Transformation Maps
1. PurposeA Transformation Map is a tool used to graphically portray the network of chemical and/or physical transformations that convert raw materials into products within a process task. They usually include both desired and undesired transformations, to aid the identification of branch points within the process that can be investigated using other tools (e.g. Driving Force Analysis) to identify operating strategies favouring the desired transformations. Transformation Maps
Whilst they can be prepared in a group as part of a facilitated study, Transformation Maps can also be prepared by individuals as part of experimental planning, or to aid further discussion with colleagues. |    Printable Poster Download |
2. Information requirements
| Essential information |
Information which can be helpful |
|
Species taking part in the transformations Equations representing the desired transformations Equations represent ing undesired transformations |
Mechanisms for both product and side product formation Transformation rates Transformation energetics In multiphase systems, knowledge of where the transformation takes place (within one or more bulk phases, at an interface, in a boundary layer) |
3. Procedure
| 1. List species present in the transformations taking place |
In chemical or simple physical transformations these may be starting materials, intermediate species, products, ions, by-products or impurities. In more complex physical processes descriptors for material states within the process – such as 'homogeneous well mixed powder', 'agglomerates', 'nucleates', 'large crystals' etc – may be more helpful. It can be particularly useful to use Rich Pictures and Cartoons to identify the transformations before developing the Transformation Map with physical processes. |
| 2. Generate equations to represent the transformations |
For chemical systems these will be balanced stoichiometric chemical equations. Note that it is important to include any mass transfer processes as reversible equations - mass transfer is a physical rate process and as such its performance is scale-dependent. For complex physical processes word equations describing the transformations will be sufficient (e.g. "Dry granules + coating spray -> Wetted granules") |
| 3. Represent the sequence of transformations graphically | See examples below. |
A simple chemical process Transformation Map
| 1. Use green to represent information on desired rate processes, and red to represent information on undesired rate processes |
| 2. Number rate processes sequentially. It is suggested to use the prefixes R for chemical reactions and MT for mass transfer processes in chemical process transformation maps |
| 3. Start by drawing the sequence of desired transformations. Include mechanisms and intermediates where these are known. Chemical structures can be used, but names or other alphanumeric codes can help to keep multidisciplinary teams engaged in the discussion |
| 4. Once the sequence of desired transformations has been agreed, draw in the undesired transformations as branches from the desired route |
A multiphase chemical process Transformation Map showing mass transfer processes, reactions and a simple representation of the distribution of materials between phases.
A Transformation Map for a wet granulation process.
Transformation Map conventions
Supporting Documents
Visio Template for Transformation Map arrows
Transformation_map_arrows_Visio.zip