A Case for Integrated Front-End Engineering and Design - Increasing Value and Reducing Risk

摘要

The way in which engineering information is developed and managed during Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) has major ramifications on quality, cost, and speed of a project. During the FEED phase, the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor develops engineering information including Design Basis, Design Criteria, Equipment and Instrument Specifications, Mass and Energy Balance, PFDs, and P&IDs. Of course, this information can be developed and delivered to the owner / operator in separate documents and drawings, or, it can all be integrated using a common database shared by multiple disciplines where high-quality deliverables are the final outcome. This paper makes the case that an integrated, data-driven front-end approach is a cost-effective best practice. This integrated, data-driven approach ensures consistency across deliverables and ensures that changes made in one place are kept consistent with the entire set of engineering information. This approach also helps to facilitate the transfer of information and the transition from engineering systems to operating and maintenance systems where the information can be kept current moving forward. Some examples of the benefits of utilizing an integrated, data-driven approach will be discussed (in contrast to utilizing only traditional practices that do not utilize "smart" technologies), including improved quality and consistency of data and reduced risk of scope creep and schedule delays.