1. Project conceptualization and feasibility study
In the initial phase, the focus is on evaluating the project’s viability and establishing a high-level project plan.- Activities:
- Conduct feasibility studies, including technical, economic and environmental assessments.
- Define project objectives, requirements and scope.
- Evaluate site location and its suitability for the proposed plant.
- Assess regulatory and permitting requirements.
- Perform initial risk assessments and identify mitigation strategies.
- OE role:
- Technical advisory: The OE provides insights on technology selection, plant capacity and site suitability.
- Feasibility analysis: Reviews feasibility studies, validating technical and financial assumptions.
- Preliminary design evaluation: Ensures preliminary designs align with the owner’s requirements and industry standards.
- Regulatory support: Assists in understanding regulatory requirements and preparing necessary documentation.
2. Front-end engineering design (FEED)
FEED transitions the project from concept to a detailed technical and budgetary framework.- Activities:
- Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
- Establish basic engineering design and equipment specifications.
- Prepare cost estimates and budget forecasts.
- Define project execution plans and procurement strategies.
- Conduct risk assessments and develop HAZOP reports.
- OE role:
- Design review: Reviews FEED deliverables for technical accuracy and completeness.
- Cost and schedule evaluation: Provides independent evaluations of cost estimates and schedules.
- Risk analysis: Participates in HAZOP and risk assessments, ensuring potential risks are managed.
- Interface coordination: Manages interfaces among engineering disciplines for seamless integration.
3. Detailed engineering design
This phase finalizes all aspects of the plant’s design, producing construction-ready documents.- Activities:
- Develop detailed engineering drawings and specifications.
- Finalize equipment lists and procurement packages.
- Prepare structural, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation designs.
- Establish construction plans and address design issues.
- OE Role:
- Design Oversight: Reviews and approves detailed designs for compliance with requirements.
- Procurement Support: Ensures technical specifications meet project criteria.
- Change Management: Evaluates the impact of design changes on cost and schedule.
- Quality Assurance: Ensures adherence to quality standards through design reviews.
4. Procurement and Contracting
This phase involves sourcing essential equipment, materials and services.- Activities:
- Prepare procurement documents and technical specifications.
- Evaluate bids and negotiate contracts with suppliers and contractors.
- Monitor and expedite delivery of critical materials.
- OE role:
- Bid evaluation: Reviews technical bids and recommends suppliers based on compliance and quality.
- Contract negotiation support: Assists in negotiating favorable contract terms.
- Vendor audits: Conducts audits to ensure suppliers can meet project specifications.
5. Construction and Installation
This phase covers the physical construction and preparation for commissioning.- Activities:
- Execute site preparation, civil works and infrastructure development.
- Install mechanical, electrical and instrumentation systems.
- Conduct on-site testing and quality assurance.
- OE role:
- Construction supervision: Ensures construction adheres to designs and safety standards.
- QA/QC management: Implements quality assurance procedures and conducts inspections.
- Progress monitoring: Tracks construction progress and addresses potential delays.
- Safety compliance: Ensures adherence to safety and environmental protocols.
6. Commissioning and startup
Commissioning involves testing systems and ensuring they function as intended.- Activities:
- Develop and implement commissioning plans.
- Perform functional tests and system integrations.
- Train personnel on operational procedures.
- OE role:
- Commissioning oversight: Supervises commissioning activities for compliance with procedures.
- Performance validation: Confirms that the plant meets operational requirements.
- Deficiency management: Tracks and addresses deficiencies before final acceptance.
7. Handover and operation
This phase marks the transition to full operation by the owner.- Activities:
- Conduct final inspections and clear any deficiencies.
- Transfer project documentation, including operation manuals and as-built drawings.
- Facilitate the final handover and acceptance.
- OE role:
- Documentation and training: Ensures completeness of documentation and adequate training for the owner’s team.
- Final acceptance: Conducts inspections to confirm readiness for operation.
- Support during defects liability period: Addresses any post-handover issues.
8. Operation and maintenance support
Although often informal, many OEs continue to provide support during early operation.- Activities:
- Offer technical support and troubleshooting.
- Assist with optimization and maintenance strategies.
- OE role:
- Optimization support: Helps optimize plant performance and resolve operational challenges.
- Ongoing training: Facilitates knowledge transfer to the owner’s team.
