The process of designing and building a process plant is a complex and multifaceted task that requires a team of professionals with expertise in various areas, including chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and construction. If you are looking to find out the specific process then you have come to the right place. We look at the various steps and also share the tools which you may use at various stages. As you may be involved with only a certain step due to your specific engineering discipline we’ve made it easy for you to skip to the section or sections that are most relevant to you with the Table of Contents with brief descriptions:
Table of Contents
- FEED (Front-End Engineering Design): This is the initial phase of the project, during which the scope and objectives of the project are defined and a conceptual design is developed.
- Design Study Phase: During this phase, the design team studies and assesses the technical and operational requirements of the project, as well as the site conditions and constraints.
- Plot Plan: The plot plan is a top-down view of the project site that shows the location of the piping system and other process equipment.
- Conceptual Design Phase: During this phase, the design team develops a high-level design for the piping system, including the layout, routing, and sizing of the pipes.
- Detailed Design: This phase involves the creation of 3D models of the piping system and the process equipment, as well as the development of detailed design drawings and specifications.
- Engineering: During this phase, the design team performs engineering analysis, such as pipe stress analysis and code compliance, and specifies the materials and components to be used in the piping system.
- Piping Isometric and Fabrication Drawings: These are detailed drawings that show the layout, routing, and dimensions of the piping system, as well as the fabrication details for the pipes and fittings.
- Construction Drawings: These are drawings that show the installation details of the piping system, including the support locations, anchor points, and instrumentation.
- Procurement: This is the process of purchasing the materials and components needed for the piping system.
- Installation and Commissioning: During this phase, the piping system is installed and tested to ensure that it meets the design specifications and is ready for operation.
- Maintenance: Once the piping system is in operation, it will need regular maintenance to ensure its continued reliability and performance. This may include activities such as cleaning, inspection, and repair or replacement of components as needed.
1. Front-End Engineering Design
Front-end engineering design (FEED) is the process of defining and developing the technical and commercial aspects of a project in sufficient detail to allow an accurate assessment of its overall cost, schedule, and risks. FEED typically follows the conceptual design phase and precedes the detailed design phase of a project. It involves the preparation of design documents, such as process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, and equipment specifications, as well as the identification of materials and equipment required for the project. The goal of FEED is to define the project scope, determine the necessary resources, and establish a baseline for the detailed design and construction phases of the project.
2. Design Study Phase
The design study phase is a critical phase in the process of designing and building a process plant. It follows the conceptual design phase and precedes the detailed design phase. During the design study phase, more detailed information is developed based on the preliminary design. This phase involves more detailed calculations and analysis to determine the size and type of equipment needed, as well as the layout of the plant. The design study phase also includes the preparation of piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and process flow diagrams (PFDs), which provide a detailed representation of the process and the flow of materials and energy through the plant. The goal of the design study phase is to refine the design and identify any potential issues or challenges that may need to be addressed in the detailed design phase.
