Junior Process Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

The energy required to heat water using steam can be calculated using the formula: Energy = mass of water x specific heat capacity of water x temperature change + mass of water x latent heat of vaporization of steam

• Calculate the energy required to raise the temperature of water from initial temperature to desired temperature using the formula: Q = mcΔT

• Calculate the energy required to convert water to steam at the boiling point using the formula: Q = mL

• Add the two calculated e...read more

Suction linesize is greater than discharge linesize to prevent cavitation and ensure efficient flow.

• Suction lines carry fluid from the source to the pump, requiring a larger size to accommodate the flow rate.

• Discharge lines carry fluid from the pump to the destination, requiring a smaller size as the flow rate is reduced.

• A larger suction linesize helps prevent cavitation, which is the formation of vapor bubbles due to low pressure, by reducing fluid velocity.

• A smaller dischar...read more

Heat duty of a heat exchanger refers to the amount of heat transferred between the hot and cold fluids.

• Heat duty is the heat transfer rate or the amount of heat energy transferred per unit time.

• It is calculated by multiplying the mass flow rate of the fluid by the specific heat capacity and the temperature difference between the hot and cold fluids.

• The heat duty determines the size and design of the heat exchanger.

• For example, in a shell and tube heat exchanger, the heat duty...read more

The main criteria for line sizing is to ensure proper flow rate and pressure drop within the system.

• Consider the required flow rate of the process fluid

• Calculate the pressure drop allowed in the system

• Select a line size that can accommodate the flow rate and pressure drop requirements

• Take into account factors such as fluid properties, pipe material, and system layout

• Use engineering standards and guidelines for sizing pipelines, such as ASME B31.3 or API 570

The API code for breather valves is API 2000.

• API 2000 is the standard code for breather valves in the industry.

• Breather valves are also known as pressure/vacuum relief valves.

• API 2000 provides guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of breather valves.

The Grashoff number is a dimensionless number used in fluid dynamics to determine the dominance of buoyancy forces over viscous forces in a fluid flow.

• The Grashoff number is defined as the product of the ratio of buoyancy forces to viscous forces and the square of the ratio of characteristic length to kinematic viscosity.

• It is used to analyze natural convection flows and is particularly important in heat transfer applications.

• A high Grashoff number indicates that buoyancy for...read more

Designing parts of pumps involves creating components that enable the pump to function effectively.

• Identify the specific requirements of the pump design

• Select appropriate materials for the pump parts

• Design components such as impellers, casings, and seals

• Consider factors like fluid properties, pressure, and temperature

• Ensure proper alignment and fit of the pump parts

• Use CAD software for creating detailed designs

• Perform calculations for dimensions and tolerances

• Consider manufac...read more

Pump characteristics curve shows the relationship between flow rate, head, efficiency, and power consumption.

• The curve typically consists of a series of lines or curves representing different pump speeds or impeller diameters.

• It helps engineers select the right pump for a specific application by analyzing the performance at different operating points.

• The curve shows how the pump's performance changes with variations in flow rate and head.

• Efficiency and power consumption can a...read more