Chemical Engineering Fabricated Equipment

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE 21,21 A simple procedure is available to estimate equipment cost from past cost data. The method consists of adjusting the earlier cost data to present values using factors that correct for inflation. A number of such indices are available one of the most conunonly used is the Chemical Engineering Fabricated Equipment Cost Index (FECI), outdated past values of which are listed in Table 21.5. 

Fabrication expenses account for a large fraction of the purchased cost for equipment. A chemical engineer, therefore, should be acquainted with the methods for fabricating equipment, and the problems involved in the fabrication should be considered when equipment specifications are prepared. 

Although chemical engineers in plant design work are not usually responsible for detailed mechanical design and fabrication of chemical engineering equipment, they should have some knowledge of these methods. 

The type of fabrication depends on the specific equipment being manufactured. The most common fabrication methods for chemical engineering equipment are those related to the preparation of tanks and pressure vessels. 

Chemical process equipment is of two kinds custom designed and built, or proprietary off the shelf. For example, the sizes and performance of custom equipment such as distillation towers, drums, and heat exchangers are derived by the process engineer on the basis of established principles and data, although some mechanical details remain in accordance with safe practice codes and individual fabrication practices. 

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