19/11/2017
Vincogude Engineering Training and Development- VETAD Center
Vincogude Engineering Training and Development- VETAD Center
Design Project – Technical & Non-Technical Lessons
My company has furnished me with a very great opportunity. For the very first time after graduation from college as an engineer, I worked on a real life engineering design project; the detailed engineering design of an EPF. My work contribution was the drafting of the engineering drawing (PFD and P&ID) of the EPF using AutoCAD for an indigenous E&P company in Nigeria. I will be sharing briefly the lessons learned and challenges encountered while working on this project. See end for definition of some technical terms used.
The Lessons and Challenges:
The project was both intriguing and challenging. I had just an intermediary level of expertise in the use of AutoCAD but the project afforded the opportunity to hone my skill and at same time improve on it. The project basically involved proposing a flow scheme and drafting a PFD for the proposed flow scheme. In addition to the PFD, P&IDs were also drafted for each piece of process equipment.
I learned how to develop a PFD and P&ID for petroleum production and processing. Prior to this project, AutoCAD was just another drawing tool for me. However, this project has given me insight into the array of function that it provides. The project taught me how to peacefully work with other team members to fast track delivery of project deliverables within project schedule.
The major challenge I had was dealing with project managers in my company and clients. Trust me, you’ve got to be patient to work on a project. All the same, this challenge assisted me in learning to accept constructive criticism. In fact, this whole experience created a platform for self-development which is key.
The experience was simply amazing, I just can’t explain the euphoria I feel within. Thanks to my amazing company for this great opportunity. VETAD Center rocks.
Definition of some Technical Terms
Engineering Design: Engineering design is the process of creating a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. It is a decision-making process (often iterative), in which the basic science and mathematics and engineering sciences are applied to convert resources optimally to meet a stated objective.
Early Production Facility (EPF): An Early production Facility (EPF) is a temporary production plant which performs processing of production fluids from oil wells in order to separate out key components and prepare them for export while assuring early cash flow prior to the design and construction of a permanent production facility. These types of facilities can be used onshore and offshore.
Process Flow Diagram (PFD): A process flow diagram (PFD) is a diagram commonly used in chemical and process engineering to indicate the general flow of plant processes and equipment. The PFD displays the interconnection between major equipment of a plant facility but does include minor details such as piping details and designations.
Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID): A piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID) is a detailed diagram representing a processing plants which shows the piping and vessels in the process flow, together with the instrumentation and control devices.
Writer: Jane Ozi
