All Chapters Included
, Chapter 1
1.1 Block Flow Diagram (BFD)
Process Flow Diagram (PFD)
Piping and Instrument Diagrams (P&ID)
(a) PFD
(b) BFD
(c) PFD or P&ID
(d) P&ID
(e) P&ID
1.2 P&ID
1.3 It is important for a process engineer to be able to review a 3-dimensional model prior to
the construction phase to check for clearance, accessibility, and layout of equipment,
piping, and instrumentation.
1.4 (1) Clearance for tube bundle removal on a heat exchanger.
(2) NPSH on a pump – affects the vertical separation of feed vessel and pump inlet.
(3) Accessibility of an instrument for an operator – must be able to read a PI or
change/move a valve.
(4) Separation between equipment for safety reasons – reactors and compressors.
(5) Crane access for removing equipment.
(6) Vertical positioning of equipment to allow for gravity flow of liquid.
(7) Hydrostatic head for thermosiphon reboiler – affects height of column skirt.
1.5 Plastic models are no longer made because they are too expensive and difficult to
change/revise. These models have been replaced with virtual/E-model using 3-D CAD.
Both types of model allow revision of critical equipment and instrument placement to
ensure access, operability, and safety.
1.6 Another reason to elevate the bottom of a tower is to provide enough hydrostatic head
driving force to operate a thermosiphon reboiler.
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