Practical Plant Design and Engineering Economics

Designing a safe, efficient, and profitable industrial facility requires a solid grasp of both technical engineering and financial principles. This text-based course guides you through the fundamental concepts of plant design and engineering economics, preparing you to make sound capital investment decisions. You will transition from understanding basic process flowsheets to analyzing complex capital cost estimates and profitability metrics. By studying realistic engineering scenarios, you will develop the analytical skills needed to evaluate project feasibility and optimize plant layouts for maximum economic return. What you'll learn: Understand foundational plant design principles, including process flow diagram structures and equipment selection; Calculate capital investment costs, operating costs, and depreciation using modern estimation techniques; Evaluate project profitability using financial metrics such as Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, and payback period; Analyze plant optimization strategies, incorporating sustainability metrics and life-cycle cost assessments; Apply optimization techniques to balance safety regulations, environmental impacts, and economic constraints. The course starts with essential terminology and design layouts before moving into detailed financial calculations and cost estimation frameworks. You will progress through written case studies and step-by-step problem-solving exercises that simulate real-world engineering challenges. This course is designed for engineering students, aspiring plant managers, and professionals looking to build a strong foundation in process economics, with no advanced prerequisites required. Start reading today to master the economic and design principles that drive successful industrial projects.