The dynamics of Electro Instrument & Telecom (EIT) in an engineering project

By Frank O. Edvardsen, Discipline Lead – Electrical, Instrumentation & Telecom (EIT), Focus Techouse Engineering AS

An engineering project is usually performed in 3 phases. The 3 phases are 30% – 60% and a 90% milestone reviews of the 3D model. These percentages (30% – 60%-90%) reflect a percentage of completed project, not a percentage of maturity of each discipline. For EIT’s part, we can say that we are usually about 30% finished when a 60% review is held, depending on how extensive the EIT contract is. So, what does this mean?

A 3D model is a view that shows what the model will look like when it is finally constructed. The first thing you do when you create a 3D model is to collect all the engineering documents that are available – such as procedures, drawings, templates, and regulations etc.

When this is done, the structural engineers puts up the framework for the module, with levels (floors) and stairs so that we get an overview of the available space. The layout engineers will then place the large components such as pumps, small internal modules, escape routes and access routes and the piping engineers will install the largest process pipes in collaboration with the EIT engineers who install their main cable ducts and make their qualified guesses on the space required for all junction boxes. Submits suggestions for location of light fixture. There is now a close collaboration on the distribution of the available space between all disciplines. In some cases, the module must be expanded to accommodate all the equipment needed for the total project.

The engineering documentation is further developed, and the 3D model is developed accordingly. Structure engineers adjust sizes of levels, stairs, railings etc. Layout engineers adjust volumes for material handling, escape routes and access routes in addition to all space adjustments of rotating equipment, tanks etc. Piping engineers insert smaller pipe size and EIT engineers insert cable ladders with sizes from e.g. 300mm and above, then make light calculations so that the 3D model gets a more realistic use of light fixtures. All disciplines add more discipline-specific details and adjust equipment and components to avoid collisions between the disciplines.

The basis for engineering is still being developed and the target is to get the engineering documentation up to the level “Issued for Construction (IFC)” and the 3D model is developed according to the latest information. All disciplines enter the final details and make the final adjustments so that we are ready for 90% review. The piping engineers now insert the remaining pipes down to 2 inches and the EIT engineers insert cable ladders down to 50mm.

It is important to note that the model should not contain collisions between equipment and the volumes for material handling, escape routes and access routes.

(This is the first article and a series for articles about EIT.)

Do you have questions about this article? Please send and email to the author!

Frank O. Edvardsen
Electrical, Instrumentation & Telecom (EIT), Focus Techouse Engineering AS
fed@TechouseEng.no