Process
Work within the Process discipline varies according to the phase of a project, from basic engineering, through detailed engineering and (pre) commissioning, right up to start-up of the installation.
At the start of a project, Process begins by thoroughly verifying the engineering package in consultation with the client and adding any finishing touches before the other disciplines can begin their work. This involves creating and / or completing the following:
- P & IDs up to ‘Released for Design’: for the development of P & IDs Released for Design, the Process Engineer needs to define such things as design pressure and temperature per process component. Then, together with the Piping / Mechanical Technicians, the material specification for the piping and mechanical equipment are determined. After this, the Process Engineer makes various calculations to create a full picture of the process that will ensure the correct output in production;
- Instrument specifications: The Process Engineer makes specifications for instruments such as control valves, flow meters, pressure relief valves etc;
- The Process Engineer makes calculations and draws up specifications that engineers from other disciplines further develop so that they can select the device or instrument from the supplier's list and order it via the Purchasing Department.
Because multiple disciplines are needed to make the P & IDs Released for Design, P & ID reviews are held regularly, often in the presence of The customer.
In addition to this P & ID review, there is also a HAZOP review. During the HAZOP, all hazardous situations that may arise during production are examined in a structured manner.
During the HAZOP, it will be verified whether the design, in its normal state, is sufficiently safe and operable to be able to return to a safe state from a deviating one. If this is not the case, it must be considered whether additional security is necessary or whether the design needs to be changed. These HAZOP reviews are often led by a Process Engineer or a Process Safety Engineer who specialises in process safety within the Process discipline.
During the detailed engineering process, the Process Department or Process Engineer is involved in verifying information coming from the customer and supplier to ensure that the equipment and instrumentation recommended by the supplier are appropriate for the process.
At the end of the detailed engineering phase, Process is often involved in writing manuals for the operators of the installations. These describe how the installation should be operated during start-up, normal operation and shut-down.
The Process Engineer can also be involved in the commissioning and start-up of an installation.
The Process Engineer can sometimes also be called upon to troubleshoot complex malfunctions at the factory.
Software packages used
Process functions
