The first stage in solving a customer’s problem is to sketch out the possible solutions and to make an initial estimate of their strengths and weaknesses, and what they would be likely to cost in terms of time and money. This serves as a preliminary assessment of the task, and provides a framework for more detailed investigations.
The next step is to test the results of that first stage against the data we gather from the site and our analyses of the client’s performance requirements. Once the problem comes into focus we are able to select the best solution and then proceed to the front-end engineering design, or FEED as it’s known, followed by a detailed engineering solution.
ABB can take the lead in the initial planning of the work, or we can advise whoever is tackling it. We can help to establish the design criteria, and because we know what our factories are capable of, we can make sure that everything that is designed can be fulfilled within the time stated and according to the requirements.
ABB’s ability to adopt the best approach to a given problem rests on our unrivalled experience of what works in the oil and gas industry, together with a thorough understanding of the capabilities of our own equipment and what we are able to design and manufacture.
Armed with this knowledge we are able to offer a wide range of services in the fields of electrical generation and distribution, automation and optimization, and full range of telecoms and information systems, all of which can be managed from our control rooms.
Our aim is firstly to arrive at the safest, simplest and most cost effective plan, then put it into practice in the most effective way possible.
Once the feasibility work is completed, the FEED study sets out everything that must be accomplished in the execution phase. This is a complete to-do list, including technical requirements, applicable standards, project guidelines, analysis and drawings.
A typical FEED Study for an electrical control system would be carried out by a senior manager, who would oversee the design specification for the electrical control system, devise a test and inspection plan, make a input–output list for electrical interface signals, decide on the system cabinet layout and footprint and compile a bill of materials.