Conceptual Design

Conceptual Design is the initial stage in the engineering process, aiming to translate client requirements into a technical concept that is feasible, safe, and economical, and can be developed into a more detailed design stage. At this stage, various alternative solutions are analyzed before selecting the best concept for development.

Purpose of Conceptual Design

• Understand the project's needs and objectives.
• Identify various alternative technical solutions.
• Determine the most optimal design concept from a technical, economic, operational, safety, and environmental perspective.
• Provide a basis for preparing the FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) or Detailed Engineering Design (DED).
• Reduce the risk of design changes at later stages.
• Scope of Work

In an engineering service company, Conceptual Design activities generally include :

• Data Collection
• Client Requirements Study
• Site Survey
• Process Data Collection
• Utility Data Collection
• Identification of Applicable Regulations and Standards

1. 1. Alternative Study
      Comparing Several Technology Options
      Process Configuration Evaluation
      Facility Location Analysis
      Production Capacity Evaluation
      Major Equipment Selection
   2. Process Engineering
      Process Flow Diagram (PFD) Preparation
      Heat & Material Balance
      Process Description
      Utility Requirements Identification
   3. Preliminary Engineering
      Preliminary Plot Plan
      Equipment Layout
      General Arrangement
      Preliminary Piping Concept
      Preliminary Electrical Concept
      Preliminary Instrumentation Concept
      Civil & Structural Concept
   4. Technical Analysis
      Capacity Analysis
      System Reliability Analysis
      Safety Review
      Operability Analysis
      Preliminary Environmental Assessment
   5. Economic Analysis
      Investment Cost Estimation (CAPEX)
      Operating Cost Estimate (OPEX)
      Project Economic Analysis
      Implementation Schedule Estimate
   6. Risk Analysis
      Risk Assessment
      Identification of Technical Risks
      Identification of Construction Risks
      Identification of Operational Risks
      Deliverables

The main outputs of the Conceptual Design stage typically include:

• Design Basis
• Engineering Philosophy
• Concept Selection Report
• Feasibility Technical Report
• Process Flow Diagram (PFD)
• Heat & Material Balance
• Preliminary Plot Plan
• Preliminary Equipment Layout
• Preliminary Utility Diagram
• Preliminary Equipment List
• Preliminary Instrument List
• Preliminary Line List
• CAPEX Estimate
• OPEX Estimate
• Project Execution Strategy
• Project Schedule
• Risk Register
• Conceptual Design Report
• Team Involved

Conceptual Design development involves various engineering disciplines, including:

• Project Manager
• Process Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Piping Engineer
• Civil & Structural Engineer
• Electrical Engineer
• Instrumentation & Control Engineer
• HSE Engineer
• Cost Estimator
• Planning Engineer
• Procurement Engineer (for technology and vendor evaluation)
• Position in the Project Cycle

The general sequence of project stages in an engineering services company is:

• Business Opportunity / Client Requirement
• Feasibility Study
• Conceptual Design
• Front-End Engineering Design (FEED)
• Detailed Engineering Design (DED)
• Procurement
• Construction
• Commissioning
• Start-Up
• Operation & Maintenance
• Benefits of Conceptual Design

Good conceptual design implementation provides various benefits, including:

• Reducing the risk of design changes in subsequent stages.
• Improving the accuracy of project cost and schedule estimates.
• Assisting in the selection of the most appropriate technology.
• Being the basis for investment decision-making.
• Simplifying the FEED and Detailed Engineering Design processes.
• Reducing the potential for cost overruns and project delays.

Conceptual Design is one of the most important stages in an engineering project because decisions taken at this stage will affect the entire project life cycle, from detailed design, construction, operation, to facility maintenance costs.