Plant layout maintenance considerations

A preliminary determination of the plant layout enables consideration of pipe runs and pressure drops, access for maintenance and repair and in the event of accidents and spills, and location of the control room and administrative offices. The preliminary plant layout can also help to identify undesirable and unforeseen problems with the preferred site, and may necessitate a revision of the site selection (Section 5.1). The proposed plant layout must be considered early in the design work, and in sufficient detail, to ensure economical construction and efficient operation of the completed plant. The plant layout adopted also affects the safe operation of the plant, and acceptance of the plant (and possibly any subsequent modifications or extensions) by the community. 

The specification, selection, layout, maintenance, and operation of plant equipment can influence plant noise levels and employee noise exposures. Each of these items is worth considering when evaluating noise control requirements and available options. For those companies that are moving office workers out onto the factory floor, these considerations are essential. 

Compressor installations and most other equipment may be located either in open areas of the plant or in struaures that have a roof only or a curtain wall or are completely enclosed. For the plant layout designer, client preference and climate conditions are the two primary considerations that determine the inclusion of compressor shelters. The faa that machines may be either elevated or grade mounted creates a variety of maintenance problems for the plant layout designer. 

Because the configuration of equipment and associated items covered in this chapter may vary significantly among vendors, the plant layout designer should study the principles outlined and adjust each layout accordingly. Consideration for maintenance, operation, safety, and economics, as well as the use of common. sen.se, re.sulw in an effective overall furnace de.sign. 

An example of cost-effeaiveness is the layout of steam-driven gas compressors. Although a grade-mounted installation is initially less expensive to install, maintenance on such arrangements often requires the dismantling of all major piping systems. This can prolong plant downtime and translates into lost revenue for the client. Careful consideration should be given to all factors before the initially lowest-cost solution is chosen. 

This chapter highlights the types of pumps commonly found in industrial plants, along with maintenance and operation considerations for a centrifugal pump piping layout. 

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