Thesis-1999-Long.pdf (6.27 MB)
Systematic generation of engineering line diagrams
thesis
posted on 2014-02-12, 11:30 authored by Suella LongThis thesis describes research into a methodology for the systematic development of
engineering line diagrams (ELOs) from process tlowsheets with a particular emphasis on
safety, health and environmental (SHE) and operability issues.
The current approach to the consideration of safety in design is largely reactive, relying on
design reviews such as the HAZOP. If design safety is to be improved, then a comprehensive
system, incorporating both proactive and reactive methods, must be adopted. The facility to
develop proactive safety systems relies upon the presence of a systematic design procedure.
Since design at this stage seems generally to be rather haphazard, there is a need to introduce
structure to the design task before any progress can be made in the improvement of safety.
Introducing structure to the design task not only provides a framework for the incorporation
of SHE and operability issues, but should also improve the effectiveness of the overall design
and the efficiency with which it is completed. More specifically, fewer good design
opportunities should be lost due to poor information handling and thc amount of rework
arising from misunderstandings between different disciplines should be minimised. In
addition, learning how to perform the design task should become easier for new recruits.
Relevant work in the fields of process design, process safety, engineering drawings and ELO
development is discussed. An analysis of perceptions of the design task within industry is
presented. The generation of a systematic method by iterative case study work with designers
is described. The structural features of this method are explained. Some examples of the
application of the method are given and the results of a trial within industry are discussed.
This research has shown that there is no existing work which captures the logic for the order
in which decisions for developing a first ELO are made. Neither is there a complete analysis
of the activities and issues contributing to ELO development. A novel method for the
systematic generation of ELOs has been produced and used as a framework for the
incorporation of SHE and operability issues into design. Trials of the method within industry
have shown it to be successful.
Funding
ICI
History
School
- Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering
Department
- Chemical Engineering
Publisher
© Suella LongPublication date
1999Notes
A Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.EThOS Persistent ID
uk.bl.ethos.301353Language
- en