TABLE OF CONTENTS Before describing the equipment used in the process and design techniques for sizing and specifying that equipment, it is necessary to review some basic principles and fluid properties. We will also discuss some of the common calculation procedures, conversions, and operations used to describe the fluids encountered in the process.
Matter is anything that possesses mass and occupies space. Matter is made up of elements, compounds, and mixtures. An element is the simplest form of matter. There are over 100 known elements or combinations of elements. Table 3-1 illustrates the five most abundant elements on earth.
| Element | Percent |
|---|---|
| Oxygen | 49.2 |
| Silicon | 25.7 |
| Aluminum | 7.5 |
| Iron | 4.7 |
| Calcium | 3.3 |
| All others | 9.6 |
| Total | 100.0 |
Elements in the free or uncombined state make up only a fraction of matter. Most matter exists as compounds or mixtures of compounds. A compound is a more complex form of matter made up of chemically combined elements. Molecules of compounds are identical to each other in composition and properties. Typical compounds are methane (CH 4), carbon dioxide (CO 2), sodium chloride (NaCl), and water (H 2O). A mixture consists of two or more elements or compounds that are mixed physically but still maintain their chemical identity. Mixtures can always be separated into their component parts. Typical mixtures are natural gas, air, oil, coal, or any alloys.
An atom is the smallest part of an element...
