden produce, and recycled food, and turn them into dyes and inks for textiles, clothing, paper, and more. The book covers various dyeing and surface application techniques, including Shibori tie-dyeing and block printing, and provides step-by-step instructions for each project. Behan's passion for sustainable practices and the environment shines through in her writing, making this book not only informative but also inspiring.

The A Working Guide to Process Equipment, Fifth Edition is an extensively updated guide that offers the latest methods for troubleshooting and maintaining process equipment across a broad range of industries. The book is designed to help diagnose, troubleshoot and correct problems without complex equations, making it an easy read for anyone. The book is filled with real-world examples and illustrations, making it easy to apply theory to real-world plant operation problems. The author, Elizabeth T. Lieberman, is a chemical engineer with over three decades of experience in the process industries. This book is a must-have for chemical plant designers and engineers.

Troubleshooting Process Operations is an essential guide for novice and experienced troubleshooters. The author, Norm Lieberman, uses his 45 years of experience in the petrochemical and refining industry to provide practical advice on how to identify and solve problems associated with specific processes, systems, and equipment. The fourth edition has been updated with new chapters on turbines, motors, heat exchangers, and environmentally friendly operations. The book also includes troubleshooting checklists and references, making it a valuable resource for optimizing interactions with key plant operations personnel. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone working in the chemical plant design industry.

Hybrid Power: Generation, Storage, and Grids is a comprehensive guide for advanced students, researchers, and industry professionals interested in the basics, technologies, and applications of hybrid energy systems. The book covers various forms and applications of hybrid energy systems, hybrid energy storage, hybrid microgrids, and hybrid off-grid energy systems, as well as simulation and optimization of hybrid renewable energy systems. The author provides valuable insights into the future of energy systems and how technological interventions can create a more inclusive and resilient energy system. Highly recommended for those interested in introducing hybrid energy into existing systems.

William Leffler's Petroleum Refining in Nontechnical Language, Fourth Edition is an excellent resource for anyone seeking an overview of the refining industry. The book uses easy-to-understand analogies, graphs, formulas, and illustrations to explain complex concepts. The latest edition includes new information on crude oil and raw materials, lubricants, and the latest technologies used by refiners. The book is suitable for self-study, classroom use, or as a quick reference guide. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to any chemical plant design library.

PPI PE Chemical Practice is a comprehensive practice book for the NCEES Chemical PE exam. The book contains exam-like practice problems, step-by-step calculations, and references to the NCEES PE Chemical Reference Handbook. Topics covered range from Fluids and Thermodynamics to Chemical Plant Design and Workplace Safety. The author, Michael R. Lindeburg, PE, is a well-known author of engineering textbooks and references. This book is an excellent resource for anyone preparing for the PE Chemical exam.

Rules of Thumb for Chemical Engineers, Sixth Edition, is a comprehensive guide that provides reliable solutions to on-the-job problems for chemical and process engineers. The book includes hundreds of common sense techniques, shortcuts, and calculations that help solve process design problems quickly, accurately, and safely. This book is an exhaustive and complete guide to common rules of thumb and formulas used by chemical and process engineers in the industry. Overall, this book is an essential reference that can save time, improve accuracy, and reduce reliance on consultants.