Module 3
PROCESS DESCRIPTION
THE COMMON ELEMENTS OF DESCRIPTION
Regardless of the audience or purpose, all the descriptions you write should follow a general
form: start with an overview, and add necessary details. For most descriptions, you should the
following:
• Define the mechanism or process
• Explain its function or end goal.
• Name its sub parts.
• Give relevant details
For mechanisms – size, shape, weight, material, method of attachment.
For processes quality or quantity of action, and effect of action. Explain the significance of the
mechanism or process, if necessary. Read over the following description of a part (of a
computer printer) and the accompanying annotations to see how the author explains the part.
Notice that the author starts with a definition and then adds details.
A process is a series of actions, and fundamentally the description of a process is the
description of action. The action may be either one of two types. A simple example is filing a
work-piece by hand; in a description of this process, emphasis would fall naturally upon the
human skills required.
Process Description in Technical Writing
“Process descriptions are precise portrayals of events occurring over time that lead to some
outcome.” They describe. The steps in the operation of a mechanism. The steps in a conceptual
process.
Description of a Process
A technical description is text that describes an object or process in terms of its function,
organization, parts and details. It is the fundamental “building block” of technical
documentation. A technical description can be used alone (e.g., a specification) or as part of a
larger document (e.g., a proposal).
Define the overall process in a single sentence. describe the document (you are describing the
scope and purpose of the document you are writing; this is not the place to demonstrate your
ability to introduce the field of knowledge you are about to draw on in order to help your reader
understand the process)
Few key areas and process stages are: Preparing the Project: This process of making a document
triggers as the technical document is requested to process. This process may be commenced by a
colleague, an employer, or any client of your company or firm. As per the information gathered
from the discussion, the preliminary requirements are definite.
PLANNING THE PROCESS DESCRIPTION
Technical writers often describe processes. Methods of testing or evaluating, methods of
installing, flow of material through a plant, the schedule for implementing a proposal, and the
method for calculating depreciation are all examples of processes. Manuals and reports contain
many examples of process descriptions. Processes are usually one of two types: the operations of
a mechanism or system that do not involve human activity, and the operations that do involve
human activity. As with a mechanism description, the writer must consider the audience, select
an organizational principle, choose visual aids, and follow the usual form for writing
descriptions.
Consider the Audience
The knowledge level of audiences and their potential use of the document will vary. While most
audiences for a process description have relatively little knowledge of the process, they must
often make a decision based on such a description. The process description is, in effect, vital
background information for the decision. For instance, a plant engineer might propose a change
in material flow in a plant because a certain step i~ inefficient, causing a bottleneck. To get the
change approved, he or she would have to describe the old and new processes to a manager, who
would use that description to make a decision about whether to implement the new process er
not. Process descriptions also are used to explain in detail the implementation of a project. If a
company plans to install a complicated piece of machinery in a plant, a careful schedule is
written so that all affected parties understand what actions will occur at each step.
Select an Organizational Principle
The organizational principle for processes is chronological: the writer starts with the first action
or step and continues in order until the last. Many processes have obvious sequences of steps, but
others require careful examination in order to determine the most logical sequence. If you were
describing the fashion cycle, you could easily determine its four parts (introduction, rise, peak,
and decline). If, however, you had to describe the complex flow of material through a plant,
you would want’ to base your sequence of steps on your audience’s knowledge level and
intended use of the description. You might treat “receiving” as just one step, or you might break
it into several steps, like “unloading,” “sampling,” and “accepting.” Your decision depends on
how much your audience needs to know.
Choose Visual Aids
If your subject is a machine in operation, visuals of the machine in different positions
will clarify the process. If you are describing a process that involves people, a flow chart can
quickly clarify a sequence.
Follow the Usual Form for Writing Descriptions
The process description takes the same form as the mechanism description: an introduction,
which provides an overview, and the body, which treats each step in
detail, usually one step to a paragraph. In each paragraph, first define the step, often in terms of its
goal or end product, then describe it.
WRITING THE PROCESS DESCRIPTION
At other times you will have to explain the steps in a process — this is called a process
description. Often you will have to do both. Let’s review some of the strategies technical writers
employ when they write descriptions. A mechanism is a device with at least two parts that work
together to do something. Being able to describe something accurately, in a way that your reader
can understand, is an essential skill for a technical writer. Sometimes you will have to describe a
thing — this is called a mechanism description. At other times you will have to explain the steps
in a process — this is called a process description
The outline below shows the usual form of a description of a process that does not involve a
person. This approach will work for all such descriptions. A process description, analyzed in
some detail, follows the outline.
1. Introduction
2. Definition of operation
3. Principles(s) of operation
4. Major sequences of operation
5. Body: Description of operation
6. Sequence A
7. End goal of sequence
8. Detailed description of action
9. Sequence B (same as A)
10. Conclusion (optional)
Introduction
The introduction to a process description contains general information that prepares
the reader for the specific details that will follow. In the introduction you define ~e process,
explain its principles of operation (if necessary), and preview the major sequences. The
following introduction performs all three tasks.
Body: Description of the Operation
In the body of the paper write one paragraph for each step of the process. Each paragraph
should begin with a general statement about the end goal or main activity. Then the remainder of
the paragraph explains in more detail the action’ necessary to achieve that goal. Notice in the
following example how each paragraph starts with an overview a statement of purpose or end
goal and how all the paragraphs are constructed in the settle pattern.
Conclusions to brief descriptions of operation are optional. At times writers follow the
description with- a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the process, ‘or with a
brief summary, if you have a written relatively brief well.
Example 1:
Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for reuse on-site, rather than
allowing it to run off. It is a sustainable and eco-friendly technique used to conserve water and
reduce reliance on traditional water sources. Here's a breakdown of the process involved:
1. Collection
Roof Catchment Area: Rainwater is primarily collected from rooftops or other surfaces that
intercept rainfall. The larger and cleaner the surface area, the more water can be collected.
Gutters and Downspouts: These are installed along the edges of the roof to capture and
direct rainwater into the storage system. Gutters channel the rainwater to downspouts, which
guide it toward storage tanks or cisterns.
2. Filtration
First Flush Diverter: This device ensures that the initial runoff, which might contain dust,
leaves, and other debris, is diverted from the storage tank. The first few millimeters of rain can
wash away impurities on the roof.
Mesh Filters and Screens: Additional filters are installed at various points (gutters,
downspouts, or tank inlet) to prevent larger debris, such as leaves or insects, from entering the
storage system.
3. Storage
Storage Tanks/Cisterns: Collected rainwater is stored in tanks or cisterns, which are made
from materials like plastic, concrete, or steel. Tanks should be placed in shaded areas or
designed to prevent evaporation and algae growth. Properly sized tanks ensure adequate water
availability during dry periods.
Underground Storage: In some systems, rainwater is stored in underground tanks, allowing
for space-saving and reduced exposure to sunlight, which minimizes bacterial growth.
4. Treatment
Sedimentation: Over time, heavier particles settle at the bottom of the tank.
Filtration and Disinfection: For systems intended to supply potable water, further filtration
(like sand filters or activated carbon) and disinfection methods (such as UV light or
chlorination) may be used to make the water safe for drinking.
5. Distribution
Pumps: Depending on the design, a pump may be used to distribute the stored water to where
it's needed. Some systems use gravity-fed distribution.
End-Use: The harvested rainwater can be used for various purposes, such as irrigation,
flushing toilets, washing clothes, and even drinking, depending on its quality and treatment.
6. Overflow Management
Overflow Pipes: These are designed to direct excess water during heavy rainfall away from
the tank to avoid flooding.
Groundwater Recharge: In some systems, overflow is directed to a percolation pit or
recharge well, allowing the water to percolate into the ground, replenishing groundwater
levels.
7. Maintenance
Regular Cleaning: The roof, gutters, and filters need regular cleaning to ensure efficient
operation and water quality.
Tank Maintenance: Periodic inspection and cleaning of the storage tank ensure that
sediments do not accumulate excessively, which could impact water quality and storage
capacity.
Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting:
Water Conservation: Reduces the reliance on groundwater and municipal water supply.
Cost-Effective: Reduces water bills, especially in areas where water is scarce or costly.
Sustainable: Helps manage stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding and erosion.
Eco-Friendly: Supports environmental conservation by reducing the depletion of natural
water resources.
Example 2:
What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is the solar radiation emitted from the Sun. Earth receives enough of that renewable
energy on a daily basis to provide electricity to every user of electricity on the planet. That’s one
powerful energy source!
Humans have devised several ways to capture solar energy, the most common being the use of
photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that convert the sun's rays into usable electricity. Solar panels aren’t
making or creating the energy, they are just converting it from sunlight to electricity.
As a leader in the clean energy transition, Palmetto believes solar energy can and should play a big
part in the movement away from fossil fuels and traditional power plants. We want to help people
learn more about how this crucial energy technology helps us harness the Sun’s rays. If you’re
interested in learning more about solar energy, check out What Is Solar Energy?
With that information in mind, let’s go into, “How does solar energy work step by step?”
Step 1: Solar Panels Capture Solar Energy
Let’s start with, “How is solar electricity produced?” Solar panels convert solar energy from
sunlight into electrical energy. The most common solar panels are made from one of three
semiconductors: monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or thin-film solar cells.
When sunlight hits the thin layer of semiconductive material, it triggers the release of electrons
from silicon atoms. The negatively charged electrons are attracted to the positively charged side of
the cell. This “photovoltaic effect” forms as a result of the free-flowing electrons within the solar
panel. The moving electrons create an electric current which is harnessed by the wiring connected
to the solar panels to produce electricity.
Solar power systems are carbon-free in their energy production. The lifetime emissions of solar
panels, which includes emissions from the manufacturing of panels, is about 12 times less than
lifetime emissions from a natural gas plant and about 20 times less than from a coal plant.
Residential and business solar power is an important piece of making progress on environmental
goals, making the American power grid more dependable and more secure, and, on an individual
level, usually saving money.
The more sunlight that reaches the solar panels, the more energy they generate. During peak sun
hours, the panels in your solar array receive the maximum concentration of sunlight, which means
they can convert sunlight to generate the maximum amount of electricity during this period.
A solar installation company should walk you through and help you understand factors ranging
from specifics about your property, such as shading and your family’s typical power usage, to your
system being right for the region’s climate and your place on the Earth. Place on the Earth? Yes,
your latitude.
Solar panels need to be tilted to capture the most sunlight at the optimal angle for the best
efficiency. Basically, they need to be pointed to the same angle as your latitude to the equator. In
the lower 48, that spans from 24.5 degrees in Key West, Florida to 49.2 degrees in Angle Inlet,
Minnesota.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Step 2: Solar Inverters Convert DC to AC
Next up in our quest to answer “How does solar energy work?” is a lesson about inverters. Solar
panels produce electricity in the form of direct current (DC), which means the electricity only
flows in one direction. However, your home appliances use alternating current (AC) electricity,
which means the electricity flows in both directions.
This means the solar electricity from your panels needs to be converted from DC to AC to make it
usable in your home. To convert DC power to AC power, you need an inverter.
It’s a simple job, but an essential one if you want to take advantage of solar energy. Without the
inverter, your system would create electricity, but it wouldn’t be able to power anything.
The type of inverter you use depends upon the size and configuration of your home solar energy
system. A simpler system typically uses a string inverter, a single box in a central location near
your circuit breaker. More intricate systems use microinverters in which each panel has its own
individual inverter. Other inverter options include power optimizers and hybrid inverters,
depending upon your home’s energy needs.
A diagram showing AC- and DC-coupled systems.
Credit: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Solar inverters also allow you to connect your solar panel system to the internet so you can access
information about your system’s performance. This helps you compare your solar energy
production and your household energy consumption so you can check if the system is functioning
properly and meeting your electrical load as required.
To learn more about this essential part of the solar energy generation process, read our Solar
Inverter Guide. To learn more about all the components of a solar energy system, check out our
components page.
Step 3: Electrical Panel Distributes Electricity
Your electrical panel distributes electricity throughout your home. The circuit breakers in the
electrical panel can also cut the current to an electrical circuit in case a fault or surge occurs, to
prevent an overload in electrical lines that can cause damage.
While your solar panels generate electricity, they typically aren’t connected directly to your
appliances or other electronic devices. In terms of understanding how solar panels work, they
provide electricity to the electrical panel, and your electrical panel separates the power into
individual circuits that run to everything in the house.
Lastly, electrical panels are also a key component of consumption monitoring. There are devices
that can be attached to either the main panel or each individual circuit, allowing you to view more
details about your specific energy consumption, which can help you optimize your energy usage
over time.
Smart Meters and Net Metering
If your home has a smart meter, it allows you to take advantage of net metering if it’s available in
your area. If your solar panel system is connected to the electricity grid (most are) then net
metering allows you to get credits from your local utility company for any surplus electricity
generation.
Step 5: Batteries Store Excess Energy
Installing solar battery storage can unlock greater long-term benefits of going solar. If your solar
panels generate more solar energy than you can use, you can store that extra electricity in a solar
battery. That way, you have electricity available to you when the sun goes down or it’s a rainy day
—instead of drawing from the electricity grid.
Depending on the type, solar batteries can either store excess DC electricity that’s produced by
your solar panels, or they can be charged by AC electricity that’s already been converted by your
inverter.
Solar batteries are a critical component of the positive environmental role of solar and being an
economic benefit to solar owners. Many states and power companies now have incentives for
residential customers who send excess power to the overall electric grid. These programs, called
virtual power plants, help spread out when renewable energy can be used on the grid. At times of
surplus solar, wind, or other renewable energy production, the excess is stored. When it’s later
added to the grid, those sharing their battery’s power with the grid are compensated.
Solar battery storage is growing and is expected to continue growing exponentially. The National
Renewable Energy Laboratory found energy storage will multiply by at least five times from 2020
to 2050.
Practice:
1. How does an air- turbine works?
2. Describe the process of glass manufacturing, using visuals.