5 replies to this topic

[S.Murugaraja]

I want to know where basic engineering comes in chemical process design...actually what is involved in that? suppose if we are starting a career with basic engineering how does we have future??can basic engineering preferred that simulation and equipment design??kindly answer this question...

[Abhimanyu Dagla]

I want to know where basic engineering comes in chemical process design...actually what is involved in that? suppose if we are starting a career with basic engineering how does we have future??can basic engineering preferred that simulation and equipment design??kindly answer this question...

Mr Murugaraja ,
There are different branches of Engineering and every branch has a field of
specialisation.
For Chemical Process Design , the qualified person is a chemical engineer.
Though people with some other branch like mechanical who have enough experience
can also do it.
I am a mechanical engineer by education but working on chemical engineers job.
regards.

[msam]

Hi Mr Murugaraja,

I think Mr. Dagla did not get ur question properly.

I believe, you wanted to about different levels of Process Engineering like Basic Engineering, Detailed Engineering etc.

After a project is kicked-off, the Technology Provider (Licencor) prepares the PFDs, all equipment specs, P&ID etc etc. This is called Basic Engineering (The total package made by the Technology Licensor). This package is prepared on the basis of Design Basis and all required informations provided by the client (or PMC on behalf of the client) to the Licensor at the beginning of the project.

After the completion of the Basic Engineering, the Detailed-Engineering Contractor starts preparing the Detailed Engineering work on the basis of Basic Engineering package.

So, you can say, Basic Engineering is the basis for detailed engineering and Detailed engineering is the basis of ground-work like construction, procurement etc etc.

However, sometimes the Technology Licensor has some Propriotory Items like special reactors, reformer. In that case, the Technology Licensor (Basic Engineering Company) does/may do the detailed engineering for these propriotory items.


I request all to share their thought on this.

regards-
MSam.

[msam]

Hi again,

I forgot to give my opinion on some of the points you mentioned:

Future/Prospect of a chemical engineer in basic engineering: Well, it is a very bright prospect to have an opportunity to work for a basic engineering company. As they are the technology licensor, you come to know about the whole process with a much more depth. Most importantly, the client and the detailed engineering company will always (except some exceptional case) listen to you.

Simulation/Equipments: Well, you will get all the opportunity to do simulation as in any other level of engineering, like detailed engineering. And, as the PFDs are done by Basic Engineering Company(both for proposals and in real projects), so, may be you'll get more opportunity of doing simulation in basic engineering.

And all the equipment specs (except those which come under the scope of the vendor) are also done in basic engineering, so you'll learn doing equipment specs as well. Of-course they are not done as detailed in detailed engineering. But, some are done in detail, in basic engineering.

Best Regards-
MSam.

[Emetovweke Ochuko]

Hello Murugaraja,

Starting a career as a Basic Engineer, I feel is the best for any young Engineer who wants to grow in area of Process Engineering. Basic Engineering is one of the phases in a typical Oil & Gas Design Project. A typical Project comprises of the following phases: feasibility/Conceptual Studies, Basic Engineering(front End Engineering Design, FEED), Detail Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation and finally commissioning of the Plant. It is in Basic Engineering that all the real engineering work are done. As was rightly explain by MSAM, it is in this stage that PFDs, P&IDs, Piping layout drawings, equipment specifications and general operating procedures are generated. It is at this stage that Material take off(MTO) are produced. This stage of Engineering involves almost all disciplines. I believe if you start your career as a Basic engineer you will not regret it since there are alot to be learnt at this stage of design. It is your long involvement in this stage that will qualify you to work in feasibility/conceptual studies.

My regards
Ochuko E.

[gaspardck]

I want to know where basic engineering comes in chemical process design...actually what is involved in that? suppose if we are starting a career with basic engineering how does we have future??can basic engineering preferred that simulation and equipment design??kindly answer this question...

Hi Murugaraja,

There is an excellent book by F. P. Helmus called Process Plant Design which does a pretty good job of explaining to you the various aspects of the afore-mentioned topic. Have a read and you wont be disappointed.
I must say it is well written for any level of education