Conceptual Design: The Foundation of Process Design
The first step in any process design journey is the conceptual design stage, which serves as the foundation for the entire project. It involves transforming the project’s initial idea into a preliminary design that outlines the basic process flow and identifies the major equipment required to achieve the desired outcome. Here are some key aims and common deliverables of the conceptual design stage:

Objectives:

• Define process requirements such as production capacity, product specifications, and environmental constraints
• Conduct a preliminary feasibility assessment
• Establish a starting point for the subsequent design stages
• Provide a basis for decision-making regarding project viability

Common deliverables:

• Process flow diagram (PFD)
• Preliminary equipment list
• Initial cost estimate

Cost Accuracy:

• Budget variance of approximately ±30-50% compared to the estimated budget

Flexibility to Modifications:
High flexibility, as this stage allows for exploration and adjustments

The resulting deliverables from conceptual design provide a solid starting point for subsequent design stages, enabling a more efficient and effective process design journey. By recognizing the importance of conceptual design, the project team establishes a strong foundation that paves the way for a successful project outcome.