Hazard Study 2—Front End Engineering Design

FEED is the first stage of detailed engineering and is discussed in Chapter 13 . Whilst some preliminary safety studies will have been performed at the conceptual design stage, the additional, more detailed studies required for FEED are discussed, followed by an overview of codes and standards. Much of the information in Chapters 13 and 14 is interchangeable; for consistency broad outlines are given in Chapter 13 with more detailed information in Chapter 14 . The hazards of chemicals used in the process and their reaction kinetics are discussed. The development of process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) is then discussed, followed by a brief review of common unit operations and discussions of potential safety and operational problems. A key issue during FEED is the proposed plant layout and the safety implications are discussed, followed by an overview of control and shut down systems. Two key parts of the design which do not always receive adequate attention are the design of the pressure relief systems and the plant drainage, and these are reviewed in some depth. Even at the FEED stage, preliminary work on operating procedures takes place to ensure that the plant, as designed, is operable. The chapter concludes with a “What Can Go Wrong?” section.