Conceptual studies are used to evaluate and/or develop projects that have passed the "Feasibility" test. They often feature full development of the intended process, a major equipment list, a cost/benefit analysis and a project cost estimate. Conceptual studies are often used to evaluate potential project for capital budget preparation.

During these studies process data is collected and analyzed to size major equipment and to develop process strategies and systems to handle all projected products. A plot plan of the facility and/or equipment layout drawings are generated to show proposed modifications or improvements. The cost estimate generated depends on the scope of the study and the amount of data available. As much as possible, we use local unit costs for material and labor, and supplement these with costs from the Richardson and other databases. Vendors are contacted to get budgetary pricing on major equipment and control systems. Indirect costs such as construction management, engineering and project management, owner’s project costs, etc., are factored from the equipment costs.

A list of typical deliverables follows:

• Product Slate Definition (SKU level, including potential cross-contamination issues)
• Major Process Equipment Sizing/Utilization
• Plot Plan
• Process Description and/or Control Philosophy
• Process Flow Diagram
• +/- 30% Project Estimate