Techniques used in site and plant layout

Cardboard cut-outs of the equipment outlines can be used to make trial plant layouts. Simple models, made up from rectangular and cylindrical blocks, can be used to study 

Large-scale models, to a scale of at least 1 30, are normally made for major projects. These models are used for piping design and to decide the detailed arrangement of small items of equipment, such as valves, instruments and sample points. Piping isometric diagrams are taken from the finished models. The models are also useful on the construction site, and for operator training. Proprietary kits of parts are available for the construction of plant models. 

Some of the advantages of computer graphics modelling compared with actual scale models are  

The ease of electronic transfer of information. Piping drawings can be generated directly from the layout model. Bills of quantities materials, valves, instruments, are generated automatically. 

The computer model can be part of an integrated project information system, covering all aspects of the project from conception to operation. 

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