TriplePoint.Threads by TriplePoint.Engineering

Difficult yes, but this you need to know first. Executing a capital expenditure (CAPEX) project, whether it's building a manufacturing facility, upgrading infrastructure, or launching a renewable energy installation, requires more than technical expertise. The type of contract you choose can significantly influence your project's cost, timeline, risk exposure, and overall success. Common Contract Types and Their Implications One of the most widely used models is the Lump Sum or Fixed Price contract. In this arrangement, the contractor agrees to deliver the project for a predetermined price. This offers budget certainty and simplifies payment structures, making it ideal for projects with a well-defined scope. However, it can be rigid, any changes to the design or scope may lead to costly change orders, and contractors may be tempted to cut corners to protect their margins. A Cost Plus contract reimburses the contractor for actual costs incurred, along with a fixed or percen...

In capital-intensive industries, the success of a project often hinges on how well it’s defined before execution begins. Rushing into detailed design or procurement without a clear scope can lead to cost overruns, delays, and rework. That’s where the Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) comes in, a structured, objective tool developed by the Construction Industry Institute (CII) to assess the completeness of front-end planning. PDRI isn’t just a checklist, it’s a strategic decision-support tool that helps project teams and stakeholders understand how much engineering and planning work has actually been done, and whether the project is ready to move forward.   What Is PDRI? PDRI stands for Project Definition Rating Index, a scoring methodology used to evaluate the maturity of a project’s scope definition. It covers critical elements across engineering deliverables, execution planning, site conditions, contracting strategies, and risk management. Each element is scored bas...

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...

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...

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...