How do you update and validate heat and mass balance models throughout the FEED and detailed design stages?

1 Update HMB models in FEED

In the FEED stage, you need to define the main parameters and criteria of your project, such as the process configuration, capacity, performance, and operability. Additionally, you should develop a preliminary HMB model that represents the overall mass and energy balances of the plant. To update your HMB model in FEED, review and revise the process flow diagrams (PFDs) and the process data sheets (PDSs) based on the latest information. Make sure to update the input data, assumptions, and calculations in your HMB model to match the PFDs and PDSs. Utilize reliable sources of data, such as literature, databases, pilot tests, or simulations. Lastly, check for accuracy and consistency by comparing the results with the design criteria, equipment specifications, and utility requirements. If there are any discrepancies or gaps in the data or calculations, identify and resolve them.

2 Validate HMB models in FEED

Validation of your HMB model in FEED is essential to guarantee that your design is feasible, robust, and cost-effective, as well as to demonstrate that it meets the client's expectations and requirements. To validate your HMB model in FEED, you should perform a sensitivity analysis to evaluate how it responds to changes in key variables. This will help to identify optimal values and ranges for each variable, along with potential risks and opportunities for improvement. Additionally, you should conduct a quality assurance and quality control review to ensure that your HMB model follows the standards, guidelines, and best practices of your company and the industry. It is also important to present and communicate your HMB model to the client and stakeholders to obtain their feedback and approval. Explain the logic, assumptions, and results of your model and how they support the project objectives and scope.

3 Update HMB models in detailed design

At the detailed design stage, you need to finalize the technical details and specifications of your project, such as the piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and the equipment data sheets (EDSs). You also have to refine your HMB model to reflect the detailed design decisions and data. To do this, review and revise the P&IDs and EDSs based on the latest information and feedback from the client, vendors, and other disciplines. Then, update the input data, assumptions, and calculations in your HMB model to match these documents. Utilize more accurate and specific sources of data such as vendor data, laboratory tests, or simulations. Lastly, check the accuracy and consistency of your HMB model by comparing the results with the design criteria, equipment specifications, and utility requirements. Resolve any discrepancies or gaps in the data or calculations.

4 Validate HMB models in detailed design

Validating your HMB model in detailed design is essential to ensure that your design is safe, reliable, and efficient. It is also important to demonstrate that your HMB model complies with the regulations, codes, and standards of your project. To validate your HMB model in detailed design, you should perform a risk analysis to evaluate how it handles different scenarios and identify potential hazards and mitigations. A peer review should also be conducted to verify that it follows best engineering practices and lessons learned from previous projects. Additionally, presenting and communicating your HMB model to the client and stakeholders is necessary to obtain their final feedback and approval. Be sure to explain the details, assumptions, results of your HMB model, and how they meet the project specifications and expectations.

5 Here’s what else to consider

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