Project Design Basis documents

The foundational engineering concepts that are required for each specialized discipline involved in the execution of the project are established by the Design Basis documents. The Design Basis documents typically include the following:

• Civil and Structural Design Basis

• Cost Estimate Design Basis

• Electrical Design Basis

• Equipment Design Basis

• Process Design Basis

• Fire Protection Design Basis

• Instrument and Control Design Basis

• Insulation Design Basis

• Piping Design Basis

• Protective Coating Design Basis

In terms of early deliverables and relevance to a data-centric engineering system, the key Design Basis document is the Process Design Basis.

Process Design Basis

During the initial design stages, the Process Design Basis is particularly crucial among the design basis documents. The Process Design Basis defines the necessary unit operations, the characteristics and quality of feedstock, essential performance criteria or product quality, and assumed conditions for ancillary utilities.

The Process Design Basis includes an overview of the Heat and Material Balance, a Utility Summary, and an Emissions Summary, which are all pivotal for the project.

Equipment Design Basis

The Equipment Design Basis outlines the essential criteria for all crucial process equipment, which includes the following:

• Sizing basis

• Necessary performance specifications

• Materials of construction

• Spare parts philosophies

• Design margins

• Capacity or throughput variations and options for subsequent expansion

Additionally, this section highlights the design codes and standards to be adhered to, as well as any client-specific requirements and preferences.

Electrical Design Basis

The Electrical Design Basis establishes the criteria for the design of new electrical power systems. This section includes a summary of new loads, the required electric distribution networks to accommodate this demand, and essential electrical equipment such as substations, transformers, and specifics for low voltage distribution for instrumentation and controls.

The Electrical Design Basis covers the stipulations for the following:

• Electrical aspects such as lighting, earthing, and protection from lightning or static

• Heat tracing for pipes

• Obligatory design code details

• Standards for electrical area classifications for equipment

• Overarching design philosophies for the following:

  • Wiring

  • Conduits

  • Cable trays and routing

  • Motors

  • Backup power strategies

  • Utility power needs

  • Outlets for general use

Instrument and Controls Design Basis

The Instrument and Controls Design Basis specifies the types of instruments to be installed. This basis details the manufacturer, technology, and materials for each device corresponding to its service, such as control valves and sensors for monitoring flow, level, pressure, and temperature. This basis also outlines the control philosophy, whether it is Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), or other types, along with adhering to relevant codes, standards, and client preferences.

Additionally, this section includes specifications for the manufacturers, units of measurement, calibration procedures, and the strategy for protecting instruments from cold temperatures.

Civil and Structural Design Basis

The Civil and Structural Design Basis details the following:

• Overarching conditions for the project site that are inclusive of applicable structural design codes and standards,

• Essential geotechnical or foundational prerequisites,

• Structural implications due to regional meteorological and seismic factors.

This section also defines the architectural style or nature of the facilities to be constructed in alignment with the client needs, incorporating design elements such as the following:

• Specialized access

• Landscaping

• Choice of paving

• Fireproofing

• Building materials

• Architectural stipulations