The chemical and petrochemical industries are the engines of modern society, producing everything from the fuels that power our world to the polymers and pharmaceuticals that define our quality of life. At the heart of these complex processes lies an often-overlooked but absolutely critical component: process cooling. Without the precise management of heat, chemical reactions would spiral out of control, equipment would fail, and safety would be compromised.

This book serves as a comprehensive guide to the principles, design, operation, and maintenance of process cooling systems. It is written for a diverse audience, including young engineers entering the field, experienced professionals seeking to optimize their systems, and students of chemical or mechanical engineering who need a practical, real-world perspective. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience across a global spectrum of projects, this text demystifies the intricate world of process cooling. We will journey from the foundational thermodynamics to the sophisticated technologies of today, with a constant focus on safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. It is my sincere hope that this book will be a valuable resource, empowering you to design, manage, and operate cooling systems that are not only robust and reliable but also sustainable and forward-looking.