, 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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, 1.7 (a) PFD or P&ID
(b) PFD
(c) PFD
(d) P&ID
(e) BFD (or all PFDs)
1.8 A pipe rack provides a clear path for piping within and between processes. It keeps piping
off the ground to eliminate tripping hazards and elevates it above roads to allow vehicle
access.
1.9 A structure – mounted vertical plant layout is preferred when land is at a premium and the
process must have a small foot print. The disadvantage is that it is more costly because of
the additional structural steel.
1.10 (a) BFD – No change
PFD – Efficiency changed on fired heater, resize any heat exchanger used to extract
heat from the flue gas (economizer)
P&ID – Resize fuel and combustion air lines and instrumentation for utilities to fired
heater. Changes for design changed of economizer (if present)
(b) BFD – Change flow of waste stream in overall material balance
PFD – Change stream table
P&ID – Change pipe size and any instrumentation for this process line
(c) BFD – No change
PFD – Add a spare drive, e.g. D-301 → D-301 A/B
P&ID – Add parallel drive
(d) BFD – No change
PFD – No change
P&ID – Note changes of valves on diagram
1.11 (a) A new vessel number need not be used, but it would be good practice to add a letter to
donate a new vessel, e.g. V-203 → V-203N. This will enable an engineer to locate the
new process vessel sheet and vendor information.
(b) P&ID definitely
PFD change/add the identifying letter.
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