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A PFD should include:
Process Flow Diagram better known as PFD is one of very important charts in the engineering and process design. It gives a map of a process in a way that caricature displays the steps, equipment, and major facets of work. A well-constructed PFD should include the following elements:Process piping
Major equipment symbols, names and identification numbers
Control valves and valves that affect operation of the system
Interconnection with other systems
Major bypass and recirculation lines
System ratings and operational values as minimum, normal and maximum flow, temperature and pressure
Composition of fluids
Process Equipment: Include icons and images of all types of facilities and equipment that are employed in the process inclusive of pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, separators, reactor, distiller, and other big machinery. The name of each equipment symbol must be written on the symbol and a serial number added to it.
Piping: Process Equipment: Include representation of all centralized and principal equipment and machineries involved in the process including pumps, compressor, heat exchangers, separators, reactors and distillation columns among others. Essentially, every piece of equipment represented by an equipment type should have a name and a number assigned to it.
Valves: Add different symbols for the various valve types that are utilized in the process like; gate valves, globe valves, ball valves and control valves. Thus, valves should be labeled according to their designations as per the specifications of component of the system.
Instruments:Model the tools and devices that are employed to monitor and adjust the factors existing in the process. Examples of these are; flow meters, level indicators, temperature sensors, pressure transmitters and control valves. Every instrument should be described by the name and the number, which is peculiar to it.
Vessels and Tanks: Illustrate vessels and tanks used for storage, mixing, or separation within the process. These symbols should be labeled with capacity and, if relevant, levels.
Flow Direction and Arrows: Use arrows to indicate the direction of fluid flow through the process. Arrows show the sequence of operations and how materials move through the system.
Lines and Streams: It may also be noted that different sorts of line drawing may be employed for different sorts of fluid. For instance, a single line may contain a solid arrow may signify the liquid streams as opposed to the dotted lines containing the arrows which may represent the gas streams. It should be possible to identify all checkpoints of services, specifying to which line they refer, temperature, pressure, and any other pertinent data.
Labels and Annotations: Add tags in form of labels, symbols, and annotations to give further details about process conditions, pressures, temperature and even a mixture of fluids at different stages in the process.
Control and Safety Systems: Express the control systems, alarms and other safety elements which are an inherent aspect of the process and promotes safe and efficient working of the entire process.
Material and Energy Balances: Unit Operations: Construct Material and Energy Balance, wherein there should be a declaration of the amount of materials or utility in and out of the distinct process unit.
Equipment Numbers: It is recommended to give proper identification number to each equipment and instrumentation including tags for reference and maintenance.
Environmental Factors: Sometimes, it will be essential to incorporate data concerning emission or waste discharge, which is connected with the given process.
The details that can be incorporated into a PFD depend on the intricacy and function of the process in train. A good PFD acts as an essential reference that provides engineers, operators and other stakeholders with knowledge about the process in order for them get it right and make the right decisions which enhance efficiency and safety of the process.
what are process flow diagrams
Process Flow Diagrams PFDs in the oil and gas business are plots showing the key steps and sub-processes encountered in the production, treatment and transportation of oil and natural gas. Because of their systemic and holistic nature, PFD’s act as an essential means of communication and understanding for engineers, operators, and other players in the process. Here are the typical components and elements you might find in a PFD for the oil and gas industry:Here are the typical components and elements you might find in a PFD for the oil and gas industry:
Process Equipment: This section comprises different types of equipment, including; this part shows the pumps, compressor, separator, heat exchanger, and reactors used in the oil and gas facility to perform various processes.
Piping: Process lines interconnect the process equipment and elements, thus highlighting the direction of hydrocarbons, as well as the waters, steam, or chemicals. These lanes are marked with data concerning pipe’s dimensions, material, and direction of the liquid or gaseous media flow.
Valves: They include vents which are used in managing the movement of individuals and liquids in the system. Depending on the type it can be indicated with different sign where options are gate valves, globe valves, ball valves, etc.
Instruments: Some of the items to be identified for each instrument include symbols and labels that define them as either measurement instruments or control devices. Some include flow meter, level switches/indicator, temperature & pressure sensors and control valves.
Vessels and Tanks: These symbols refer to tanks and vessels for storage, for separating measures or other designed application within the process. There is a possibility of labeling them with capacities and levels as well.
Utilities: Auxiliaries like heat, cold, electric, or steam are often drawn on PFDs to indicate their connection with the general process.
Control and Safety Systems: Such items as symbols and indications of control systems, alarms, and safety features that are vital for the safe running of the facility may be part of PFDs.
Flow Direction and Arrows: Hyperscripted letters denote the process, arrows pointing at them symbolize the flow of the process. These arrows assist the views on how the processes are executed sequentially, and the hydrocarbon as well as other substances’ flow path.
Labels and Annotations: Thus, it is necessary to note that frequently PFDs contain labels, symbols, or annotations that may give information on the state of the process, temperatures, pressure or composition of fluids at some point in the system.
Lines and Streams: There are so many types of lines that you may use depending with the type of fluids that you are representing. For instance, a broken line might mean that the flow contains a gas stream while a solid line might mean a liquid stream is involved.
Material and Energy Balances: Some PFDs contain data regarding the material and energy, where and how much of the hydrocarbons, utilities, and byproducts are used or produced at various steps of the operation.
Equipment Numbers: Usually each piece of equipment and or instrumentation may be given a number for identification and /or maintenance.
PFDs are important in the design of the oil and gas facilities, in the process operations and even in the analysis of problems affecting the system. They give a logical and unambiguous means of depicting the activities and structures, which enables the engineers and operators to capture sound data that will help them make correct choices and guarantee the proper and safe courses of action.
Process Flow Diagram (PFD) - Chemical Engineering
A process flow diagram or PFD in the context of this writing is understood as a diagram, whose purpose is to display how a chemical process works. It is a general sketch of the process in which main machinery and the direction of flow of material through the process are outlined. PFDs are employed for describing or reporting process details, and when it comes to problem solving and enhancement of processes.
PFDs are generally drawn applying standard symbols that highlight several kinds of equipment such as pumps, mixers, reactors, and heat exchangers. An arrow shows the direction of movement of material through the equipment and the symbols are joined by lines.
PFDs can also include other information, such as:
- Stream labels and flow rates
- Pressure and temperature of streams
- Unit operations
- Control valves
- Bypass lines
- Relief valves
PFDs are essential tools for chemical engineers. They are used in a variety of tasks, including:
- Process design and development
- Process troubleshooting and improvement
- Process safety analysis
- Process documentation
- Communication with other engineers and plant personnel
Here is an example of a simple PFD for a chemical process:
PFD for a chemical process
This PFD illustrates the process in making ethanol from biomass and the flow of material through the process. The biomass is then fed to a reactor whereby a process transforms the biomass to ethanol as well as other products. The ethanol produced is then decanted and purified by distillation in order to get rid of the impurities contained in other products.
PFDs can be complex, depending on the complexity of the process. However, even the simplest PFD can be a valuable tool for understanding and communicating process information.
Here are some tips for creating a PFD:
- Start by identifying the major equipment in the process.
- Determine the flow of material between the equipment.
- Use standard symbols to represent the equipment.
- Label the streams and include flow rates, pressure, and temperature information.
- Identify any unit operations, control valves, bypass lines, or relief valves.
- Review the PFD with other engineers and plant personnel to ensure that it is accurate and complete.
process flow diagram of water treatment plant
Depending on the origin of the source water as well as the quality of the water desired at the output of the plant, the PFD of a water treatment plant is unique. However, a typical water treatment plant process flow diagram is as follows:However, a typical water treatment plant process flow diagram is as follows:
1. Raw water intake
Raw water later is collected from a source like a river, lake, or a reservoir among others.
2. Screening
The raw water is screened to remove large objects such as sticks, leaves, and fish.
3. Coagulation and flocculation
These are chemicals that when added to the raw water, they initiate coagulant where the suspended particles cluster together. This is known as coagulation and flocculation, I think it is one of the favorite processes for young students to learn in chemistry, since it sound like they might be in a fight with each other.
4. Sedimentation
A few of the coagulated and flocculated particles settle down to the bottom of a tank in sedimentation.
5. Filtration
The water is next filtered to ensure that no depositing particles are remaining after the process of clarification.
6. Disinfection
Then chlorine or ozone is put into the water to eliminate all the possible pathogenic microorganisms which might be present in the water.
7. Storage
The treated water is channeled in a tank after being treated with disinfectants before the product is availed to the customers.
Optional steps
In addition to the core steps listed above, some water treatment plants may also include the following optional steps:In addition to the core steps listed above, some water treatment plants may also include the following optional steps:
- Aeration: The dissolved gases like hydrogen sulfide are removed from the raw water by the help of aeration process.
- Lime softening: Therefore this process of lime softening is applied in an effort to remove hardness from the raw water.
- Activated carbon adsorption: The treatment process of the raw water also involves the use of activated carbon adsorption with a view of eliminating organic pollutants.
- Reverse osmosis: Another process that is to be applied involves the removal of dissolved solids from the raw water through reverse osmosis.
It should be noted that the individual steps that are charted out on a process flow diagram of a water treatment plant will vary depending on the quality of the source water and the quality of the final water intended to be produced.
Here is an example of a process flow diagram for a typical water treatment plant:Here is an example of a process flow diagram for a typical water treatment plant:
This paper will present a process flow diagram of a water treatment plant.
The following shows the treatment process of raw water to produce drinking water; The raw water then undergoes screening, and then is coagulated and flocculated to achieve an establishment of the floc of suspended mater. If in a coagulated or flocculated state the particles are eliminated by sedimentation and filtration. The presented water undergoes the process of chlorination to inactivate any microbial forms and is kept in a tank before it reaches the customer.
process flow diagram of water treatment plant
The process flow diagram of a water treatment plant varies depending on the source water quality and the desired end product standards. However, a typical water treatment plant process flow diagram is as follows:
1. Raw water intake
The raw water is taken from a source such as a river, lake, or reservoir.
2. Screening
The raw water is screened to remove large objects such as sticks, leaves, and fish.
3. Coagulation and flocculation
Chemicals are added to the raw water to cause the suspended particles to clump together. This process is called coagulation and flocculation.
4. Sedimentation
The coagulated and flocculated particles settle to the bottom of a tank in a process called sedimentation.
5. Filtration
The clarified water is passed through filters to remove any remaining suspended particles.
6. Disinfection
A disinfectant, such as chlorine or ozone, is added to the water to kill any harmful microorganisms.
7. Storage
The disinfected water is stored in a reservoir before it is distributed to customers.
Optional steps
In addition to the core steps listed above, some water treatment plants may also include the following optional steps:
- Aeration: Aeration is used to remove dissolved gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, from the raw water.
- Lime softening: Lime softening is used to remove hardness from the raw water.
- Activated carbon adsorption: Activated carbon adsorption is used to remove organic contaminants from the raw water.
- Reverse osmosis: Reverse osmosis is used to remove dissolved solids from the raw water.
The specific steps that are included in a water treatment plant process flow diagram will depend on the source water quality and the desired end product standards.
Here is an example of a process flow diagram for a typical water treatment plant:
Process flow diagram for a water treatment plant
This diagram shows the various steps involved in treating raw water to produce drinking water. The raw water is first screened to remove large objects, and then coagulated and flocculated to form clumps of suspended particles. The coagulated and flocculated particles are then removed through sedimentation and filtration. The filtered water is then disinfected to kill any harmful microorganisms, and stored in a reservoir before it is distributed to customers.
System Flow Diagram
As for the oil and gas, SFD means that is a diagram of the System Flow for the oil and gas from the reservoir to the consumer. It indicates the primary apparatus and operations, and the movement of fluids and gases through the said apparatus in detail. SFDs are used for execution and management of the oil and gas facilities.
A typical System Flow Diagram for oil and gas includes the following elements:A typical SFD for oil and gas includes the following elements:
- Reservoir: This is where the oil and or the gas is stored below the earth surface in a given reservoir.
- Wellhead: It is the termination of the well through which the oil and gas come out at the surface.
- Flowline: The flowline refers to the pipeline that transports the oil and or gas from the well head to the processing plant.
- Processing facility: The processing facility is the point at which the oil as well as the gas are separated in addition to being refined.
- Pipeline: The pipeline is that pipe which transports the processed oil and gas to the user end or the consumer.
Other elements that may be included in an SFD for oil and gas include:Other elements that may be included in an SFD for oil and gas include:
- Gathering system: The term gathering system can be defined as the system of pipelines that transports the oil and the gas from various wells to the processing plant.
- Storage tanks: Storage tanks are employed in the oil and gas industry to hold the crude products prior to the time it is shipped to the consumer.
- Compressor stations: These are facilities that are employed to raise the pressure of the oil and the gas in order to be able to move them through pipelines.
- Pumping stations: Boosting stations are employed to raise the flow rate of the oil and gas in order to transport it for say over long distances.
- Metering stations: Measuring stations or metering stations are required to measure the flow rate and the volume of the oil and /or the gas.
The concepts of SFDs are very relevant to the profession of oil and gas engineers. They are used in a variety of tasks, including:They are used in a variety of tasks, including:
- Process design and development
- Process troubleshooting and improvement
- Process safety analysis
- Process documentation
- Communication with other engineers and plant personnel
Here is an example of a simple SFD for an oil and gas production facility:
SFD for an oil and gas production facility
This SFD presents the pipeline that explains how the oil and the gas gets from the reservoir to the sale point. The oil and gas is produced from the reservoir and get to the flowline then to the processing facility. The oil and gas is processed and purified at the processing facility and then perhaps stored in storage tanks. The oil and gas gets to the point of sale through a pipeline.
This is as a result of the fact that SFDs can be intricate depending on the status of the oil and gas facility. Nevertheless, even the basic SFD can be useful as an analytical tool for assessing, as well as for presenting, the movement of oil and gas through the facility.