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Process Engineering and Automation

With Process Engineering, we assist the process industry in designing, controlling, and optimizing chemical, physical, and biological processes. Our goal is to develop sustainable systems that are applicable on a large scale. We do this for companies in the chemical industry, pulp and paper, steel production, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, energy and in the oil industry. With our knowledge and expertise, we provide solutions that are not only safe but also cost-effective.

Process Engineering and Automation: An Essential Combination for Your Production Environment

As a production manager or plant manager, you know that running a production environment daily is full of challenges. You want to not only increase the capacity of your production facility but also save energy and optimize the use of raw materials. It is essential to design, analyze, and improve processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. This is where process engineering and automation (Opens in new window) come into play.

Design in Process Engineering

In the context of process engineering, "design" refers to the careful planning and development of processes and systems that are essential for industrial production. This begins with the selection of appropriate equipment, taking into account the specific requirements of the processes and the available technologies. Next, flow diagrams are created to map out the flows of materials and energy within the system. It is also important to optimize the layout of the system to ensure that all components work together efficiently and safely.

In the design phase, it is crucial to find a balance between technical performance, safety, cost, and sustainability. This ensures that the systems produced are not only effective but also meet the demands of modern industry. A well-thought-out design contributes to the optimal operation of the production environment and helps companies remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.

The Synergy Between Process Engineering and Automation

These two disciplines are complementary to each other. Process engineering provides the foundation for understanding and optimizing processes, while automation offers the tools to implement and control these processes efficiently. By integrating automation into your process engineering, you not only increase efficiency but also reduce costs, improve quality, and enhance safety.

In essence, process engineering and automation work together to create more efficient, reliable, and sustainable industrial processes. By adopting this approach, you can tackle current challenges in your production environment while also being prepared for future demands and advancements in the industry.

Our Solutions in Process Engineering and Automation

At Etteplan, we focus on developing solutions that are not only safe but also enhance efficiency and meet sustainability requirements. We utilize the latest automation and technical standards (Opens in new window) to optimize your production process.

We follow a structured process to understand your needs and provide a tailored solution.

What is the Engineering Design Process?

  • 1

    Intake

    We get to know your organization and challenges.

  • 2

    Needs assessment

    We outline what you need.

  • 3

    Analysis of the current situation

    We evaluate what exists and what can be improved.

  • 4

    Process engineering proposal

    We present a proposal, including dynamic simulation if necessary.

The engineering design process is a structured and iterative approach to solving technical problems. This process consists of various phases that help bring ideas from concept to implementation.

Our approach offers several benefits:

  • Increased production capacity
  • Improved efficiency
  • Compliance with sustainability requirements (in resources and personnel)
  • Enhanced competitiveness
  • Increased safety

Principles of Process Engineering Design

When designing processes in process engineering, there are several fundamental principles that must always be considered. First, energy efficiency plays a crucial role; it is important to design processes that consume as little energy as possible, which not only saves costs but also contributes to sustainability. Additionally, scalability is of great importance; your design should be easily adjustable to changing production needs without major modifications. Process safety is also a top priority; the design must ensure a safe working environment and minimize risks. Furthermore, regulatory compliance is essential, as you must meet legal requirements and standards in your industry. Finally, operational reliability is a key aspect; a well-designed process ensures that operations run consistently and without interruptions. By integrating these principles into the design, you create a solid foundation for a successful and sustainable production environment.

What We Offer

Our expertise in complex simulations and modeling of various chemical reactions, along with a strong team of safety experts, enables us to provide you with the best solutions, including:

  • Preparing material and energy balances
  • Designing flow and P&ID diagrams
  • Generating process descriptions and operating instructions to support you in investment projects and daily operations

Dynamic Simulation

If necessary, we conduct dynamic simulations. This helps verify what is needed in advance and optimally align the planning, preventing costly adjustments at a later stage. Simulation is especially utilized to ensure correct design when scaling up pilot plant facilities to production scale.

Process Engineering and Automation for different sectors

Our process engineering services are aimed at large industrial companies in sectors such as:

  • Chemical industry
  • Paper and pulp industry
  • Steel mills
  • Power plants (energy and renewable energy)
  • Pharmaceutical companies

Are you ready to optimize your production environment? Contact us. We are eager to assist you with our expertise in process engineering!

Ask our expert a question

Mika Oijennus

Vice President, Smart Factory Finland