Defining equipment before the execution phase (the start of detail engineering and design) of your capital project is critical to success. After the Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) is created and approved, data sheets should be created for each piece of equipment that can be sent to suppliers or vendors to obtain pricing.
In this article, we will discuss what Process Data Sheets are and how they are created, as well as provide a few helpful tips for the data sheet development and equipment sourcing process.
What Is a Process Data Sheet?
A Process Data Sheet, sometimes called a Design Data Sheet or Mechanical Data Sheet, is used to help specify the requirements for a piece of equipment. During the design process, each piece of equipment shown on a P&ID should have a corresponding data sheet. The data sheets are used to communicate the technical specifications to the vendor, supplier, client, or others who are responsible for either approving the design or supplying a conforming quote for the item.
How Are Process Data Sheets Created?
Process Data Sheets are typically a joint effort between a process engineer and a mechanical engineer. Sometimes other disciplines may be involved in the creation process depending on the scope of the project. For example, if the project involves motors or power, electrical engineers may be involved in this process.
Process data is used to fill out the process information, such as flow, temperature, pressure, capacity requirements, from the Process Flow Diagram (PFD) or other calculation methods. Mechanical engineers fill out the required mechanical information such as design code, loading information, flange and nozzle requirements, etc.
Every type of equipment will have a different Process Data Sheet due to the varying data specification requirements for each type. Most engineering companies have data sheet templates for equipment categories such as pumps, heat exchangers, and vessels, as well as subcategories when required.
Below is an example data sheet for a vessel.
Tips for Process Data Sheet Development and Equipment Sourcing
Always make sure that your data sheet is correct and approved before sending it to suppliers and vendors because you get what you ask for! Do not overspecify insignificant items, as this can sometimes hamper your ability to source the item.
Before sending the data sheet for approval or a quote, you should make sure that it matches the P&ID. Any required items, such as specific nozzles and seal plans, should be identified and communicated on the Process Data Sheet. Similarly, when receiving information, drawings, or quotes from suppliers, it should be checked against the data sheet to ensure that the requirements are met.
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