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This is the complete lecture note for BST413 Process Engineering II. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • Course code: BST413 • Course title: Process Engineering II • Course credit load: 3 Series 1: Fluid Flow and Pumping Systems Series outline 1.1 Fundamentals of Fluid Flow • 1.1.1 System heads and pressure relationships • 1.1.2 Flow characteristics in pipelines • 1.1.3 Energy losses in fluid systems 1.2 Pump Types and Characteristics • 1.2.1 Centrifugal pumps: design and operation • 1.2.2 Positive displacement pumps: applications and limitations • 1.2.3 Comparative analysis of pump types 1.3 Pump Selection, Installation, and Maintenance • 1.3.1 Factors influencing pump selection • 1.3.2 Pump seals and packing • 1.3.3 Routine maintenance and troubleshooting 1.4 Valves and Flow Control Devices • 1.4.1 Types of valves used in fluid systems • 1.4.2 Valve operation and performance considerations • 1.4.3 Integration of valves with pumping systems Introduction
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS In many chemical and process industries, the movement of fluids is central to production and operation. Whether transporting raw materials, circulating cooling water, or delivering products, pumps and flow systems are indispensable. A well-designed pumping system ensures efficiency, safety, and reliability, while poor design or maintenance can lead to costly downtime and hazards. This Series therefore provides the foundation for understanding how fluids behave in pipelines and how pumps and valves are applied to control and sustain flow. The aim of this Series is to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to analyse fluid flow systems, evaluate different pump types, and apply practical considerations in pump selection, installation, and maintenance. We shall commence this Series by examining the fundamentals of fluid flow, including system heads, pressure relationships, and energy losses. Next, we will explore the different types of pumps, focusing on centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, and their operational characteristics. Following that, we will consider the practical aspects of pump selection, installation, and maintenance, including seals and packing. Finally, we will round off this Series by studying valves and flow control devices, highlighting their role in regulating and safeguarding fluid systems. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 define system heads and explain the fundamental principles of fluid flow in pipelines, • SLO 1.2 analyse the characteristics and operational principles of centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, • SLO 1.3 evaluate factors influencing pump selection and demonstrate procedures for installation and maintenance, • SLO 1.4 describe the types of pump seals and packing and explain their functions in fluid systems, and • SLO 1.5 explain the types and functions of valves used in pumping systems and assess their role in flow control. 1.1 Fundamentals Of Fluid Flow 1.1.1 System heads and pressure relationships In fluid mechanics, the term system head refers to the total energy required to move a fluid through a system, including static lift, frictional losses, and pressure differences. The pressure relationship in a pipeline is determined by the balance between the driving force provided by pumps and the resistance offered by the system. Understanding these concepts is essential for designing efficient pumping systems.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing components of system head (static lift, frictional losses, pressure differences). Figure 1.1: Components of system head in a fluid system Fill in the blank: The total energy required to move a fluid through a system is called ________. 1.1.2 Flow characteristics in pipelines Flow characteristics describe how fluids behave when moving through pipes, including laminar flow, turbulent flow, and transitional flow. Laminar flow occurs when fluid particles move in smooth layers, while turbulent flow involves chaotic mixing and eddies. The Reynolds number is a dimensionless quantity used to predict the type of flow in a system.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Image showing laminar and turbulent flow patterns in a pipe. Plate 1.2: Comparison of laminar and turbulent flow in pipelines Fill in the blank: The dimensionless number used to predict flow type in a pipeline is called ________. 1.1.3 Energy losses in fluid systems Energy losses in fluid systems occur due to friction in pipes, fittings, valves, and other components. These losses are often expressed as head loss, which is the reduction in pressure or energy as fluid flows through the system. Engineers use equations such as the Darcy–Weisbach equation to calculate head loss and design systems that minimise inefficiencies.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: The reduction in pressure or energy as fluid flows through a system is known as ________. Pilot questions 1.1 1. Which components make up the system head in a fluid system? 2. What type of flow occurs when fluid particles move in smooth layers? 3. Which dimensionless number is used to predict flow type in pipelines? 4. What is the term used to describe the reduction in pressure or energy in fluid systems? 5. Name two common causes of energy losses in fluid systems. 1.2 Pump Types And Characteristics 1.2.1 Centrifugal pumps: design and operation A centrifugal pump is a mechanical device that uses a rotating impeller to impart velocity to a fluid, converting kinetic energy into pressure energy. These pumps are widely used in chemical and process industries because they can handle large volumes of fluid with relatively low maintenance. The design typically includes a casing, impeller, shaft, and bearings. Operation depends on the principle of centrifugal force, where fluid entering the impeller eye is accelerated outward into the casing, increasing pressure.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram of a centrifugal pump showing impeller, casing, and fluid flow path. Figure 1.2: Basic design of a centrifugal pump Fill in the blank: The rotating component that imparts velocity to the fluid in a centrifugal pump is called ________. 1.2.2 Positive displacement pumps: applications and limitations A positive displacement pump is a type of pump that moves fluid by trapping a fixed amount and forcing it through the discharge pipe. Unlike centrifugal pumps, they deliver a constant flow regardless of system pressure. Common types include reciprocating pumps and rotary pumps. These pumps are ideal for applications requiring precise flow rates, such as dosing chemicals, but they are less suitable for handling very large volumes.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Image showing a rotary positive displacement pump. Plate 1.3: Rotary positive displacement pump in operation Fill in the blank: A pump that delivers a constant flow regardless of system pressure is called a ________ pump. 1.2.3 Comparative analysis of pump types When comparing centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, the choice depends on the application. Centrifugal pumps are efficient for high-volume, low-viscosity fluids, while positive displacement pumps are better suited for viscous fluids or applications requiring precise dosing. Engineers must evaluate factors such as flow rate, pressure requirements, fluid properties, and maintenance needs before selecting a pump. Table 1.1 provides a side-by-side comparative summary of centrifugal and positive displacement pumps across key operational features: Feature Centrifugal Pump Positive Displacement Pump Flow Rate Variable with pressure Constant regardless of pressure Suitable Fluids Low-viscosity, large volumes High-viscosity, precise dosing
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