ABSTRACT
The preliminary plant layout can also help to identify undesirable and unforeseen problems with the preferred site, and may necessitate a revision of the site selection. The proposed plant layout must be considered early in the design work, and in sufficient detail, to ensure economical construction and efficient operation of the completed plant. The site layout must be suitable for equipment construction purposes, e.g. movement of cranes, etc. The plant layout adopted also affects the safe operation of the completed plant, and acceptance of the plant by the community. The layout of plant equipment should aim to minimise: Some of the aims are conflicting, and compromises are usually required when considering the plant layout in order to ensure that safety and economic operation are both preserved. The grouped pattern is often used for larger plants and has the advantages of easier operation and maintenance, lower labour costs, minimising utility transfer lines and hence reducing the energy required to transfer materials.
