Chapter 1
Introduction to Process Equipment
OBJECTIVES
After studying this chapter, the student will be able to:
• Describe the basic hand tools used in industry.
• Explain the basic elements of rotary equipment.
• List the various types of stationary equipment.
• Describe the importance of equipment lubrication.
• Identify the various types of storage and piping equipment used in the
• chemical-processing industry.
• Describe the function of three types of industrial valves.
• Explain the purpose of a heat exchanger.
CHAPTER 1 REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Describe the primary purpose of valves. Answer: Valves are used to control the flow of
2. Explain how a centrifugal pump operates. Answer: Centrifugal pumps operate under the
principle of centrifugal force. Liquid enters the center of the pumping chamber or
3. Name the primary difference between a pump and a compressor. Answer: Pumps are
4. What is the purpose of a steam turbine? Answer: Steam turbines are used primarily as a
5. Explain the purpose of bearings and seals. Answer: Bearings are used to support the
6. Describe the basic hand tools used by process technicians. Answer: Channelocks,
7. List four methods process technicians use to inspect equipment. Answer: Process
8. What are the three basic principles that allow an electric motor to operate? Answer: The
operation of an electric motor is based on three principles; electric current creates a
9. What is the difference between rotary and stationary equipment? Answer: A circular
movement characterizes rotary equipment. Examples of this can be found in motors,
10. How is power transmission in rotary equipment classified? Answer: Power transmission
11. Explain the importance of lubrication for a pump, compressor or turbine. Answer:
Lubrication protects the moving parts of equipment by placing a thin film of protection
between surfaces that come into contact with each other. Under a microscope the smooth
12. What is the difference between a rigid and a flexible coupling? Answer: A rigid coupling
links the driver to the driven equipment with two solid flanges that must be perfectly
13. Explain the operation of a positive displacement pump. Answer: A positive displacement
14. What is the primary purpose of a mixing reactor? Answer: This device mixes two or
15. What is the definition of a distillation column? Answer: A distillation column is a device
16. What is the purpose of a fired heater? Answer: A fired heater is a large commercial
17. What is the primary purpose of a boiler? Answer: Steam generation is specifically
18. What is the purpose of a cooling tower? Answer: A cooling tower is designed to cool
19. What are equipment checklists primarily used for? Answer: Process technicians use
20. Describe chain and belt drives. Answer: Belts are used to connect two parallel shafts; the
drive shaft and the driven shaft. A pulley is mounted on the end of each shaft. Belts fit