Fluids and Solutions

Fluids are all around us. The air we breath, the water we drink, and the steam coming from our hot coffee are all fluids. Many plant systems and processes rely upon fluids for lubrication or to transport materials or heat from one location to another. Fluids are also sometimes mixed with other fluids or with solids to create new compounds, mixtures, or solutions. Solutions, including salt water, soft drinks, and antifreeze, are also plentiful. To work safely and productively, operators of fluid-based systems and processes must be familiar with the principles and characteristics of fluids and solutions. They must also understand the effects of temperature and pressure on fluids and solutions.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Define the following terms: matter, substance, element, compound, fluid, mixture, and solution
• Describe the three states of matter
• Identify the role of solutes and solvents in solutions
• Describe fluid characteristics that can affect plant operations, including level, viscosity, surface wetting, capillary action, and buoyancy
• Explain the difference between specific gravity and density
• Describe the effects of temperature and pressure on fluids and solubilities