What Are Block Flow Diagrams?
Block flow diagrams, like normal flow diagrams, are a schematic, visual presentation of certain events or processes. Block flow diagrams can be created to illustrate the events in just one process or even a serial of processes, connected to each other. Like regular flow diagrams, block flow diagrams, also called BFDs, should have a start and a logical, definite end. Block flow diagrams are extensively used in fields such as engineering. These block flow diagrams come of great use to sketch the processing of pipes, recording process flow streams of liquids, solids or gases through pipes and ducts or even of solids being transported through conveyor belts. Whatever the need, block flow diagrams cater to all of them, considerably simplifying otherwise complex processes. Each block in a block flow diagram represents a particular unit of operation. Each of these units are connected with arrows, indicating the flow of control of the block flow diagram. These arrows usually move vertically downwards, from the top to the bottom, or from the left to the right. Block flow diagrams also use decision boxes wherever necessary, so as to help the engineer decide which path to take, so as to finish the job quicker and more efficiently. In order that the block flow diagram helps you the most, you should strictly follow some rules. Here are a set of do's and don'ts for drawing a block flow diagram: · All units of operation, such as separating, mixing, distilling, heating and so on, should be represented only by a simple rectangle or block. · Sometimes, a group of unit operations may also be mentioned in one single block, but in such a case, they all have to be mentioned clearly. · Each block in a block flow diagram must definitely be connected by arrows indicating the flow of control. · The arrows connecting each block in a block flow diagram have to be drawn clearly and neatly, so as to be legible for other readers to read and interpret them appropriately. These lines can only be horizontal or vertical; never curved to any side. · The flow streams should be numbered in a logical, sequential order, so that they can be understood with ease. · All the units of operations should be labeled, so as to avoid unnecessary confusion. · If it is possible to do so, the process should be shown moving form left to right, with the upstream units on the left and the downstream material indicated on the right. While it is all very well to state all the rules of block flow diagrams in theory, it becomes very difficult to manually draw block flow diagrams, especially so if they are to be used for very complex processes. In order to help you draw complicated block flow diagrams with ease and accuracy, you could use many block flow diagram software available in the market. You can find many block flow diagram creating software readily available on the Internet. All you have to do is to understand the procedure, give the software your specifications and then let it draw your block flow diagram for you. Such block flow diagram software also let you edit your material to your liking, so that you get a perfect final product - a very well-drawn block flow diagram, revealing all the aspects of your project! |
