From concept to operability: the engineering edge
Process engineering is fundamental to project success as it translates complex scientific intent into engineered reality. By applying first principles to ensure safety, and mitigate risk, the discipline guarantees strict regulatory alignment with standards like cGMP and GEP. This critical work underpins the quality, operability, and long-term scalability of the facility, ultimately optimising energy consumption and lifecycle performance. The result is simple: facilities that work exactly as intended, delivering reliable performance long after handover.
"Inside-out" engineering: process first, building second
Equans Sci-Tech's team of chemical and process engineers brings deep technical knowledge of natural sciences and engineering design together with practical operational insight and regulatory excellence.
At Equans Sci-Tech, our distinct "inside-out" engineering approach places the process first, ensuring the building, utilities, and architecture are precisely defined by the operational workflow, never the reverse. This integrated methodology guarantees optimal efficiency, compliance, and flawless operational readiness from day one. We support you through the full project lifecycle, from initial feasibility and concept right through to final operational readiness, with our single, cohesive team of process, architectural, and M&E experts providing seamless, consistent delivery and critical documentation every step of the way.
We provide the technical framework and documentation required to bridge the gap between laboratory science and industrial-scale manufacturing.
- FeasibilityWe establish project viability through initial Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), defining capacity requirements and material/personnel flow at the earliest stage.
- Detailed technical designOur engineers generate the essential technical backbone of the project, including Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), mass and energy balances, and comprehensive User Requirement Specifications (URS).
- Safety & regulatory complianceWe ensure safety from first principles through rigorous Process Safety Studies (including HAZID, HAZOP, LOPA, ATEX/ DSEAR, and SIL analyses) and cleanroom zoning based on stringent hygienic design principles.
- Integrated 3D/BIM modellingWorking alongside other disciplines, we use advanced digital tools for collaboration ensuring a consistent, coordinated and build-ready design package.
Find the answers to your questions
Traditional design often force-fits a process into a predetermined building shell. Our "inside-out" approach ensures the facility is built around the process requirements, resulting in superior material flow, better space utilisation, and significantly higher operational efficiency.
Engagement must begin at the Feasibility and Concept stage. Early involvement allows us to define the "nucleus" of the project, ensuring the structural and utility requirements of the building are accurately sized for the process equipment from day one.
We apply rigorous first principles to identify hazards and mitigate risks. This involves structured reviews such as HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study) and DSEAR/ATEX assessments to ensure the facility meets all British and International safety standards for explosive or toxic environments.
Process engineering ensures safety through rigorous application of first principles and structured reviews. This involves conducting crucial Process Safety Studies (such as HAZOP, LOPA, ATEX/ DSEAR, and SIL analyses) and defining cleanroom zoning based on hygienic design principles to meet strict regulatory guidelines (e.g., cGMP, GEP) and mitigate all identified risks.
Yes. Our process engineers specialise in the design and integration of clean utilities, including Water for Injection (WFI), Purified Water (PW), Clean-in-Place (CIP), and specialised process gases, ensuring they meet the required GxP and pharmacopoeia standards.
