Lesson 1, Topic 1
In Progress
Block Flow Diagram (BFD)
- BFD shows overall processing picture of a chemical complex
- Flow of raw materials and products may be included on a BFD
- BFD is a superficial view of facility – ChE information is missing
- Useful as an orientation tool
- Used to sketch out and screen potential process alternatives.
// Block Flow Process Diagram
- –Starting point for developing PFD
- –Helpful in conceptualizing new processes Similar to sketches in material and energy balances
// Block Flow Process Diagram
- Gives a general view of a large complex plant
- Limited information is provided
// The Generic Block Flow Process Diagram
There are features common to all chemical processes. The Figure below provides a generic Block Flow Process Diagram that shows a chemical process broken down into six basic areas or blocks.
- Each of these blocks may contain several unit operations. For example, A separation section might contain (four distillation columns, two flash units, and a liquid-liquid decanter)
- Reactor Feed preparation and Separator Feed Preparation sections mainly involve changing the conditions (temperature and pressure) of the process streams to the conditions required by the reactor or separator.