Project Synopsis
Prepare a detailed process design package for a new oilfield chemicals blend plant.
Project Summary
FEL-3 PROCESS DESIGN SERVICES FOR BATCH CHEMICAL BLEND FACILITY
Process Engineering Associates, LLC (PROCESS) was contracted by the client, a multinational energy services and production company, to provide a detailed process design FEL-3 package for the proposed Louisiana Plant. This plant is a batch chemical blend facility that includes four batch blenders. The four batch units are used to produce a variety oil-field chemicals. Due to the many potential products scheduled for production, the plant requires several raw material storage tanks and charge pumps along with ancillary utilities (steam, reverse osmosis (RO) quality water, nitrogen, compressed air, etc.)
Two of the four blenders are designed to produce water based products while the second two blenders are designed for oil based products. The larger water based blender is equipped with an external heater. A process flow diagram (PFD) was produced for each of the sets of blenders showing the range of potential raw material connections. However, heat and material balances (HMBs) for a few selected products were produced. These products were used as the basis for preliminary sizing and cost estimations.
PROCESS worked with the client to establish a process design basis that represented a range of potential products that establishes equipment sizing for a cost estimate. PROCESS utilized commercial process simulation software to prepare the heat and material balances (HMBs) for a typical blend product. Preliminary equipment sizing was based on the most stringent duties from the three HMBs.
PFDs and HMBs were also completed for each raw material storage tank or vessel. These included the raw material charge pump and any required heating units for a given raw material. In addition, process data sheets were produced for all heat exchangers and vessels. The energy balance portion of the HMB was used to calculate utility usage quantities for heating requirements and relief scenarios. All storage tanks were designed in accordance with API-650 standards.
PROCESS also produced full set of piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) for the process including utilities (nitrogen, plant air, and RO water). From the P&IDs, line lists and instrument lists were generated. Instrument data sheets were completed for all instruments associated with the PLC control system.
A cost estimate was prepared based on the preliminary equipment sizes.
PROCESS also produced preliminary equipment layout diagrams with assistance from the client.
A complete Front End Loaded Stage 3 (FEL-3) package that included the above-mentioned documentation was issued to the client for the purpose of issuing for bids to construct.
In addition to the traditional FEL-3 design package, PROCESS facilitated the Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) based on the issued P&IDs. Additionally, PROCESS constructed a complete set of Operating Procedures for the plant.
Industry Type
- Oilfield Chemicals Production
Utilized Skills
- Detailed process design (FEL-3)