SPECIFICATIONS ARE THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL PLANT DESIGN.

Specifications for process-plant layout and piping design give the basic requirements for chemical-plant arrangements. The specifications encompass general, conceptual, specific and dimensional requirements. Specifications make references to or include the requirements of national standards and codes. Design standards, project-design data and manufacturers' literature also offer a great deal of information. These can be just as important as the specifications. Changes, exceptions and additions to specifications are documented in supplements or authorized letters. Cost and quality of plant design will suffer if specifications are not known, or are ignored or not well applied. It is concluded that plant-layout engineers must achieve economy of design; provide access for operation, maintenance and construction; produce design for structural components; plan equipment arrangements and handling facilities; and show the general details for piping and valving.