Chemical Engineering May 2016 - 5

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ChemiCal engineering www.Chemengonline.Com may 2016
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Communicating in acronyms
L
anguage evolves. As the needs of the users change, language
adapts to meet those needs. One way to adapt is to add new
words. " Selfie, " for example, now a well-known word, has only
been in popular use for a few years. Additional examples of
new words come to mind rather quickly, such as emoji, and photobomb;
and some old words have taken on new meaning - for
example, tweet.
The popularity of texting (itself a rather recent word, shortened from
text messaging) has brought with it a seemingly whole new language
- the abbreviated word form of acronyms. There are numerous resources
online to help those of us who are not regular " texters " to sort
through the maze of acronyms such as AFK, BRB and TTYL (away
from keyboard, be right back, talk to you later).
But acronyms are not new. When a group of words is used often,
whether in personal communications or in business, we find ways to
shorten it. Some acronyms were in common use long before technology
allowed for the popularity of texting, such as FYI and ASAP (for
your information, as soon as possible).
And in business situations, trade-specific acronyms abound. Terms
like SEO (search engine optimization) may be well-known across multiple
business segments, while other terms may be known only within
a specific area.
The abbreviated CPI
In the chemical process industries (CPI), we commonly come across
numerous acronyms - FEED, PSV, HAZOP, PSM, PFD, FCC and
P&ID to name a few (front-end engineering and design, process
safety valve, hazard and operability study, process safety management,
process flow diagram, fluid catalytic cracking, and piping and
instrumentation diagram). Most chemical engineers would probably
recognize these acronyms and know what they mean in their industry.
Others, however, may have different ideas as to what they stand for.
When I type PFD into my browser, for example, the top responses are
about personal flotation devices.
Even within the CPI, various sectors and experts in their fields use
abbreviations that may not be immediately recognized or known to
many chemical engineers. Examples might include MBBR, CCS and
PSA (moving-bed biofilm reactor, carbon capture and storage, pressure
swing adsorption). Sometimes meanings can become clear
through context, but not always. Experts in specific subject areas are
often surprised to learn that the acronyms they commonly use are not
well-known to all chemical engineers, and in fact, might have a different
meaning in another sector of the CPI.
Acronyms and abbreviations are great tools for fast communication.
We have to keep in mind, though, that the main purpose of language
is communication. If the recipient of our acronyms and abbreviations
doesn't understand them, then we have failed in
that endeavor.
In this issue
This issue covers a broad range of topics, including
mixer designs, agitator seals, petroleum refining,
reliability, flame monitoring, dust hazards, cybersecurity
for industrial control systems and much more.
We hope you enjoy it.
■
Dorothy Lozowski, Editor in Chief
5
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Chemical Engineering May 2016

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Chemical Engineering May 2016
