Plant engineering function definition

By definition, the plant engineering function is multidisciplinary. It routinely incorporates the disciplines of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and civil engineering. Other disciplines, such as chemical engineering for example, may also be needed, depending on the type of industry or service involved. 

Dunn, R. L. (1997), Plant/Facilities Engineering—Definitions and Descriptions of Functions and Responsibihties, AFE Facilities Engineering Journal, December 1997. 

The first step includes the definition of the problem scope (i.e., design a biorefinery network, wastewater treatment plant network, a processing network for vegetable oil production), the selection of suitable objective functions (i.e., maximum profit of the biorefinery, minimum total annualized cost (TAG) of the wastewater treatment plant), and optimization scenarios with respect to either business strategy, engineering performance, sustainability, or a combination of such objectives. 

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