Flowsheet

A flowsheet, or flow sheet, is a schematic representation of the steps in a process, showing the order of operations, the materials and energy involved, and the equipment or units used. It is used to plan, document, and communicate how a process progresses from inputs to outputs. In process engineering, a flowsheet is often synonymous with a process flow diagram (PFD) or a block diagram, though a flowsheet may emphasize sequence and material streams more than detailed instrumentation. A typical flowsheet includes unit operations (such as mixers, pumps, reactors, and separators), process streams with their properties, and utility sources, and it may indicate key control parameters.

In healthcare, a flowsheet is a standardized chart for recording repeated measurements over time, such as vital signs, intake and output, medications, and symptoms, enabling trend analysis and rapid reference for clinicians.

In manufacturing and environmental engineering, flowsheets map the sequence of processing steps in a plant or treatment train, including capacities, yields, quality checks, and regulatory considerations. They support process optimization, training, compliance, and knowledge transfer by providing a clear overview of how a system operates.

Limitations of flowsheets include their tendency to be simplified representations that may omit dynamic behavior, control logic, or complex interactions. As such, flowsheets are typically used in conjunction with more detailed documents (such as P&IDs, mass and energy balances, or process specifications) to provide a complete understanding of a process.