Basic Engineering Design

Basic Engineering Design

Basic Engineering Design: Laying the groundwork for detailed design
In process industry, after the conceptual design phase, the project progresses to the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED)/Basic Engineering stage. This pivotal stage acts as a bridge between the initial concept and the subsequent detailed design. During the FEED stage, the process engineering undergoes refinement and expansion, focusing on optimizing process flow, equipment selection, and overall plant layout.

Objectives:
  • Develop a comprehensive project plan
  • Optimize process flow for efficiency
  • Identify and assess risks
  • Lay the foundation for the detailed engineering stage

Common deliverables:
  • Process flow diagram (PFD) with a high accuracy
  • Preliminary P&ID
  • More accurate equipment list
  • Equipment and instrument datasheets
  • More accurate cost estimate

Cost Accuracy:
  • Budget variance of approximately ±10-30% compared to the estimated budget

Flexibility to Modifications:
  • Still relatively high flexibility, but less than the conceptual design stage


Overall, the FEED and basic engineering stages establish the groundwork for a successful project outcome in process industry. Thorough planning, analysis, and documentation during these stages ensure a clear understanding of project goals and constraints, minimizing the risk of delays, cost overruns, and technical complications in later phases.