Engineering Design
Engineering Design is the term used to describe the process by which an idea is transformed from a simple concept into a detailed plan for development into physical reality. The process of engineering design will differ slightly from industry to industry. However, all engineering design projects will still follow a certain basic outline. The photo attached is the Casposo Merrill Crowe plant in Argentina designed by METS.
First is the project concept. This is often referred to as a scoping study (this may occur after any initial desktop studies). Scoping Studies are performed when a potential plant requires exploration of different options and a necessity to clearly define some of the issues which the design process will need to address. The accuracy of a scoping study estimate is usually around 50% +/-10%.
A pre-feasibility study (PFS) is the next project stage. At PFS, preliminary engineering work is carried out and if necessary multiple options are investigated. The accuracy of a PFS estimate is around +/- 25%. Crucially, at PFS level, all necessary testwork must be completed to provide an indication of the ore body type. This aids the engineering personnel in determining the equipment required to process the ore body and design the plant. Major pieces of equipment are preliminarily sized and the plant footprint and layout are determined. Material throughput and tonnages in the plant are also considered in more depth and a mass and water balance is carried out. Following the preliminary sizing of equipment vendors are contacted and prices are provided within 25%.
The next stage is the feasibility study. At this level, the preferred option defined during the PFS is subjected to more rigorous engineering analysis. 50% of the engineering is carried out at feasibility study level. As fewer assumptions are made the level of accuracy of the estimate is lifted to approximately +/-15%. After this stage the engineering design works graduate to a FEED study before detailed engineering design which is where the rest of the engineering is carried out.
METS are able to guide a project from the scoping stage through to detail design. At METS every effort is made to ensure that no matter what stage of the design process the project is at, METS will deliver a high quality, rigorous outcome for its clients. For further information contact METS on (+61 8) 9421 9000 or [email protected]