AnswerQuestion: What is the primary purpose of a minimum effective rate (MER) in chemical process design?

Tue, 05 May 2026 10:29:59 +0000

Understanding the Primary Purpose of Minimum Effective Rate (MER) in Chemical Process Design In chemical process design, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount. One key performance metric that engineers focus on is the Minimum Effective Rate (MER)—a vital parameter that influences design decisions, equipment sizing, and overall process economics. But what exactly is the primary purpose of MER, and why does it matter? ### What Is Minimum Effective Rate (MER)? The Minimum Effective Rate refers to the lowest allowable flow or throughput rate at which a chemical process operates efficiently while maintaining desired product quality, safety, and profitability. Unlike nominal or peak flow rates, MER represents the threshold below which process performance degrades, potentially leading to inefficiencies, poor yields, or equipment issues.