I want to write a summary on project implementation; I have some questions I’m not quite sure about, so please advise me

Great stuff, thanks for sharing! Saved! :handshake

This post was last edited by 328104062 on 2016-11-22 00:51. Introduction: Why do I need to write this summary? A summary of the commencement and construction work in 2012: I have focused on it from the perspective of the users, considering the processes involved such as preliminary training, the three inspections and four confirmations on site, the adjustment and verification of the design tasks for various specialties, preparations for commissioning, as well as the trial production process and adjustments. Although four years have passed, every time I read it, it seems as though everything is still fresh in my mind, with new insights each time ； By reviewing the old, one can gain new insights; I think this is precisely the charm of summarization and synthesis. I was involved in all the preliminary preparations for the **** project, including feasibility studies, basic design, detailed design, review of construction drawings, Hazop analyses, as well as the detailed design of various components and coordination tasks. Although the project was small, with an investment of less than 80 million, it took a year to complete. During this time, I made some friends, from research institutes, design firms, and construction companies. Through collaborative work, communication, and exchanges, I learned about their respective tasks. Therefore, I would like to summarize this project from the perspectives of design and project management: I will examine the design process by looking at the division of responsibilities among different departments within the design firm, as well as the processes of commissioning and providing instructions. For project management, I will consider the construction steps on site and how different departments coordinate their efforts. I will also understand what is “required,” “recommended,” and “strictly prohibited” by referring to standards and regulations, as well as how to make decisions when these standards are not followed but still need to be met. I will look at the preparations needed before the plant starts operating, as well as the policies and regulations related to plant acceptance and evaluation. By examining the entire process of design, review, procurement, construction, drawing approval, inspection, commissioning, acceptance, and evaluation, I aim to broaden my perspective and improve my skills. Please feel free to offer any advice regarding any shortcomings resulting from my abilities, knowledge level, or energy constraints. Through this project construction, a broader understanding of the overall EPC design has been gained: design merely involves scaling up the process routes in the process package on an engineering basis, based on assumptions regarding the properties of raw materials and product specifications, and it results in products that meet specific standards. This includes not only the owner’s requirements, the selection of design options, the setting of parameters by the design institute, the proper choice and arrangement of materials, as well as standardized construction by the construction team, but also the correct use and maintenance by the personnel on site. Therefore, for a system to meet the requirements of long-term, efficient, and optimal operation, the following conditions must be satisfied: 1. The owner must provide relatively accurate basic data and requirements ； Such as the properties of the raw materials (relatively reasonable; perfection is impossible), meteorological and hydrological conditions as well as geographical factors, the boundary conditions related to the plant’s utility systems, the quality standards that the product must meet, and the investment amount (which can be negotiated during the review process). 2. The EPC contractor’s recommendation and selection of the optimal process route, operating parameters, materials, as well as equipment and pipeline layout (determined based on the EPC approach) ； Based on the data provided by the owner and the quality assurance guarantees offered by the process package supplier, the optimal process route (process package), material flow, and operating parameters are selected for the given investment level. The required equipment and pipelines are arranged and specified in the most efficient way possible – such as with low pressure losses, minimal space requirements, and ease of operation. A stable and reasonable control scheme is established for normal production, while necessary interlock protection and monitoring measures are put in place for abnormal situations, thereby meeting regulatory and safety/environmental requirements. This approach ensures an optimal investment profile, the lowest possible processing costs, compliance with specific quality standards and legal regulations, and thus smooth commissioning of the facility. 3. Good cost-performance ratio, rational and comprehensive procurement management. The procurement of equipment must be carried out in accordance with the design parameters specified in the inquiry and requisition documents; it is necessary to understand the usage patterns of mainstream equipment, and bidding should be conducted based on technical specifications. This aspect is less frequently encountered, so it will be briefly covered only ； However, procurement often affects the project schedule. This is especially true for pumps, valves, instruments, and piping made of special materials. First and foremost, the purchase orders must be accurate; it is advisable to use modular or skid-mounted equipment, as this will simplify the installation process. Yet, the parameters of such skid-mounted equipment (such as explosion protection ratings and types), as well as the instruments, valves, flanges, and the interface methods and specifications with the main system, need to be clearly defined. This is similar to the division of responsibilities between the process package provider and the general contractor, as discussed later. Additionally, the delivery documents for skid-mounted equipment must be detailed; otherwise, it will be difficult to manage, inspect, and replace the vulnerable components. 4. Standardized construction and testing methods, along with a rational arrangement of the construction process based on the arrival of materials on site, to reduce construction costs. From the several project constructions I have been involved in, the management at the construction sites is rather chaotic and falls far short of various standards and requirements. Moreover, delays in the design and procurement of instrumentation, electrical systems, water supply and drainage facilities, as well as heating and ventilation systems, along with issues related to hidden works, cause construction to be postponed. As a result, progress is slow at the beginning, and then people work overtime overnight to catch up, which in turn leads to delays in completion and commissioning of the projects. According to the pipeline index table, which specifies the inspection ratio, the inspection method (ultrasonic, X-ray, or gamma ray) is selected based on the material and wall thickness. 5. Before trial production, it is necessary to conduct thorough tests on the design workload for various specialties, as well as on equipment, instruments, automatic control systems, electrical systems, telecommunications systems, piping installations, heating furnaces, water supply and drainage systems, etc. There are many standards set by CCCC as well as specifications for trial production; these will be discussed in more detail later ； At the same time, operators are required to be able to use it, understand its principles, know how to perform maintenance, diagnose faults, and handle emergencies. In short, building a system requires accurate information regarding the properties of the raw materials and environmental conditions, an optimized design of the production process, parameters, and control schemes, purchases made with good cost-effectiveness, proper construction, rigorous testing before commissioning, and skilled operation. This involves the owner’s proper delegation of tasks and provision of recommendations, accurate determination of the design parameters, selection of cost-effective suppliers, proper installation, thorough testing prior to operation, and effective operation after commissioning. It involves not only the owner and designers but also procurement staff, equipment manufacturers, construction and commissioning personnel, and operators. Any issue in one of these areas can trigger a series of problems. Therefore, there is no perfect overall system – only the most suitable one with the best cost-effectiveness. Given the long timeline, numerous involved departments, and the detailed roles of various professionals, timely coordination is necessary, along with repeated verification, feedback, and reconfirmation. This leads to various inspections, investigations, reviews, coordinations, and follow-ups. Hence, a strong owner or a capable general contractor is needed to manage the entire project; otherwise, responsibilities become unclear, disputes arise, and it results in a situation where all parties suffer, with no possibility of mutual benefit.