Engineering studies help you identify areas of classification, efficiency or improvement during system design. They are usually optional, except when required for potential safety issues. The most common studies we conduct include:
Process Safety & HAZOP Studies
We know how important safety is for your plant operators and maintenance personnel and asset security. To protect your people, equipment, materials, and production up-time, we ensure your skid complies with all NFPA 30 guidelines for a safe working environment. Full consideration is given to process as well as operator safety throughout process system design. We routinely conduct a safety study for the following:
- Explosion protection
- Flammable and/or combustible distribution
- Flammable and/or combustible storage
- Ignition source control
- Overpressure protection
- Sizing and calculations of MAP and MAV
- Vacuum protection
- Venting
- Vessel in-breathing
- Compliance with NFPA 30 guidelines
EPIC engineers conduct safety studies and a detailed HAZOP study (Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP) review) to identify risks, hazards and operability problems. Annual examination and investigation into how the plant or process is deviating from the design intent is imperative to continuing safe operations.
We’ll evaluate your P & IDs with you to determine potential hazards and develop a list of risks associated. We examine preventative and hypothetical safety measures to ensure safety in the event of an unforeseen disaster. EPIC’s team of craftspeople install all safety mechanisms in-plant or on the system.
Area Classification Studies
We conduct an area classification study to determine the appropriate class and division to integrate appropriate equipment and safety measures. Area/division classification is generally based on the following:
Click chart to view larger…
Feasibility Studies
Used during design, feasibility studies determine whether your process technology and the proposed system will meet your production expectations before equipment is purchased. A common application for feasibility studies is process scale-up modeling. 3-D modeling programs, such as ASPEN/HYSYS, can model your reaction at scale, using the parameters of the system. A more accurate design estimate and quote price are the result of a feasibility study.
Feasibility Studies
- Extract specifications and requirements from client
- Complete front end engineering design
- Assemble a detailed capital cost estimate to go forward for funding
- Net present value analysis among alternatives addressing both initial capital and ongoing expenses
Ergonomic Studies
How plant personnel interact with a system can be a critical factor in designing a skid for your plant. If the ergonomics of your new production system are key in your plant, we can conduct functional design studies to ensure a safe, easy to access system for your employees.
OEE & Uptime/Downtime Studies
OEE & downtime studies are most commonly applied to packaging/production lines but can be applied to any manufacturing operation. Identifying bottlenecks in production, avoid costly downtime issues and improvement of overall manufacturing efficiency are possible results for this type of study. Learn more about how OEE & downtime studies are conducted on our packaging site.
Enzyme Handling Evaluations
If enzymes are a part of your production system, reducing risk to plant personnel must be addressed with a balance of engineered controls and operational changes. EPIC provides actionable recommendations for improving existing operations or ensuring new systems will operate safely. Visit our enzyme handling pages to learn more.
Contact a system design engineer to discuss your specific engineering study needs.
EPIC SYSTEMS