Key Differences between Detailed Engineering Design and Front End Engineering Design

Front-end engineering and design required for producing quality process and engineering documentation of sufficient depth to define the project requirements for detailed engineering, procurement, fabrication & construction of facilities that support a ±10 percent of the project’s cost estimate.

As part of this project phase, it is typically used for;

1. Conducting operations of reviews for hazardous materials
2. Developing the engineering design packages to be used as a bid for lump-sum EPC scope and/or providing the foundation for the detailed engineering phase
3. Evaluate options that will improve the return on assets (ROA)
4. Prepare cost estimates for scope definition and project funding
5. Support internal funding requirements

What is Front End Engineering Design?

FEED refers to basic engineering which is typically conducted after the completion of conceptual design. At this stage, different studies take place to identify potential technical issues and to roughly estimate the cost of investment. The outcome of this activity is called the FEED package. It serves as the basis for the detailed engineering design stage. A meticulously created comprehensive package takes into account all the project-specific needs of the client to avoid modifications during execution and costly rework after completion.

The Purpose of Front End Engineering Design

FEED is primarily concerned with:

1. Establishing project specifications to ensure that the project scope is implicit
2. Developing the project strategy and foundation design
3. Estimating the project cost for budget approval
4. Predicting the project completion timeline
5. Mitigating risk and avoiding costly rework

Significance of Front End Engineering Design

FEED is critical to delivering an efficient construction project on time. Deliverables typically include a clearly defined project scope, goals, a detailed budget, timelines, risk assessments, total cost of ownership, and stakeholder buy-in.

Every deliverable works in sync to help in identifying and mitigating risk and uncertainty throughout the design and erection stages, thereby delivering sustainable value across the asset life cycle.

What is Detailed Engineering Design?

It is the development of all essential construction drawings that are approved for the construction phase along with the detailed bill of materials. It essentially follows Front End Engineering Design and contains in detail all the drawings and diagrams for civil works, control system, instrumentation, HVAC facilities, vendor management, procurement of equipment, schedule of activities, cost evaluation, and environmental impact. Detailed engineering design serves as a starting point for any construction project and is inclusive of design specifications, FEED design, and conceptual design. When it is well-executed, it results in a sound, stable and sustainable outcome.

The Purpose of Detailed Engineering Design

Engineering design ensures that every item, component & subsystem crucial to the project is rightly managed, procured and optimally used. Every aspect of the project including form, functionality and user satisfaction is addressed in the design. It is crucial to the success of any construction project and helps:

Define all the technical, economic and legal details of the project

Establish all the technical specifications, construction details and the circumstances based on which the project will be executed

Validate and if needed, modify the assumptions and recommended design solutions

Stages of Detailed Engineering Design:

1. Assess the specifications: Design and calculations are vital elements of detail engineering design and this is the time when subsystems are specified, modeled and meticulously validated. Assuming that all the details are consistent with the schedule and circumstances of the project entails the first phase. Conditions will certainly change with time, which is why this data validation is essential to resolve inconsistencies if any.
2. Determine and calculate parts: A designer’s key role at this stage is to define the key components and accurately calculate the assumptions for the construction project. The models and dimensions are accordingly created. Additionally, the designers are also responsible for accurately designing the schematics, drawings and other aspects of each component in the subsystem.
3. Assemble and analyze parts: Sub-systems are created during this phase and the project’s components are segregated and organized in detail. The particulars of the assembly of the components are also completed along with other outstanding estimates.
4. Evaluate the measurements and standards: After meticulously designing, modeling and drafting the findings, the next stage is to validate them and confirm that legal regulations such as applicable laws and safety standards are achieved and the design complies with all the rules.
5. Review the documents: Detailed engineering design is the final step before the construction can begin and so, it is necessary to ensure that all documents are validated and rectified after which the construction starts.

To Sum It Up

The FEED process entails the creation of a systematic roadmap to extract max value from a construction project. A well-planned and efficiently managed FEED process helps generate optimal value by improving the project’s overall deliverables for both the short as well long-term project goals. Detailed engineering design is equally crucial for ensuring that an engineering project is secure, sustainable and satisfactory. If you want to ensure quality, timely and cost-effective completion of your project, you can consider the assistance of an external agency offering detail engineering services. Just make sure that they have a multidisciplinary skills base with a successful track record of delivering on a wide variety of conventional and unconventional projects.

Judith Morrison is an expert in the field of industrial engineering and writes articles related to piping, civil, equipment engineering related articles.