Consider a three sequentially stepped process named as Process A, Process B and Process C. Input comes into Process A. Output fo
rm A goes into Process B. Output from B goes into Process C. Output of C is the final output. Suppose that it takes 2 minutes per unit in Process A, 3 minutes per unit in Process B and 1 minute per unit in Process C. Suppose further that Process A receives input at the rate of 30 per hour. Where would you place a buffer?
Buffer is the extra time added to a time estimate to keep a project on track. Since process B takes a longer time to process, the buffer will be added to prevent unforseen situations.
water, when the metastable state is reached, is cooled below the zero temperature. It freezes abruptly. this is called metastable. They are not at equilibrium per se; as at negative temperatures the only equilibrium state of water is ice.