What is the plant design engineering?

Introduction

For some companies, the plant design function may be integrated within the piping and layout department, reflecting the interconnected nature of these areas. In certain contexts, plant design is synonymous with 3D Layout, emphasizing the critical role of three-dimensional modeling in modern engineering practices. Consequently, plant design engineering emerges as a specialized discipline focused on multidisciplinary design within a 3D environment, requiring expertise in various engineering domains to ensure cohesive and efficient plant operations.

Plant designers and engineers are responsible for the comprehensive development of 3D models, which serve as the blueprint for the entire plant layout. Their role encompasses integrating various components, such as piping, equipment, structural elements, and electrical systems, into a unified model. This model not only facilitates visualizing the final design but also allows for simulations and analyses to optimize the plant's functionality and safety.

Moreover, plant designers and engineers collaborate closely with other departments, including process engineering, construction, and maintenance, to ensure that the design meets all operational requirements and standards. They use advanced software tools to create detailed and accurate representations of the plant, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle. Their expertise ensures that the plant layout is both practical and efficient, ultimately contributing to the successful execution and operation of the facility.

The following are the main activities/tasks of the Plant Design Team:

• Ensure consistent development of 3D models
• Assuring Ergonomic, Safe, Operable, and Maintainable Design
• Ensure the constructability of all components of the project
• Disciplines design input in 3D is in accordance with project requirements
• A customer-oriented approach is applied during the design development
• Maximize the use of clash detection to help minimize site clashes
• Reduce design modifications and avoid rework
• Eliminates field reworks
• Optimize the design to reduce overall project cost
• Maximize the use of drawings, MTO, and reports extracted from 3D models to save time and avoid incoherent design deliverables.
• Meeting Project schedule and milestones
• Meeting required model content for stage reviews
• Ensuring progress of the 3D model
• Review, supervise, and monitor multidiscipline activities during design development. 
• Progress monitoring, reporting the status of model reviews and comment closeouts
• Facilitating 3D model review meetings 

 Function

The plant Design function covers any item, such as

• Plot Plans – layout for the on-plot facilities “Inside Battery  Limits” (ISBL).
• Site Plans – layout for the off-plot facilities “Outside Battery  Limits” (OSBL).
• Plant layout and layout criteria.
• Equipment segregation, separation, and arrangement
• Plant safety, maintenance, and operation.
• Construction issues affecting plant layout.
• Aspects of piping routing and arrangement affecting plant layout.
• Aspects of Electrical and Instruments functions
• Equipment and piping arrangements are interlinked and cannot be considered in isolation.
• Plant layout, however, also includes other issues, such as;
• Plant access – roads, paths, platforms, stairways.
• Drainage.
• Structures, buildings, shelters.
• Constructability and construction facilities.
• Impact on local communities and environment.
• The piping layout must be integrated with the equipment layout to produce the final plant layout.

Summary

Thus, what kinds of skills are required to become a plant design engineer?

Plant Design must be carried out by an Engineer/Designer  with the right skills:

• Must be aware of safety and ergonomic issues.
• Common sense and reasoning.
• Understand the plant design intent.
• Overall understanding of how the plant will operate and be maintained.
• Cost-conscious.
• Good understanding of construction issues.
• Creative, open-minded, multidiscipline background.
• Probing nature, able to question the reliability of information or data and resolve issues.
• Must be able to defend the chosen design but able to compromise while still achieving acceptable results

So, ready to expand your skills and knowledge?