Why it is important for Electro Instrument & Telecom (EIT) engineers to be involved from the very beginning of an engineering project?

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

I know – it is a really long heading on this article. But, really do you want to know why? An engineering project is composed of many different disciplines; EIT, mechanical, structural, layout, safety, and piping – and we are completely dependent on a good collaboration between all disciplines to achieve a good project within time, cost and plan.

Now, the main reason why the EIT discipline must be involved in the engineering project from the very beginning – and I cannot say this too many times – is space reservation for all types of EIT equipment. If the EIT engineers do not get a reserved space for their equipment at the start of the project, the other disciplines will use up all the available space. This means that the EIT discipline does not have room for its equipment and the consequence is a poor EIT design. Nobody want that. The project can also have large costs and time overruns due to the challenges of finding space for all EIT equipment longer down the line. Worst case, the scenario can cause a serious problem that will delay the project severely. In our modern world, not many modules works without electricity and automation control systems.

Many people are surprised how much space the EIT discipline needs in a project, and this becomes very visible when we are looking at pictures from a 3D model. Look at the pictures of a real module above. Try to imagine what a challenge it is to fit the EIT equipment within all pipes, steel, vessels, and equipment without making any collisions with other disciplines. It must be a part of the plan from the start, do you agree?

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