4. Process diagram

The process diagram follows on from the block diagram. It provides a symbolic representation of all the main process equipment, with all the main connecting lines and utility supplies. Depending on the industry, storage facilities may also be represented. It can still retain a functional symbolism, at least in part.

The process designer's work begins in the exploration phase, during which several variants are compared on the basis of three criteria: technical, economic and environmental. The selected scheme is completed during the process development phase, and revised if necessary during the plant validation phase. Finally, it is customized to the customer's needs in the marketing phase. Its realization requires the participation of chemists, biochemists, physical-chemists, product designers, as well as specialists in chemical engineering and engineering... in...