Engineering is an application of the scientific principles and theoretical knowledge,

and analysing and development of the design economically with technologies and
experiences. Engineering design and document (deliverables) are generated and
developed based on agreed design basis including specifications, codes and
standards, and regulations. They are essential for goods manufacturing and
facilities construction. Engineering disciplines of energy and chemical industries
are process, mechanical, piping and pipeline, electrical, control system and
instrumentation (CSI) and civil, Structural and architecture (CSA).

Design is a creation of the detailed plans from concept basis on the specifications,
code and standards, and procedures for manufacturing and construction.

Conceptual Design is an initial design document for the feasibility study including
operation capacities (feeds and products), screening of the process technologies,
site (plant location) selection studies, high level process and basic documentations
(BFD or PFD and overall plant layout), initial project schedule (Level 1) and
budgetary cost estimate (-50 ~ +100%). The Conceptual Design result is the basis
of FEED or Basic Engineering.

Feasibility Study is an analysis of the viability that a new project is technically

feasible and will be profitable. The Feasibility analysis involves legal, economic,
technology, estimate and schedule, environmental and other factors up to the
completion of project as well as the normal operation. The Feasibility study is a
preliminary study performed in the early stage of a project. Normally, for the
accurate feasibility study may require a conceptual design or pre-FEED
engineering and design work.

Front End Engineering Design (FEED) is for the evaluation of accurate TIC
(Total Investment Cost) estimate and development of overall project execution
planning, and preparation of tendering documentation for main EPC (Engineering,
Procurement, Construction) contractor selection, and to make a FID (final
investment decision). The FEED engineering depth is similar to a basic
engineering, and it is developed based on a conceptual engineering or pre-FEED
results, and basis of a detailed design and engineering. The FEED engineering
main outputs are process studies including process technology selection, process
and utility configuration, and optimizations for a cost minimization, supporting
documentation for permits and funding, EPC execution planning including EPC
cost estimate (Accuracy: +/- 15 ~ 30%), EPC Schedule, EPC tendering document,
and basis of detailed design and engineering document. Type of FEED is a light,
normal and extended FEED based on engineering and deliverables and depth
depend on the client's demand. The FEED is also called a Front End Engineering
(FEE) or Front End Loading (FEL).
Basic Engineering is a basis of detailed design and engineering development for
a construction. A cost estimate in the basic engineering phase may typically be
refined to +/- 15 ~ 30%, and this is used as the project final investment decision
(FID). In many cases this package may also be called as a front end engineering
design (FEED) and used as an Invitation of Bidder (ITB) or tender package for the
EPC Contract selection.

Detailed Design and Engineering is to develop all required construction

documents and drawings up to AFC (Approved for Construction) stage for the
construction, and detailed bill of materials (BOM) for the bulk material procurement
based on the basic or front end engineering design (FEED) package. The Detailed
Design and Engineering is limited to verifying design basis but producing all
construction drawings after incorporating vendor information.

Engineering Management is a combining engineering and management skills

with technical expertise to coordinate work in various technical fields including
inter-discipline and external interfaces, and to solve technical issues and problems.
The Engineering Management is focusing on the application of engineering
principles for the effective planning and efficient operations of resources and
technology.

Engineering Discipline is the main disciplines: Civil, Computer, Electrical, and

Mechanical Engineering (67%) of all engineering bachelor’s degrees awarded annually.
The medium four disciplines: Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, and
Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering (20%), and the smaller ten disciplines: Agricultural,
Architectural, Engineering Management, Engineering Physics/Engineering Science,
Environmental, General Engineering Studies, Materials, Mining, Nuclear, and Petroleum
Engineering (less than 10%), and the specialty disciplines: A variety of specialty disciplines
offered (such as Ocean Engineering) that collectively account for less than 5% of all
engineering bachelor’s degrees awarded annually.

Process Engineering is a branch of engineering discipline, focuses on a process

technology selection, process and utility facilities configuration, integration and
optimization, and an equipment type selection considering the performance of
production and economics with other disciplines support. A Process Engineer is
responsible for the development of process design and engineering document
including PFD, P&ID, Process Datasheet, etc. A Process Engineer is often to
involve a collaboration of engineering and science, and a normal back ground of
process engineer is a chemical engineer.

Mechanical Engineering is an engineering discipline that applies principles of

science technology and industrial engineering practices for the mechanical design
and engineering, focuses on machines, structures, devices, mechanical systems,
and energy conversion systems. The Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the
development of mechanical data sheets and bid evaluations, and involves the
production, construction, operation and maintenance of machineries.
Piping Engineering is an engineering discipline, focuses on the fluid mechanics:
analyzing the behavior of liquids and gases and using that knowledge in the design
and development of fluid mechanics and piping systems. A Piping Engineer is
responsible for design and engineering for the piping system including the plant
layout (plot plans) development.

Pipeline Engineering is an engineering discipline, responsible for design and

engineering for the long distance piping system (pipeline) effectively. Generally, a
Pipeline project is executed as an independent project, and a Pipeline Engineer is
covering for a project, process and piping and civil engineering matters.

Electrical Engineering is a part of the design and engineering discipline, deals

with the electricity power system including power generation and distribution
system, and electrical power system controls. An Electrical Engineer is responsible
for the power generation, distribution and system control to develop the one-line
diagram, electrical load list, electrical equipment datasheet, and distribution
network drawing and document for electrical equipment and system in a plant. The
Electrical Engineering is expanded to telecommunication systems.

Control System and Instrumentation (CSI) Engineering is one of engineering

disciplines, responsible for a Control Systems and Instrumentations (Former
Instrumentation Engineering or Control System Engineering)

Control System Engineering is an interdisciplinary approach to enable the plant

control systems operated by Control and Instrumentation Engineers (CSI
Engineer), focuses on defining customer needs and required functionality early in
the development cycle, documenting requirements, then proceeding with design
synthesis and system validation while considering the complete problem. A Control
System Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, installing, managing
and/or maintaining equipment which is used to monitor and control engineering
systems, machinery and processes.

Instrumentation Engineering is a specialized branch of electrical and electronic

engineering and it deals with measurement, control and automation of processes.
In scientific terms, instrumentation is defined as the art and science of
measurement and control of process variables within a production, or
manufacturing area.

What is Instrumentation and Control Engineering?

Instrumentation is the science of automated measurement and control, and is

defined as the art and science of measurement and control of process variables
within a production or manufacturing area. Whereas Control engineering or control
systems engineering is the engineering discipline that applies control theory to
design systems with desired behaviors. Control engineers are responsible for the
research, design, development and control devices/systems, typically in
manufacturing facilities and plants. Applications of this science abound in modern
research, industry, and everyday living.
In Instrumentation and Control Engineering the first step, naturally, is
measurement. If we can’t measure something, it is really pointless to try to control
it. This “something” usually takes one of the following forms in industry:

 Pressure
 Temperature
 Level
 Flow
 Vibration
 Motion, Position and Acceleration etc

Measurement and Control Loop

Once we measure the quantity we are interested in, we usually transmit a signal
representing this quantity to an indicating or computing device where either human
or automated action then takes place. If the controlling action is automated, the
computer sends a signal to a final controlling device which then influences the
quantity being measured.

Img by: Tony R. Kuphaldt

Both the measurement device and the final control device connect to some
physical system which we call the process.

Scope of Instrumentation and Control Engineering

Instrumentation and Control plays a significant role in both gathering information
from the field and changing the field parameters, and as such are a key part of
control loops. The Instrumentation Technology, being an inter-disciplinary branch
of engineering, is heading towards development of new & intelligent sensors, smart
transducers, MEMS Technology, Blue tooth Technology. This discipline finds its
origin in both electrical and electronics engineering, and it covers subjects related
to electronics and electrical streams. In short, it deals with measurement,
automation and control processes. In today’s scenario, there are many people who
are willing to make a career in this stream. Almost all process and manufacturing
industry such as steel, oil, petrochemical, power and defense production will have
a separate instrumentation and control department, which is manned and managed
by instrumentation and control engineers. “Automation is the buzz word in process
industry, and automation is the core job of instrumentation and control engineers.
Hence, the demand for instrumentation will always be there.

Automation Engineering is a design engineering philosophy that is directed

toward enhancing the automatic nature (sometime called automaticity) of a
machine, process, or other type the work system. The objective of automation is to
cause the work system to be as automatic , that is, self-acting, self-regulating, as
may be possible, the aim is to streamline the manufacturing process to make it as
efficient as possible while still maintaining product quality and adhering to internal
protocols and external regulations__but against the practical backdrop of various
economic, environmental, social, and other restrains. Because of these restrains,
the work systems are only partially automated

What is automation?
Automation is a scientific and technical activity with using self-regulatory means to
release the person from participation in the processes of obtaining, conversion,
transfer and use of information, energy and materials, or substantially reducing of
this engagement.
International Society of Automation (ISA) defines automation as “the creation and
application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of
products and services.”
Who is automation engineer?
Using ISA definition, the automation engineer is an individual who involved in the
creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and
delivery of products and services. ISA says that, automation professionals are
responsible for the direction, definition, design, development/application,
deployment, documentation, and support of systems, software, and equipment
used in control systems, manufacturing information systems, systems integration,
and operational consulting.

There are many titles for automation professionals - Automation Engineer,

Industrial Automation Engineer, Process Automation Engineer, Industrial
Processes Automation Engineer, Automation and Control Engineer, Automation
Systems Engineer, Control(s) Engineer, Control System(s) Engineer, System(s)
Engineer, Process Control Engineer, Instrumentation Engineer, Instrumentation
and Control Engineer, Electrical / Instrumentation and Control Engineer and etc.
Too much titles, isn't it? But not necessary to pay attention to it, I prefer call this
profession as Automation Engineering and its' professionals as Automation
Engineers.

Systems Engineering is focused on the design and management of complicated

engineering projects, across a wide range of engineering specialties. In systems
engineering, there is a combination of technical and project management skills
required to complete multidisciplinary projects. Modelling, simulation, requirements
analysis, project management and building consensus are all required tools in
order to complete a complex project

Civil Engineering is an engineering discipline, focuses on the design, engineering,

construction and maintenance of a building, road, bridge, related infrastructure,
and underground works such as a structure or equipment structures. A Civil
Engineers design, build, and maintain the foundation, roads and bridges, water and
energy systems, sea ports and airports, and the infrastructure for a cleaner
environment, etc.

Structural Engineering is a part of the civil engineering, focuses on the design

and engineering of all type of stationary structures.

Architectural Engineering is a part of the civil engineering, responsible for a

building and structure design and engineering and construction.

Production Engineering is design and application of manufacturing techniques to

produce a specific product. It includes activities such as planning, specification,
and coordination of the use of resources, analysis of productibility, productions
processes, and systems, application of methods, equipment, and tooling,
controlled introduction of engineering changes, and application of cost control
techniques.

Construction Engineering is to perform an engineering activity or work at the

construction site. (refer to a Field Engineering)

Chemical Engineering is a branch of engineering that applies physical sciences

and life sciences together with mathematics and economics to produce, transform,
transport, and properly use chemicals, materials and energy. It focuses on the
chemical based manufacturing including: Fuels (gasoline, natural gas);
Petrochemicals (chemicals obtained from petroleum or natural gas); Agricultural
Chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides); Industrial Chemicals (acids, alkalis, organics,
salts); Plastics, Polymers and Fibers; Paper and Paper Products; Pharmaceuticals
and Drugs; Consumer Products (paints, soaps, household cleaners, etc.); Food
Additives/Products; Advanced Materials (ceramics, electronic materials,
composites, etc.)
Offshore Geotechnical Engineering is a sub-field of geotechnical engineering,
focuses on the application of geological principles for the exploration or extraction
of natural resources (oil, natural gas, coal, minerals, etc.). It is also concerned with
foundation design, construction, maintenance and decommissioning for human-
made structures in the sea including oil platforms, artificial islands and submarine
pipelines, etc.

Field Engineering is one of the construction organization, perform the design and
engineering work at the Site. A primary responsibility is an interpretation of
engineering design and document to the construction teams, supporting ad-hoc
engineering related site activities including field material supply, gathering and
feedback requested site information to the Engineering division, and assisting
engineering matter to operation and maintenance team. The Field Engineering
team involves performing of completeness check and inspection of construction
outcomes, and development of hand-over documentations.