Once the concept has been selected and the initial technical scope of the system has been defined, all expected costs and expenses are determined in basic engineering.
What exactly is included in basic engineering?
At DMT ENCOS, basic engineering covers a wide range of activities. The scope of these activities depends largely on the scope of the project and therefore the product to be created. In addition, the required expertise in the manufacturing process of the system is crucial for the planning effort as part of basic engineering. The essential and recurring service steps are explained in more detail below.
From process development to large-scale plant
The selected process determines the type and necessary sequence of the basic process engineering operations. To visualise a process engineering process, basic flow diagrams are created in basic engineering and discussed for further coordination in the planning phase.
Among other things, the basic flowsheet defines the reactants and assigns them to the corresponding storage facilities. The reaction products as well as the processing stages and their final storage are also recorded in such a basic flowsheet and are therefore also part of the process development. The following steps are required in advance to achieve optimum process engineering:
In order to minimise the time and material expenditure as much as possible, DMT ENCOS also uses appropriate simulation programmes such as ASPEN to calculate the corresponding basic process engineering operations.
Balancing as the central task of the process engineer
The design of a process engineering system is the responsibility of the process engineer. The aim is to design a system in such a way that the investment and operating costs are in balance and the required product properties in terms of quantity and quality are met at the same time. To achieve this, material, mass and enthalpy balances are drawn up both for the individual process stages and for the future overall plant.
At the interfaces, the so-called plant boundaries, they are used to further determine the raw material and energy consumption as well as the product and waste quantities. Within the process plant, the balances determine the mass flows and the physico-chemical conditions to be complied with. The results of the balances are then documented in the media data sheets.
The creation of basic and process flow charts is one of the basic disciplines at DMT ENCOS
Flowcharts are among the most important documents in basic engineering. They are created in three levels of detail:
While basic and process flow diagrams must be created as part of basic engineering, the essential processing of detailed pipework and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) only takes place in the subsequent step (plant construction), known as detail engineering. Customer specifications are provided or agreed between the planner and operator for the creation of the flow diagrams. The process flow diagram is used to visualise the process engineering concept and thus clearly represents the next level of detail above the basic flow diagram. All essential components can be found here:
What is included in the material concept?
Before DMT ENCOS can start planning the main equipment, the materials to be used in the future process technology must be determined and documented. The materials selected not only have an impact on the existing design of the pipework and equipment, but also on their procurement costs.
The material design is of particular importance here, as warranty claims must ensure that these materials can withstand the corresponding stresses caused by corrosion and wear over a long period of time. ENCOS engineers can draw on many years of experience in strength, corrosion and wear behaviour. When defining the material concept, the process engineers must take the following points into account:
We specialize in engineering process separation columns, including distillation, washing, stripper, and drying columns, as well as high-performance dividing wall columns designed for optimal energy efficiency.
Our supplementary services create real added value: from digital project management and sustainability consulting to operational optimization - we support you throughout all project phases.
With our EPCM approach, we bundle engineering, procurement and construction management into an efficient overall process. Supplementary services such as approval management or commissioning ensure the highest level of planning depth and project transparency - from a single source.
In basic engineering, we lay the foundation for project success: with reliable concepts, initial designs, cost estimates and schedules. We create planning security, identify risks at an early stage and prepare the next project phase in the best possible way.
In detail engineering, we transform concepts into concrete, ready-to-implement solutions: with complete plans, parts lists, specifications and interface coordination. In this way, we create the conditions for smooth procurement and implementation on site.
Safety is no coincidence: we integrate customized safety concepts into every phase of your system - from planning to operation. Whether explosion protection, functional safety or risk assessment according to HAZOP - we ensure standard-compliant implementation and maximum operational safety.
We manage your construction site with experience, vision and technical precision. Our construction management ensures smooth processes, coordination of all trades and compliance with costs, deadlines and quality - for maximum safety and project success on the construction site.
Paper is a thing of the past: with ENCOS, you can rely on digital plant documentation that noticeably improves access, management and efficiency. Whether archiving, system integration or mobile use - we make your documentation future-proof, flexible and legally compliant.
Whether energy supply, automation or process safety - our EI&C planning integrates seamlessly into your systems. From concept development to commissioning, we deliver sophisticated solutions for measurement and control technology - compliant with standards and reliable in operation.
We combine process engineering and process technology to create integrated solutions - from the initial idea to implementation in your plant. With sound analysis, innovative concepts and practical planning, we optimize material flows, energy use and process reliability in the long term.
From the route to the isometry: we plan pipelines precisely, economically and in compliance with regulations. Whether new planning, conversion or revamp - our piping team masters all standards, materials and media. 3D planning, stress analysis and ease of installation included.
With Aspen tools, we analyze the technical and economic feasibility of your process engineering concepts at an early stage. Whether material flow simulation, energy efficiency or scale-up - we provide a reliable basis for decision-making on investments, optimization and project design.
Whether rotating devices or static equipment: our mechanical engineering ensures durable, maintenance-friendly and process-integrated solutions. In close coordination with process engineering, I&C and electrical engineering, we plan robust, ATEX-compliant and efficient solutions - right up to the specification stage.
Whether foundation statics, steel construction, pipe route planning or 3D laser scanning: Our civil engineering is fully integrated into the system planning. We think about trades together, secure interfaces and deliver reliable foundations - ideal for EPCM projects and complex conversions.
Whether BImSchG, WHG, AwSV or Hazardous Incident Ordinance – we develop approval-ready projects and integrate all requirements right into your planning. From application and condition management to safety analysis: interdisciplinary, legally compliant, and perfectly aligned with the authorities.
Whether new construction, expansion, conversion or modernization - we manage your project in a structured, efficient and flexible manner. With clear organization, deadline and cost control, technical expertise and interdisciplinary coordination, we ensure planning security and sustainable project success.
Technical regulations, inspection deadlines, liability: We support you in fulfilling your operator obligations - from risk analysis and compliance strategies to training. Together with the TÜV NORD GROUP, we identify weak points and create legally compliant, sustainable structures.