During the conceptual design phase, the individual requirements have to be compiled and the targets of the project have to be defined. An optimum process is designed based on the collected information.
Knowledge in process engineering and energy technology, know-how in the energy sector, and experience in the implementation of plants are required for a successful conceptual design. At this stage, user requirements are compiled, and definition of project targets together with the customer are done. Many steps are covered such as: mass and energy balances, process simulation, process selection, evaluation and comparison of design options and layouts.
Conceptual Design deliverables will typically include a design basis with main process parameters defined, overall plant production requirements, some overall block flow diagrams, a preliminary space study to define overall space requirements, and finally an overall cost estimate and a feasibility study.