Impact of technology transfer on process engineering in developing countries

Imperfect o r total lack of any effective technology transfer was a major reason for the very limited usefulness of many post-war aid programmes. The paper describes the more sensitive regions of oil refining, petrochemicals and industrial chemicals process design, plant installation and operation which bear on the success or failure of the transfer. The first requirement is a satisfactory availability of technical manpower. In sectors where there is a large investment per unit of production a good deal can 'be left' t o external engineering organizations but where, as in plastic fabrication, the investment of capital is low the demand on indigenous engineering and science skills will be higher. Some technologies, such as refrigeration or desalination are key ones for seeding the local development of engineering skills. Moreover, with manpower development in mind, the investment programme should be staggered to ensure integration with related sectors. Mechanical engineering is a key skill and plans to develop this in the educational system and investment programme of the receiving country should be part of the strategy. Two very important common failings are inattention to critical detail during the initial stages of a project and the fallacy that the process must be designed to minimize capital investment. Plant reliability in a hostile climate and with poor maintenance is a more important consideration than costs. The paper concludes with lists of critical off-site and on-site features and decisions needing attention in the design stage and gives useful guidelines for the selection of plant managers and staff.