Describing a Processes

Outline
 What is a Process Description?
 An outline for a Description
 Example
 Putting it all together
Background
 Process descriptions are similar to mechanism
descriptions!
 Difference – in content
 Mechanism description
 Describe the physical attributes of a mechanism and
how it operates
 Process description
 Describe the steps of a process
But What is a Process??
 “Process descriptions are precise portrayals of
events occurring over time that lead to some
outcome.”
 They describe
 The steps in the operation of a mechanism
 The steps in a conceptual process
 Focus less on the physical attributes of the
mechanism and more on a mechanism’s function
and how the parts work together.
Process Description Example
 Internal Combustion Engine
 Mechanism Description – the engine, the cylinder
head, the block, the valves, the pistons, the
crankshaft, …
 Process Description
 The Intake stroke
 The Compression Stroke
 The Ignition (Combustion) Stroke
 The Exhaust Stroke
Process Description
 Introduction
 Define the mechanism with a technical definition
and add extensions necessary for the reader to
understand the discussion.
 Describe the purpose function, and operation of
the mechanism.
 List the major steps of the mechanism’s operation
in the order that they will be discussed.
Process Description (2)
 Discussion
 Step 1
 Define the Step with a logical definition and discuss it in reasonable
depth.
 Describe the equipment, material, or concepts involved with this step.
 Describe what happens during this step.
 Show the relationship between this step and the next.
 Steps 2 to n
 Repeat as for step 1
 Conclusion
 Summarize and provide closure.
A Process description of an Air
Conditioner
 The Process
 Uses a fluid refrigerant
 Four major components
 The compressor
 The condenser coil
 The expansion valve
 The evaporator coil
 The description discusses what happens in
each step.
The type of process
 Process descriptions will vary depending on
what is being described.
 Computer Algorithms
 Physical Processes
 Chemical
 Physical
 Engines
 AC Systems
Winemaking process
 The winemaking process is the process for
creating wine. The process varies slightly
depending on the grape variety and the type
of wine targeted. The process for red wines is
typical of all of the variations.
 Steps in the process.
Steps
 Pick the grapes when ripe.
 The grapes are crushed and the pulp of the grape,
along with the skin, is allowed to ferment.
 Primary fermentation takes 1 to 2 weeks.
 The liquid is transferred to vessels for secondary
fermentation. During secondary fermentation the
remaining sugars are turned into alcohol.
 The wine is transferred to oak barrels for aging.
 Aged wine is bottled.