Technical upgrades for large-scale projects
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For large-scale chemical manufacturing projects that operate on a continuous basis and are to undergo significant technical upgrades (involving adjustments or replacements of processes and equipment), is it necessary for the original design firm to develop such upgrade plans or to give their approval? The main consideration is that, given the lifetime responsibility associated with current chemical engineering projects, it is necessary to determine whether the design firm responsible for any new solutions should assume responsibility for the safe operation of the modified facilities, without the consent of the original design firm.
If it is changed without the consent of the design firm, does that mean that the original design responsibilities are subjectively terminated? The new design firm will only be responsible for its own designs, so does the original owner have to bear those responsibilities themselves?
This post was last edited by Little Chemical Engineer on 2017-9-4 at 10:40. Leaving aside how exactly this process should be carried out and whether it’s legal or not, let me talk about the situation at our company. The company carries out quite a number of minor modifications on site every day – adjustments to the diameter of pipes, additional installations, and even changes to the distillation process. We conduct simulations to determine the results, and once the management approves them, we proceed with installing the pipelines on site right away. As for the revisions to the drawings, we will keep track of the PID changes ourselves, and at the end of the year we will submit the revised drawings to the design institute for them to convert them into the final version. That’s all
Putting aside the question of how this process actually works and whether it’s legal or not, let’s talk about the situation at our company. The company carries out quite a number of minor modifications on site every day – adjustments to the diameter of pipes, additional installations, and even changes to the distillation process. We conduct simulations to determine the results, and once the management approves them, we proceed with installing the pipelines on site right away. As for the revisions to the drawings, we will keep track of the PID changes ourselves, and at the end of the year we will submit the revised drawings to the design institute for them to convert them into the final version. That’s all
Minor modifications and tweaks won’t be discussed here; in our case, adding a pipe or a valve, or making small technical adjustments also involves creating drawings by ourselves, but none of these involve any changes to the manufacturing process. In continuous production, all stages are closely connected; I believe that any changes still require the approval of the original design team, or technical upgrades should be carried out together. I just don’t know if there are any relevant laws and regulations requiring this
I’m not sure if there are any legal or regulatory requirements?
I’m not sure if there are any legal or regulatory requirements?
It still needs to go through the original company, right? It would be best if it’s the same on the side of the design institute as well. Otherwise, legal disputes may arise; the original employer and the design institute are more willing to negotiate.
It depends on how process is understood – in a narrow sense or a broad sense. According to the broad definition of process changes, no alterations are allowed; any change requires approval.