Plant Layout and Process Flowsheet

In contrast to these generic tools, the second group of domain-specific software tools addresses certain tasks during the design process in the chemical engineering domain. They can roughly be classified as data retrieval, synthesis, and analysis tools. A typical example for data retrieval tools are physical property systems [1048, 1053[. Synthesis tools include flowsheet synthesis [951, 1039], plant layout and pipe routing [955], model development ]54, 558] or even solvent selection [7.37]. The most prominent examples of analysis tools are process simulators for steady-state ]518, 556, 1046] and dynamic simulation ]288, 518, 916]. 

The sequence of the main equipment items shown symbolically on the flowsheet follows that of the proposed plant layout. Some license must be exercised in the placing of ancillary items, such as heat exchangers and pumps, or the layout will be too congested. The aim should be to show the flow of material from stage to stage as it will occur, and to give a general impression of the layout of the actual process plant. 

Procurement of the major process equipment items began immediately, based on extrapolation of previous project data (without waiting for project-specific flowsheets and mass balance to be finalized). The basic data for the equipment would then become requirements for flowsheet and data sheet preparation, rather than vice versa. Design details arising out of plant layout could still be accepted several weeks after purchase commitment. 

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