ABSTRACT
In the “real world” of industry and commerce¸ to have discovered an innovative material or method is only part of the way to success, implementation is often the larger and more difficult part.
This book is about removal of unwanted solutes – Cr and As – from water, by “chemical” (e.g. adsorption or ion exchange (IX)) or “physical” (e.g. membranes) means or combinations thereof. However, this chapter deals with administration rather than technology and is designed to help readers understand the sometimes complex pathway between a technical discovery and a commercial operating plant. The content of the chapter is based on the personal experiences of the author, an Australian chemical engineer with over 45 years experience in water treatment, none of it in research and much of it directly in the provision of capital plant for power stations, heavy industry and drinking water applications. In particular, he has substantial experience, both as an employee and independent contractor or consultant, in working on specifications, bids, contracts and start-ups for both end-users of plant and plant suppliers. He also has considerable experience in the preparation of organizational standards covering the commercial, contractual and administrative sections of all specifications.
