Fluxo Soluções
 / June 2023

The importance of Conceptual and Basic Engineering in fluid handling projects

Per Daniel Barros and Barbara Ribeiro

The industrial processes that involve the production, movement and storage of fluids play a fundamental role in a wide range of sectors, including oil, gas, liquid bulk terminals, chemical industry, food and beverage, petrochemical, sugar and alcohol, among others. These processes present unique challenges that require specialized solutions and services to ensure efficiency, safety, regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability of developments.

The main phase of fluid handling projects is Conceptual and Basic Engineering, which plays a key role in the design and application of equipment suited to the challenges of each project and client. In this article, we will explore the importance of Conceptual and Basic Engineering, highlight why proper sizing is crucial for successful project delivery and FLUXO invests more and more in this sector every day.

What is Conceptual and Basic Engineering

Conceptual and Basic Engineering is responsible for translating initial ideas and customer requirements into viable and safe concepts and projects. It is in this phase that the fundamental parameters of the project are established, such as capacity, selection of technologies, definition of operational limits and cost estimation. Inadequate sizing at this stage can lead to serious problems during project implementation, with delays, excessive costs and even failures and operational problems, which can last throughout the life of the projects and cause environmental problems.

In this context, the sizing of pumps, piping, valves, control systems and fluid measurement are used to ensure efficient, safe and assertive flow in movements. Proper fluid storage is vital to ensure a continuous and safe supply. It is essential that tanks are designed and built in accordance with applicable standards and regulations, taking temperature and fluid level control factors into account.

Conceptual Engineering: defining the scope of the skids

Conceptual Engineering is the initial stage of a project, in which the fundamental objectives and requirements are defined. At this stage, FLUXO works closely with the client to fully understand their needs and expectations. This detailed analysis allows identifying the main elements to be considered in the skids, including the production capacity, the area available for integration, necessary resources and the restrictions involved.

Basic Engineering: developing viable solutions

Based on the Conceptual Engineering, FLUXO proceeds to the Basic Engineering phase. In this stage, technical and feasible solutions are developed to meet the project requirements. This includes the proper dimensioning of all installations, process simulations carried out with software, equipment and processes necessary for the enterprise.

In Basic Engineering, FLUXO employs a team of experienced professionals and qualified engineers. This process team collaborates to design an integrated system that maximizes operational efficiency, reduces risk and ensures durability.

By investing in Conceptual and Basic Engineering for sizing the enterprise, FLUXO offers several benefits to its clients. Some of the main ones include:

Risk reduction: proper sizing of facilities and processes minimizes operational risks, increasing safety and preventing future problems.

Operational efficiency: Conceptual and Basic Engineering allows designing an efficient system, optimizing the use of resources, energy and time, resulting in greater productivity and cost reduction.

Sustainability: adequate sizing considers environmental and social sustainability, complying with current standards and regulations, in addition to reaffirming our commitment to ESG practices.

Saving resources: a well-designed project avoids waste and unnecessary use of resources, providing significant long-term savings.

In conclusion, Conceptual and Basic Engineering play a fundamental role in the projects and FLUXO has the structure and team to serve its customers, using the best market practices in this discipline.

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