Distillation in Nontechnical Language

• Understand the fundamentals of distillation through
  clear, nontechnical explanations.
• Learn how vaporization, condensation, reflux, trays,
  and reboilers work together in a distillation system.
• Connect core distillation principles to real-world
  operating performance.
• Gain practical insight from decades of refinery and
  plant experience.
• Improve your ability to recognize common causes of
  poor separation and operating inefficiencies.
• Develop a stronger understanding of what occurs
  inside a distillation tower.
• Learn how operating conditions affect product
  quality, recovery, and efficiency.
• Apply practical concepts to everyday operating,
  troubleshooting, and optimization decisions.
• Build confidence discussing distillation processes
  with engineers, operators, and technical teams.
• Use a straightforward reference that bridges the gap
  between theory and plant operations.

• New engineers seeking a practical introduction to
  distillation.
• Refinery, petrochemical, and chemical plant
  operators.
• Process engineers responsible for tower performance
  and optimization.
• Technical service and process support personnel.
• Operations supervisors and plant managers.
• Maintenance and reliability professionals working
  around process units.
• Industry professionals transitioning into process
  operations roles.
• Sales and business professionals supporting refining
  and chemical markets.
• Engineering students looking for an accessible
  explanation of distillation fundamentals.
• Anyone seeking a clear, practical understanding of
  distillation technology.

Norman P. Lieberman is one of the industry’s most respected
experts in distillation and refinery operations. He received the American Institute of Chemical Engineers award for the “Practical Art of Application of Distillation Technology in Chemical and Refinery Plants” in 2023, as well as the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award from Hydrocarbon Processing Magazine.

A graduate of Cooper Union, Lieberman has more than 61 years
of experience spanning process design, plant operations, and troubleshooting across refining and petrochemical facilities. He has led engineering, operations, and executive roles, and later founded Process Improvement Engineering, specializing in solving complex refinery process challenges.

Lieberman is the author of 11 technical books and a renowned
instructor whose seminars have trained more than 23,000 engineers and operators worldwide. His work is grounded in real-world application, making complex process concepts practical, accessible, and immediately useful.

Even today, he remains actively engaged in engineering,
teaching, and running—bringing the same energy and discipline to his work as he has throughout his career.