Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of materials, information, or energy between different processes or entities. They are particularly useful in industries such as energy, chemical, and pharmaceutical where there is a need to understand and optimize the flow of materials and resources. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of Sankey chart creation, and how to use them to streamline your processes and improve efficiency.
What is a Sankey chart?
A Sankey chart is a type of flowchart that represents the flow of materials or energy between different processes or entities. It is named after the Swedish engineer Viktor Sankey, who invented the chart in the early 20th century. The chart is composed of a network of arcs and nodes, where the arcs represent the flow of materials or energy and the nodes represent the processes or entities that are involved in the flow.
Sankey charts are useful for several reasons, including:
- Visualizing complex processes: Sankey charts can be used to represent complex processes in a simple and clear manner.
- Identifying inefficiencies: By visualizing the flow of materials or energy, Sankey charts can help identify any inefficiencies in the process and highlight areas for improvement.
- Optimizing resource usage: Sankey charts can be used to optimize the use of resources by identifying the most efficient way to move materials or energy between different processes or entities.
How to create a Sankey chart
Creating a Sankey chart is a relatively simple process that involves a few basic steps:
- Identify the process you want to visualize: Start by identifying the process you want to represent in the Sankey chart. This may involve identifying the different entities that are involved in the process, as well as the processes or steps that occur.
- Collect data: Once you have identified the process, collect as much data as possible about the flow of materials or energy between different entities or processes. This may involve collecting data from various sources, such as process flow sheets, equipment manuals, or financial reports.
- Set up the chart: Once you have collected the data, set up the Sankey chart on a graphing or spreadsheet application. Choose the nodes (entities or processes) and arcs (flows of materials or energy) that will be included in the chart, and configure any additional settings or options as necessary.
- Generate the chart: Once the chart is set up, generate the chart by running the chart generation algorithm or tool. This will create a visual representation of the flow of materials or energy between different entities or processes.
Applications of Sankey charts
There are many different applications for Sankey charts, including:
- Energy efficiency: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of energy between different processes or entities, and help identify any areas where energy could be conserved or wasted.
- Chemical engineering: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials or chemicals between different processes in a chemical plant, and help identify areas where optimization could be achieved.
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing: Sankey charts can be used to visualize the flow of materials or drugs between different processes in a pharmaceutical facility, and help identify areas where manufacturing could be improved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sankey charts are a powerful tool for visualizing the flow of materials, information, or energy between different processes or entities. By using Sankey charts, you can streamline your processes, optimize resource usage, and identify areas for improvement. If you are looking for a way to visualize and understand your processes more effectively, then Sankey charts are definitely worth considering.
SankeyMaster
SankeyMaster is your go-to tool for creating complex Sankey charts . Easily enter data and create Sankey charts that accurately reveal intricate data relationships.
