What are the current trends and innovations in process engineering for FEED?

1 Digitalization and Simulation

One of the most prominent trends in process engineering for FEED is the use of digital tools and techniques to enhance the design and analysis of the process systems. Digitalization and simulation can help process engineers to model, visualize, optimize, and test various scenarios and alternatives, as well as to identify and mitigate potential risks and uncertainties. For example, digital twin technology can create a virtual replica of the physical system, and enable real-time monitoring and control of the performance and behavior of the system. Similarly, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can simulate the fluid flow, heat transfer, and chemical reactions in the process equipment, and provide valuable insights for design improvement and troubleshooting.

2 Modularization and Standardization

Another trend in process engineering for FEED is the adoption of modularization and standardization approaches to simplify and accelerate the design and construction of the process plants. Modularization and standardization can reduce the engineering hours, material costs, site work, and project risks, as well as improve the quality, safety, and reliability of the process systems. For example, modular process skids can be designed, fabricated, assembled, and tested off-site, and then transported and installed on-site as ready-to-use units. Similarly, standardized process equipment and components can be selected from a predefined catalog, and integrated into the process design with minimal customization and modification.

3 Sustainability and Circular Economy

A third trend in process engineering for FEED is the incorporation of sustainability and circular economy principles and practices into the design and evaluation of the process systems. Sustainability and circular economy can help process engineers to minimize the environmental impact, maximize the resource efficiency, and create value from waste and by-products of the process operations. For example, life cycle assessment (LCA) can be used to quantify and compare the environmental footprint of different process options, and identify the hotspots and improvement opportunities. Similarly, circular economy strategies such as reuse, recycling, recovery, and regeneration can be applied to the process materials and energy flows, and create closed-loop or cascading systems.

4 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

A fourth trend in process engineering for FEED is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques and applications into the design and optimization of the process systems. AI and ML can help process engineers to leverage the large amount of data generated by the process sensors, instruments, and simulations, and extract useful information and insights for decision making and problem solving. For example, AI and ML algorithms can be used to analyze the process data, and identify patterns, trends, anomalies, and correlations that can enhance the process performance and efficiency. Similarly, AI and ML models can be used to predict the process behavior and outcomes, and provide recommendations and suggestions for design improvement and optimization.

5 Collaboration and Communication

A fifth trend in process engineering for FEED is the improvement of collaboration and communication among the process engineers and other project stakeholders, such as clients, contractors, suppliers, regulators, and end-users. Collaboration and communication can help process engineers to understand the project requirements, expectations, and constraints, as well as to share the project information, feedback, and results. For example, cloud-based platforms and software can be used to store, access, and exchange the project data and documents, and enable real-time collaboration and communication among the project team members. Similarly, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies can be used to create immersive and interactive experiences of the process design, and facilitate the presentation and demonstration of the project deliverables.

6 Innovation and Creativity

A sixth trend in process engineering for FEED is the enhancement of innovation and creativity among the process engineers and other project stakeholders, as they face new challenges and opportunities in the process engineering field. Innovation and creativity can help process engineers to generate novel and feasible ideas and solutions for the process design and optimization, as well as to adapt to the changing market and customer demands. For example, design thinking and brainstorming methods can be used to foster a culture of innovation and creativity among the project team members, and encourage them to explore different perspectives, assumptions, and possibilities. Similarly, open innovation and co-creation approaches can be used to involve external partners and users in the innovation process, and leverage their knowledge, expertise, and feedback.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?