Process Flow Chart or Process Flow Diagram

What is a Flowchart?

• A flowchart is a picture of the separate steps of a process in sequential

order. It is a generic tool that can be adapted for a wide variety of
purposes, and can be used to describe various processes, such as a
manufacturing process, an administrative or service process, or a project
plan.
• A flowchart is a visual representation of the sequence of steps and
decisions needed to perform a process. Each step in the sequence is noted
within a diagram shape. Steps are linked by connecting lines and
directional arrows. This allows anyone to view the flowchart and logically
follow the process from beginning to end.
• A flowchart is a powerful business tool. With proper design and
construction, it communicates the steps in a process very effectively and
efficiently.
WHEN TO USE A FLOWCHART

• To develop understanding of how a process is done

• To study a process for improvement
• To communicate to others how a process is done
• When better communication is needed between people involved
with the same process
• To document a process
• When planning a project
Use of Food Processing Flow Sheet

1. Design of process
2. Material balance, energy balance
3. Adding ingredients, temperature, quantities
4. Order of operation
5. Equipment selection and placement
 Type of flow charts

• Process flow diagram or block diagram

• Equipment flow diagram
• Engineering flow diagram
 Process Flow Diagrams
• Flow diagrams , also called flow charts or flow sheets ,
serve as the standard graphical representation of
processes
• In its simplest form, a flow diagram shows the major
operations of a process in their sequence, the raw
materials, the products and the byproducts
• Additional information, such as flow rates and process
conditions such as temperatures and pressures may be
added.
• The operations are shown as rectangles or ‘blocks’, flow
charts of this kind are also called block diagrams
Figure I.1 Block diagram for the chocolate manufacturing process
Equipment Flow Diagrams

• A more detailed description of the process provides information on the main

pieces of equipment selected to perform the operations
• Standard symbols are used for frequently utilized equipment items such as
pumps, vessels, conveyors, centrifuges, filters etc.
• Other pieces of equipment are represented by custom symbols, resembling fairly
the actual equipment or identified by a legend. Process piping is schematically
included. The resulting drawing is called an equipment flow diagram
• A flow diagram is not drawn to scale and has no meaning whatsoever concerning
the location of the equipment in space
Engineering flow diagram
• The next step of process development is the creation of an
engineering flow diagram
• In addition to the items shown in the equipment flow diagram,
auxiliary or secondary equipment items, measurement and
control systems, utility lines and piping details such as traps, valves
etc. are included
• The engineering flow diagram serves as a starting point for the
listing, calculation and selection of all the physical elements of a
food plant or production line and for the development of a plant
layout