ZAMBEZE UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
INDUSTRIAL – LABOR PROCESS ENGINEERING COURSE
TECHNICAL ENGLISH
BASIC PROCESS ENGINEERING TERMINOLOGIES
NAMES:
André Filimão Mazive
Hassane Mariamo Abobacar
Jojó Augusto Carlos
Junaid Júlio Gustavo
Sergio Julião Duarte
Shelsea Joaquim Chiria
Saulo Pinto Caliche
TEACHER:
Mr. Coimbra
BEIRA, 2024
André Filimão Mazive
Hassane Mariamo Abobacar
Jojó Augusto Carlos
Junaid Júlio Gustavo
Sergio Julião Duarte
Shelsea Joaquim Chiria
Saulo Pinto Caliche
BASIC PROCESS ENGINEERING TERMINOLOGIES
Work to be delivered to the discipline of
English, in the course of Industrial Process
Engineering, of the Faculty of Sciences and
Technologies, Zambeze University.
TEACHER:
Mr. Coimbra
Beira, May 2024
INDEX
1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 1
2 BASIC PROCESS ENGINEERING TERMINOLOGIES ................................. 2
2.1 Meaning And Definition Of Process Engineering ......................................... 2
2.2 History Of Process Engineering ..................................................................... 2
2.3 Principal Areas Of Focus In Process Engineering ........................................ 3
2.4 Key Elements Of Process Engineering........................................................... 4
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................... 5
BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCE ............................................................................... 6
1 INTRODUCTION
In the realm of industrial operations, Process Engineering stands as a pivotal
discipline, tasked with the design, implementation, control, and optimization of various
processes. These processes, spanning from rudimentary mechanical actions to intricate
biochemical transformations, serve as the linchpin for converting raw materials into
refined products while concurrently minimizing waste and maximizing profitability. This
introduction aims to elucidate fundamental terminologies intrinsic to process engineering,
offering a foundational understanding of its core principles and practices.
1
2 BASIC PROCESS ENGINEERING TERMINOLOGIES
Process: A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.
Unit Operation: A basic step in a chemical process, such as distillation, filtration,
or reaction.
Mass Balance: The accounting of mass entering and leaving a system.
Heat Transfer: The movement of heat from one substance to another.
Chemical Reaction: The transformation of one or more substances into different
substances.
Process Flow Diagram (PFD): A simplified schematic representation of a
process showing the flow of materials.
Equipment: Machinery or tools used in a process, such as reactors, pumps, or
valves.
2.1 MEANING AND DEFINITION OF PROCESS ENGINEERING
Process engineering is an area that focus on designing, implementing,
controlling, and optimizing industrial process. These processes can range from
simple mechanical operations to complex biochemical reactions.
Process engineering are responsible for transforming raw materials into
finished products or commodities while minimizing waste and maximizing
profits.
Process engineers use scientific principles and engineering techniques to
develop and improve processes in industries ranging from chemical
manufacturing to food processing.
2.2 HISTORY OF PROCESS ENGINEERING
Process Engineering has ancient roots, dating back to fermentation and
evaporation operations carried out by ancient civilizations. However, Modern
Process Engineering emerged with the development of large-scale chemical
manufacturing operations in the latter half of the 19th century.
During the Industrial Revolution, the demand for products increased
significantly, and process engineers were needed to optimize the processes for
creating these products.
2
Adam Smith, in 1776, introduced the world to the Industrial Revolution
through his iconic book "The Wealth of Nations." He discussed what he called the
"Division of Labor" and used the example of manufacturing metal pins to
demonstrate the benefits of this division. Each person, working on a specific part
of the process, could produce far more pins in a day than if they worked separately
and independently.
Frederick Winslow Taylor, in the 19th century, focused on improving
industrial engineering processes. He scientifically studied work, standardized
processes, systematically trained employees, and established solid management
structures.
Peter Drucker, on the other hand, emphasized simplification and
decentralization, creating the concept of "knowledge workers." He also
maintained a continuous focus on customer service. These approaches have
shaped the way we work to this day.
2.3 PRINCIPAL AREAS OF FOCUS IN PROCESS ENGINEERING
Process engineering works mainly in the following areas:
Process Design: Creating and optimizing the layout and sequence of
operations in a process.
Process Control: Developing systems to monitor and adjust process
variables to ensure desired outcomes.
Process Safety: Identifying and mitigating hazards associated with
chemical processes to protect workers and the environment.
Energy Efficiency: Optimizing the use of energy resources to minimize
waste and reduce costs.
Sustainability: Incorporating environmentally friendly practices to
minimize the impact of processes on the planet.
3
2.4 KEY ELEMENTS OF PROCESS ENGINEERING
The key elements of process engineering are:
Process Flowcharts: Diagrams representing the sequence of operations in a
process.
Equipment: Machinery and tools used to carry out unit operations in a process.
Instrumentation and Control: Sensors, controllers, and valves used to monitor
and regulate process variables.
Process Simulation: Modeling and predicting the behavior of processes to
optimize performance.
Optimization: Continuously seeking improvements in process efficiency,
productivity, and quality.
Energy Efficiency: Optimizing the use of energy in industrial processes.
4
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the domain of Process Engineering, although rooted in antiquity,
has burgeoned into a sophisticated field crucial for modern industrial operations. Through
the epochs, luminaries like Adam Smith, Frederick Winslow Taylor, and Peter Drucker
have indelibly shaped its trajectory, accentuating the imperatives of optimization, safety,
and sustainability. Today, the purview of process engineering spans diverse realms, from
process design and control to safety and sustainability, embodying a relentless pursuit of
efficiency, productivity, and quality in industrial processes. As the exigencies of the
contemporary era evolve, so too must the paradigms of process engineering, steadfast in
their commitment to innovation and progress.
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BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCE
1. Peters, M. S., Timmerhaus, K. D., & West, R. E. (2003). Plant design and
economics for chemical engineers. McGraw-Hill Education
2. SINNOTT, R. K. (2005). Chemical Engineering Design. Butterworth-
Heinemann.
3. Smith, J. M., Van Ness, H. C., & Abbott, M. M. (2005). Introduction to chemical
engineering thermodynamics. McGraw-Hill Education
