Plant Equipment Design
Plant Equipment Design
Plant Equipment Design is a specialized field within mechanical and process engineering that deals with the design, analysis, and detailing of essential equipment used in industrial process plants. These include pressure vessels, heat exchangers, storage tanks, reactors, columns, evaporators, and agitators. The course enables learners to understand the operating conditions, mechanical behavior, and safety requirements involved in designing such equipment.
Through a structured combination of theory, standards, and hands-on design practice, students become proficient in designing high-performance, cost-effective, and code-compliant mechanical equipment for various industries such as oil & gas, petrochemical, food, pharmaceuticals, and energy.
🌍 Industry Importance
In large-scale industries, equipment like pressure vessels, tanks, and heat exchangers play a critical role in handling chemical reactions, thermal processes, fluid separation, and material storage. A poorly designed component can lead to system failures, safety hazards, and costly downtime.
As a result, there is a strong industry demand for professionals who can design and validate plant equipment using industry standards and simulation tools. With a growing global focus on safety, energy efficiency, and operational reliability, the role of a plant equipment designer is more essential than ever in modern industrial settings.
🔧 Key Concepts Covered
This course covers all the foundational and advanced concepts related to static mechanical equipment design. Students learn how to design pressure vessels considering internal and external pressure, wall thickness, nozzle placement, and support structures in accordance with ASME Section VIII.
Heat exchanger design is explored through both thermal and mechanical perspectives, including TEMA classifications. The design of storage tanks, reactors, and columns is taught based on API 650 and IS codes. Additional modules cover agitation systems, corrosion-resistant material selection, and mechanical detailing. Students also gain practical skills in preparing general arrangement (GA) drawings, fabrication details, and bill of materials for manufacturing.
🛠️ Software Tools Covered
- 🧠 AutoCAD / SolidWorks / Inventor
- 🧠 PV Elite / Compress
- 🧠 Excel-based Design Sheets
- 🧠 PDMS / SP3D
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
- 🎯 Diploma / B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical, Chemical, or Production Engineering
- 🎯 Basic knowledge of machine design, strength of materials, and process flow diagrams
- 🎯 Familiarity with CAD software is beneficial but not mandatory
💼 Career Opportunities
- 🔷 Plant Equipment Design Engineer
- 🔷 Static Equipment Engineer
- 🔷 Mechanical Design Engineer
- 🔷 Fabrication and Detailing Engineer
🎯 Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, learners will be able to independently design key types of industrial equipment used in process plants. They will understand stress, temperature, and pressure behaviors affecting equipment and learn how to counteract them through proper design practices. Students will also become skilled in interpreting engineering standards and applying them to real-world equipment design scenarios. Additionally, they will be able to prepare detailed engineering documents and fabrication drawings that meet industry requirements, ensuring smooth handoffs between design and manufacturing teams.
⏳ Course Duration & Structure
The course duration varies depending on the learning mode selected. A full-time format generally spans 3 to 4 months, ideal for fresh graduates or students. A part-time or weekend format extends over 4 to 6 months, allowing working professionals to balance learning with job responsibilities. Online and self-paced learners typically complete the program in 10 to 16 weeks, with recorded content, regular assignments, and mentor support. For fast learners or experienced engineers revising concepts, an accelerated 1 to 2-month format is also available. All formats include practical exercises, real-world design projects, and assessments.