Syntillica offers expertise in facilities to advise on the design and management of pipelines, flowlines compressor stations, gas oil separation plants and and related facilities.
Facilities engineering requires a full understanding of field production fluids, pressures, temperatures and flows to design suitable pipelines while avoiding bottlenecks to deliver hydrocarbons to processing plants and stations. Facilities need to be designed conceptually taking into account health and safety as well as costing and engineering feasibility from pre-FEED to detailed design, construction, commissioning and finally maintaining operation.
Syntillica can provide the consulting experience needed for facilities review, concept and feasibility studies, from pre-FEED through to FEED and project management.
Engineering Facilities Feasibility Studies are in-depth analyses conducted to evaluate the practicality and advisability of developing new engineering facilities or modifying existing ones. These studies assess multiple factors, such as technical requirements, environmental impacts, economic viability, and regulatory compliance, to determine whether a proposed engineering project can be successfully executed. Facilities may range from manufacturing plants, laboratories, and research centers to infrastructure projects like bridges, tunnels, and water treatment plants.
Objectives of Engineering Facilities Feasibility Studies:
1. Evaluate Technical Feasibility:
– To assess whether the engineering design and construction of the proposed facility are technically viable, considering site conditions, design requirements, and available technology.
2. Determine Economic Viability:
– To analyze the costs and benefits associated with the project, including construction, operation, and maintenance expenses, and to assess the potential return on investment (ROI).
3. Assess Environmental Impact:
– To evaluate the potential environmental effects of the proposed facility and identify measures to mitigate negative impacts.
4. Ensure Regulatory Compliance:
– To identify and understand all relevant regulations, permits, and approvals required for the project, ensuring compliance with local, national, and international standards.
5. Identify Risks and Develop Mitigation Strategies:
– To identify potential risks (technical, financial, environmental, etc.) associated with the project and develop strategies to mitigate or manage these risks.
6. Support Decision-Making:
– To provide stakeholders with comprehensive data and analysis to make informed decisions about proceeding with, modifying, or abandoning the project.
Key Components of Engineering Facilities Feasibility Studies:
1. Site Analysis and Selection:
– Site Suitability Assessment: Evaluate the suitability of potential sites for the facility, considering factors such as soil conditions, topography, seismic activity, flood risk, and proximity to key infrastructure (e.g., roads, utilities, water sources).
– Land Use and Zoning: Review local zoning laws and land use regulations to determine the permissibility of constructing the facility on the chosen site.
2. Technical Feasibility:
– Engineering Design Requirements: Assess the technical specifications and engineering requirements needed for the project, including structural, electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering considerations.
– Technology and Equipment Assessment: Evaluate the availability, cost, and suitability of the technology, machinery, and equipment required for the facility’s operations.
– Construction Feasibility: Analyze the feasibility of construction methods and materials, considering site conditions, logistics, and availability of resources.
3. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
– Baseline Environmental Studies: Conduct studies to establish the current environmental conditions of the site, including air and water quality, soil contamination, biodiversity, and existing land use.
– Impact Identification and Analysis: Identify potential environmental impacts of the project, such as emissions, waste generation, water use, and habitat disruption, and analyze their significance.
– Mitigation Planning: Develop strategies to mitigate identified environmental impacts, such as implementing pollution control measures, adopting sustainable practices, and designing eco-friendly infrastructure.
4. Economic and Financial Analysis:
– Cost Estimation: Provide a detailed estimate of project costs, including land acquisition, design, construction, equipment, labor, and operational costs.
– Funding and Financing Options: Explore various funding and financing options, including private investment, public funding, loans, and grants.
– Return on Investment (ROI) and Payback Period: Calculate the expected ROI, payback period, and other financial metrics, such as Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR), to assess financial viability.
5. Operational Feasibility:
– Operational Requirements: Assess the operational needs of the facility, such as staffing, training, maintenance, and supply chain logistics.
– Workforce Availability: Evaluate the availability of a skilled workforce in the area and the potential need for recruitment, training, or relocation.
– Infrastructure and Utilities: Assess the availability and adequacy of essential infrastructure and utilities, such as electricity, water, waste management, and transportation networks.
6. Regulatory and Legal Feasibility:
– Regulatory Compliance: Review all applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines, including environmental, health and safety, and building codes, to ensure compliance.
– Permitting and Approvals: Identify necessary permits and approvals required for the project and develop a timeline and strategy for obtaining them.
– Legal Considerations: Address legal issues related to land acquisition, contracts, liability, and potential litigation risks.
7. Market and Demand Analysis:
– Market Need Assessment: Analyze market demand for the facility’s intended purpose, such as production capacity for a manufacturing plant or research capabilities for a laboratory.
– Competitor Analysis: Evaluate the competitive landscape, identifying key competitors, market share, pricing strategies, and potential market entry barriers.
– Sales and Revenue Forecasting: Develop projections for sales, revenue, and market growth based on market research and demand analysis.
8. Risk Assessment and Management:
– Risk Identification: Identify potential risks associated with the project, including technical failures, financial uncertainties, regulatory challenges, environmental impacts, and market fluctuations.
– Risk Analysis: Assess the likelihood and potential impact of each risk, prioritizing them based on their significance to the project.
– Risk Mitigation Strategies: Develop strategies to mitigate or manage identified risks, such as implementing redundant systems, securing insurance, or developing contingency plans.
9. Sustainability and Resilience:
– Sustainable Design and Construction: Incorporate sustainable design principles, such as energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, water conservation, and green building materials.
– Resilience Planning: Develop strategies to enhance the resilience of the facility to natural disasters, climate change, and other external shocks.
– Green Certifications and Standards: Consider obtaining green certifications, such as LEED or BREEAM, to demonstrate the facility’s commitment to sustainability.
Importance of Engineering Facilities Feasibility Studies:
– Ensures Informed Decision-Making: Provides comprehensive data and analysis to help stakeholders make well-informed decisions about the viability of a proposed facility project.
– Minimizes Risks: Identifies potential risks early in the planning process, allowing for the development of mitigation strategies to reduce negative impacts.
– Optimizes Resource Allocation: Helps organizations allocate resources efficiently by identifying the most feasible and cost-effective options for facility development.
– Enhances Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that the project complies with all relevant regulations and standards, reducing the risk of legal challenges, fines, and project delays.
– Supports Sustainable Development: Promotes sustainable development by incorporating environmental considerations into the planning, design, and construction of the facility.
Challenges in Engineering Facilities Feasibility Studies:
– Data Collection and Accuracy: Obtaining accurate and reliable data for feasibility assessments can be challenging, particularly when data is incomplete, outdated, or unavailable.
– Complex Regulatory Landscape: Navigating complex and often changing regulations across different jurisdictions can be difficult, especially for large-scale projects.
– Uncertainty in Market and Economic Conditions: Predicting future market conditions, demand, and economic trends can be challenging, especially in volatile or rapidly changing industries.
– Stakeholder Coordination and Alignment: Achieving alignment among diverse stakeholders, including investors, regulatory agencies, local communities, and internal teams, can be difficult, particularly when there are conflicting interests.
– Environmental Impact Uncertainty: Accurately assessing potential environmental impacts and developing effective mitigation strategies can be complex, especially for large-scale or environmentally sensitive projects.
Applications of Engineering Facilities Feasibility Studies:
– Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities: Assessing the feasibility of developing new manufacturing plants or expanding existing ones, focusing on site selection, environmental impact, regulatory compliance, and technical requirements.
– Research and Development (R&D) Centers: Evaluating the feasibility of establishing new R&D facilities, including laboratories and testing centers, considering technical requirements, market demand, and regulatory compliance.
– Infrastructure Projects: Conducting feasibility studies for infrastructure projects such as bridges, tunnels, highways, and water treatment plants, focusing on technical, environmental, and financial aspects.
– Energy Facilities: Assessing the feasibility of developing energy facilities, such as power plants, wind farms, and solar farms, considering site conditions, environmental impact, regulatory requirements, and financial viability.
– Healthcare and Educational Facilities: Evaluating the feasibility of new hospitals, clinics, schools, or universities, considering factors such as community needs, location, financial viability, and regulatory compliance.
Conclusion
Engineering Facilities Feasibility Studies are critical for evaluating the practicality, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of proposed engineering projects. By analyzing a wide range of factors, including technical, environmental, economic, and regulatory considerations, these studies provide a comprehensive understanding of a project’s viability and potential impacts. This information is essential for informed decision-making, risk management, regulatory compliance, and successful project execution, ultimately supporting sustainable development and long-term growth.
Concept studies represent the initial phase of project development, where different design options and solutions are explored to determine the best approach for a new facility or the modification of an existing one. These studies are crucial in defining the project’s objectives, assessing feasibility, and setting the foundation for more detailed engineering phases like Front-End Engineering Design (FEED).
1. Purpose of Concept Studies
2. Key Activities in Concept Studies
3. Deliverables of Concept Studies
4. Challenges in Concept Studies
5. Importance of Concept Studies
Conclusion
Concept studies are a fundamental step in facilities engineering, setting the stage for the entire project lifecycle. By thoroughly exploring design options, assessing feasibility, and estimating costs, concept studies provide the foundation for successful project execution. These studies ensure that the chosen design aligns with the project’s objectives, is technically and economically viable, and can be executed within the desired timeline and budget. Despite the challenges of limited data and tight timelines, effective concept studies significantly reduce risks and improve the chances of project success.
Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) studies are a critical phase in facilities engineering, where the conceptual design of a facility is developed into a more detailed plan, allowing for accurate cost estimates, risk assessment, and project planning. FEED studies serve as the bridge between the initial conceptual design and the detailed engineering phase, ensuring that all major aspects of the project are thoroughly evaluated before significant resources are committed.
1. Purpose of FEED Studies
2. Key Activities in FEED Studies
3. Deliverables of FEED Studies
4. Challenges in FEED Studies
5. Importance of FEED Studies
Conclusion
FEED studies are a vital component of facilities engineering, setting the stage for successful project execution. By thoroughly defining the project scope, estimating costs, identifying risks, and establishing a solid design basis, FEED studies provide the information needed to make informed decisions and move forward with confidence. While the FEED phase requires significant time and resources, the benefits in terms of reduced risks, controlled costs, and smooth project execution make it an essential step in the development of any major facility.
Cost estimation is a critical process that involves predicting the costs associated with the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities. Accurate cost estimation is essential for budgeting, financial planning, and ensuring the economic viability of a project. This process requires a deep understanding of engineering, materials, labor, and market conditions. Below is an overview of the key aspects of cost estimation in facilities engineering:
1. Types of Costs in Facilities Engineering
2. Methods of Cost Estimation
3. Key Factors Influencing Cost Estimation
4. Steps in Cost Estimation Process
5. Challenges in Cost Estimation
6. Tools and Software for Cost Estimation
Conclusion
Cost estimation is a fundamental aspect of facilities engineering that requires a balance of technical knowledge, data analysis, and judgment. Accurate cost estimates ensure that projects are financially viable, align with budgets, and meet stakeholders’ expectations. By understanding the various types of costs, employing appropriate estimation methods, and accounting for risks and uncertainties, facilities engineers can provide reliable cost estimates that support successful project execution and long-term facility management.
Onshore involves the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities located on land. These facilities can range from industrial plants, power generation stations, and oil refineries to manufacturing plants, commercial buildings, and public infrastructure. Onshore facilities engineering requires a comprehensive understanding of various engineering disciplines to ensure the facilities operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Here’s an overview of the key aspects of onshore facilities engineering:
1. Types of Onshore Facilities
2. Core Areas of Onshore Facilities Engineering
3. Challenges in Onshore Facilities Engineering
4. Design and Construction Considerations
5. Operations and Maintenance
6. Training and Certification
7. Key Technologies and Innovations
Conclusion
Onshore facilities engineering is a vital field that ensures the efficient and safe operation of various types of facilities. It encompasses a wide range of engineering disciplines, each playing a crucial role in the design, construction, and maintenance of facilities. Engineers must navigate challenges such as regulatory compliance, energy efficiency, and safety, while also adopting new technologies and best practices to enhance facility performance. Whether dealing with industrial plants, power stations, or commercial buildings, onshore facilities engineers are key to creating and maintaining the infrastructure that supports modern society.
Offshore involves the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities located in offshore environments, such as oil and gas platforms, wind farms, and other marine structures. These facilities are often situated in challenging environments and require specialized engineering solutions to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency. Here’s an overview of the key aspects of offshore facilities engineering:
1. Types of Offshore Facilities
2. Core Areas of Offshore Facilities Engineering
3. Challenges in Offshore Facilities Engineering
4. Design and Construction Considerations
5. Operations and Maintenance
6. Training and Certification
7. Key Technologies and Innovations
Conclusion
Offshore facilities engineering is a complex and highly specialized field that plays a crucial role in the energy sector and marine industries. It requires a deep understanding of engineering principles, marine environments, and the specific challenges associated with offshore operations. Whether dealing with oil and gas platforms, wind farms, or subsea systems, offshore facilities engineers ensure the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of operations in some of the most challenging environments on Earth.
Due diligence involves a comprehensive evaluation of a facility’s physical, mechanical, electrical, and environmental systems before a significant transaction, such as property acquisition, leasing, or major capital investment. The process ensures that potential buyers, investors, or stakeholders are fully aware of the condition, risks, and future liabilities associated with the facility. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the due diligence process in facilities engineering:
1. Purpose of Due Diligence
2. Key Components of Facilities Engineering Due Diligence
3. Process of Conducting Due Diligence
4. Common Challenges in Facilities Engineering Due Diligence
5. Outcome of Due Diligence
Conclusion
Due diligence is a critical process that ensures informed decision-making in real estate transactions or investments. By thoroughly evaluating the physical, mechanical, electrical, and environmental aspects of a facility, stakeholders can identify potential risks, understand the true condition of the property, and make strategic decisions to protect their investments.
Training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage these aspects effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the key components and types of training available in this field:
1. Core Areas of Training
2. Types of Training Programs
3. Online and In-Person Training
4. Industry Certifications
5. Training Providers
6. Key Skills Developed
Conclusion
Training in facilities engineering is essential for those looking to enter or advance in this field. It combines technical knowledge with practical skills, enabling professionals to ensure that facilities operate efficiently, safely, and sustainably. Whether through formal education, certifications, or on-the-job training, facilities engineers play a crucial role in maintaining and improving the built environment.