Distillation Operation

I've been using Henry Kister's books since long time. Started as a master student and now at work. Every time I used it I ended up with a solution or at least hints for my problems. Distillation Operation is an essential book if you consider work on distillation and/or absorption. It is essential because provides knowledge based on experience in operation, points out on common operational and design mistakes and help troubleshooting. Book's structure is very easy to follow and has got a wide range of references and good real examples. If you look for more fundamental design rules I'd recommend combine this one with Henry's Distillation Design.

I found this a very good reference on distillation, and a worthwhile resource on the PE exam. It however, as expected, assumes you understand interphase mass transfer and distillation theory.

This is the more complete book on practical aspects of distillation and absorption. From design (together with the companion book Distillation Design) to startup and troubleshoot. The last subject is also covered by other books, relating to the subject himself, but on distillation and absorption columns this is the only book not out-of-print; note that it covers also mechanical aspects usually fund only on Best Prectices by Engineering and Contracting Company.