Was Murphy Wrong? Thoughts on the Application of Murphy’s Law to the Operation and Design of Chemical Plants

Abstract

We’ve all heard of Murphy’s Law. It has been stated in various forms, generally something like “If something can go wrong, it will go wrong, and at the worst possible time.” We often quote Murphy’s Law, often in a light-hearted or joking context. But, do we really believe it? What effect does our belief in Murphy’s Law have on how we actually operate and design chemical plants? Is our application of Murphy’s Law appropriate? How should we be using Murphy’s Law?