Q. Show Geographic constraints of the plant?

The layout of process units will be influenced by the geographic constraints of the site. Spacing is required between plant facilities and the perimeter fence to minimize exposure to the public. Also, advantage may be taken of the natural slope of the site for gravity feeding liquid streams, truck dumps of bulk solids to crushers and screening facilities, or for keeping ignition sources at higher elevations than large volumes of hydrocarbons (this minimizes the potential for ignition of a liquid spill or vapour cloud).

The plant orientation and configuration is also dependent on the following:

• Proximity to existing or future facilities.

• Location of existing and future pipelines, conveyors and stockpiles.

• Predominant winds (influencing operational factors, ventilation, dust and flare discharges).

• Transport movements and loading/unloading locations, maximum incline/decline angles and minimum turning/curve radii.

• Flares and vents.

• Optimizing cut and fill requirements.

It is common to have the plant grid in a North/South East/West orientation; this strict orientation on some occasions may not be possible and could differ slightly from true North. If this occurs then the true north and plant north should be shown on Site/Plot plans with the angle of variance indicated on the north sign.