Process engineering is a branch of chemical engineering that deals with the design, operation, control, and optimization of chemical processes. In the context of EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) projects, process engineering plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of industrial facilities, such as oil and gas processing plants, power generation plants, and chemical manufacturing plants.
The scope of process engineering in EPC projects encompasses a wide range of activities, from the conceptual design phase to the commissioning and start-up phase. During Engineering phase of the EPC They participate in the selection of process equipment and materials by the development of process and safety design basis, conduct process simulations, develop heat and mass balance calculations, and design process equipment such as heat exchangers, reactors, and distillation columns. They also provide input for the design of process instrumentation, control systems, and process safety systems.
During Procurement phase of EPC is also a critical stage for process engineers, where they provide technical support to mechanical engineering team and to the purchasing department in the selection of process equipment and materials, and in the evaluation of vendor proposals. They also participate to give feedback when needed if there is a doubt in the inspection of process equipment and materials during the fabrication and construction phases, and in the review of vendor documentation.
During construction phase, process engineers provide construction support, including the review of fabrication and installation drawings, and participation in the commissioning and start-up of the process equipment. This phase is critical as process engineers must ensure that the process equipment is installed and commissioned in accordance with the design specifications, and that it is properly integrated into the control and safety systems.
Finally, during operation phase, process engineers provide ongoing support to the operations team, including troubleshooting and optimization of the process, and they are also involved in the maintenance and improvement of the process and in the design of the future expansions.