Basic Engineering Package (BEP)

The Basic Engineering Package (BEP) is the most critical stage in the lifecycle of any chemical project. At Sherle, BEP defines how a process works, how it will be operated, and how it can be safely and economically scaled. It establishes the complete technical foundation required for Detailed Engineering (DED), procurement, construction, and commissioning.

Our BEP services support startups, SMEs, and established chemical companies by transforming early concepts-such as lab data, block flow diagrams, or preliminary process ideas-into a clear, simulation-validated, and engineering-ready process design. This structured approach reduces uncertainty, controls cost escalation, and minimizes scale-up risks early in the project.

Our Services

What Is a Basic Engineering Package (BEP)?

A Basic Engineering Package is a consolidated set of engineering documents that defines the process design intent and the technical basis for execution. It captures all major engineering decisions before the project moves into detailed design and construction.

A well-developed BEP establishes the process design philosophy, operating conditions, material and energy balances, preliminary equipment sizing, utility and control requirements, safety basis, and overall layout philosophy. By freezing these fundamentals early, BEP significantly reduces rework, late-stage design changes, and cost overruns during Detailed Engineering and site execution.

At Sherle, every BEP is intentionally developed to be directly expandable into Detailed Engineering (DED)-with no ambiguity, missing data, or redesign loops.

Process Engineering

Process engineering during DED focuses on finalizing the process definition and ensuring it is fully executable. We prepare IFC P&IDs, finalize heat and mass balances, and issue final equipment datasheets. Detailed equipment sizing calculations, line sizing, and hydraulic analyses are completed to reflect real operating conditions. Relief systems are finalized in accordance with API 520/521 and DIERS, ensuring robust protection under all credible scenarios.

Scope of Sherle’s Detailed Engineering Services

When Is BEP Required?

BEP is essential whenever a project moves beyond conceptual discussion into real engineering decisions. Typical use cases include new process development and commercialization, pilot plant and demonstration unit design, scale-up from lab or batch to continuous operation, and brownfield expansions or revamp projects.

BEP is also commonly used for capital project planning, investor and management approvals, and as the formal transition point into Detailed Engineering (DED).

Process Design Basis (PDB)

BEP begins with the development of a comprehensive Process Design Basis. This document defines design objectives, production capacity, feedstock and product specifications, operating philosophy (batch or continuous), design assumptions, constraints, and boundary conditions. The PDB serves as the reference point for all subsequent engineering activities.

Scope of Sherle’s BEP Services

Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)

We develop detailed PFDs that describe the complete process configuration. These diagrams include stream flowrates, compositions, temperatures, pressures, utility integration, recycle streams, and major control loops. PFDs provide a high-level but technically complete view of how the process operates.

Heat & Mass Balance (HMB)

Accurate heat and mass balances are developed based on steady-state process conditions. These balances define material flows, energy duties, and utility requirements for all unit operations and form the basis for reliable equipment sizing and energy optimization.

Process Simulation

Process simulation forms the technical backbone of BEP. Using Pro-II, Aspen Plus or Aspen HYSYS, we develop simulation models that validate thermodynamics, reaction behavior, separations, recycle stability, and operating windows.

Simulation helps ensure that the selected process configuration is scalable, robust, and operable, especially for new or novel processes where scale-up behavior is uncertain. Sensitivity studies are used to identify key risks and operating limits early.

Preliminary Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)

Preliminary P&IDs are developed to define major equipment, process interconnections, control intent, instrumentation philosophy, safety devices (such as PSVs and rupture discs), and utility and drain systems. These P&IDs establish the control and safety framework that will later be finalized during Detailed Engineering.

Equipment Selection & Preliminary Sizing

Based on the heat and mass balance and simulation results, we perform preliminary sizing and selection of all major equipment. This includes reactors (batch, continuous, high-pressure), distillation columns and separation vessels, heat exchangers, reboilers, condensers, pumps, compressors, blowers, tanks, and surge vessels.

Sizing at the BEP stage is suitable for engineering validation and DED finalization, not vendor fabrication.

Utility Design Basis

We develop a preliminary utility design basis covering steam, hot oil, cooling water, chilled water, nitrogen, instrument air, and plant air systems. Preliminary electrical load estimation and utility consumption summaries are prepared to support overall project planning and infrastructure assessment.

Instrumentation & Control Basis

BEP defines the instrumentation and control philosophy at a system level. This includes preparation of a preliminary instrument list, I/O count, control philosophy, shutdown philosophy, and the basis for PLC or DCS selection. This ensures that automation and safety considerations are embedded early in the design.

Layout & Plot Plan Philosophy

We develop a preliminary layout philosophy that considers equipment arrangement, safety spacing, maintenance access, operability, and future expansion. Decisions regarding modular versus stick-built construction are evaluated, and inputs are generated for future 3D modeling and piping layout.

Safety & Operability Basis

Safety and operability are integral to BEP. We identify major process hazards, define preliminary relief scenarios, and generate inputs for HAZOP studies. The safety basis also establishes the foundation for relief system and flare design during Detailed Engineering.

BEP Deliverables

At the end of the BEP stage, clients receive a complete, structured engineering package that typically includes the Process Design Basis, PFDs, heat and mass balances, simulation files and reports, preliminary P&IDs, preliminary equipment sizing and datasheets, utility summaries, instrument lists and I/O summaries, process control narratives, and a preliminary 2D plant layout with equipment positioning.

These deliverables form the direct and complete input for Detailed Engineering (DED).

How BEP Fits into the Project Lifecycle

BEP is the decision-making and risk-reduction stage, where technical uncertainty is addressed early.
DED is the execution stage, where the project is translated into construction-ready documentation.