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Showing posts from August, 2025

Front End Engineering Design: FEL 1, 2, and 3 deliverables.

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In the complex and highly regulated world of chemical, oil & gas, and petrochemical plant development, Front End Engineering Design  (FEL) plays a critical role in laying the foundation for project success. This multi-phased process involves progressively refining the project scope, definition, and feasibility, ultimately paving the way for detailed engineering and construction. What is FEL? FEL, also known as Front-End Loading, is a structured approach to project development divided into three distinct stages: FEL 1, FEL 2, and FEL 3. Each stage delivers progressively more detailed information and serves as a decision-making point for project stakeholders. FEL 1: Feasibility Study The cornerstone of any project, FEL 1 focuses on establishing project feasibility and providing a high-level overview of its technical and economic viability. This stage typically involves: Deliverables: ·       Preliminary Process Design: Defining the key proce...

Bolts and Nuts!

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Introduction Bolts and nuts are the unsung heroes of engineering and construction. From holding together skyscrapers to securing the wheels on your car, these small but mighty fasteners play a critical role in countless applications. Understanding their types, strengths, coding systems, proper torque application, and the right tools to use is essential for engineers, mechanics, and DIY enthusiasts alike. In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of bolts and nuts, covering everything you need to know to choose and use them effectively.   1. Types of Bolts and Nuts Common Bolt Types Bolts come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for specific applications. The most frequently used bolt types include: Hex Bolt : Featuring a six-sided head and available in fully or partially threaded options, hex bolts are commonly used in construction, machinery, and automotive applications. Carriage Bolt : Recognizable by its round head and square neck, carriage b...

Management of Change, more complicated than you think.

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What Is Management of Change? Management of Change (MoC)  is a structured process for handling changes in an organization—especially those that could impact safety, operations, compliance, or performance. Whether you're swapping out a pump, updating a software system, or tweaking a procedure, people changing roles MoC helps make sure the change doesn’t backfire. It’s used heavily in industries like oil & gas, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals, but honestly, every organization could benefit from it. MoC asks the right questions: What is the detailed change? Why is it changing? Who’s affected? Does our permit, or internal procedures have to change What could go wrong? It’s not about slowing things down—it’s about making sure you don’t speed into a wall. How It Should Work A solid MoC process is like a well-rehearsed dance. Everyone knows their steps, and there’s a rhythm to how things move. Here’s how it typically flows: 1. Initiation Someone needs/wants a change, ma...

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), are not that standard!

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What Is a Standard Operating Procedure? A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a detailed, written document that explains how to safely handle hazardous chemicals, processes, and equipment. Its purpose is to prevent or minimize health and safety risks in laboratory environments. SOPs are essential to any effective safety program, and their clarity and specificity determine their usefulness. An effective SOP should be: Clear and concise: Avoid unnecessary complexity. Detailed and specific: Tailored to the institution or facility. Accessible: Usable by individuals with limited experience or knowledge of the procedure. SOPs typically address: What this SOP covers the Individual hazards the required P.P.E. Chemical processes and operational ranges Equipment management and usage Emergency shutdown procedures Authorized personnel Types of SOPs in Chemical Safety SOPs can be categorized based on the nature and risk level of the task. The Guide to Developing Standard Operatin...

Project running out of time!

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Every project begins with optimism. Milestones are mapped, resources are allocated, and timelines are agreed upon. But as execution unfolds, reality often diverges from the plan. In this case, the project is behind schedule, and the signs are unmistakable: Deliverables are slipping. Dependencies are misaligned. Team members are stretched thin. Stakeholders are growing impatient. The project is not just delayed, it’s at risk of crashing. Crashing, in project management terms, refers to a situation where the timeline is no longer viable, and urgent corrective action is needed to avoid failure. The causes may vary: underestimated effort, scope creep, resource constraints, or unforeseen technical challenges. Regardless of the root cause, the situation demands a strategic response.   Assessing the Damage and Root Causes Before any corrective action can be taken, a thorough assessment is essential. This involves revisiting the original project plan and compar...