If you work in chemical, mechanical, or process engineering, chances are you’ve come across a process flow diagram (PFD). These aren’t your everyday business flowcharts—they’re high-level technical blueprints that show how materials and energy move through a system. In this guide, we’re going beyond the theory. You’ll learn how to create a process flow diagram, step by step.
PFD symbols represent the key equipment, lines, and instruments in a process, helping you visualize how materials flow through a system. Knowing these symbols makes reading and creating PFDs easier.
A process flow diagram (PFD) visually maps out the steps in a process from start to finish using standard symbols. It helps teams understand, analyze, and improve workflows across fields like engineering, business, and software. This guide explains what a PFD is, its main components, key symbols, and why it’s useful.