Full-scope electrical and instrumentation design for a chemical storage facility in the Netherlands
To support the expansion of a major tank terminal in the Rotterdam region, a large international operator in the chemical storage industry entrusted Contec with delivering a complete Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) engineering solution.
The project demanded seamless integration of third-party systems, strict adherence to SIL and Exi safety standards, and a comprehensive construction package, all delivered on time to meet the client’s execution schedule.
Our scope covered the full range of E&I engineering activities, from schematics and loop diagrams to safety validation and RFQ preparation. By leveraging advanced engineering tools and our deep industry knowledge, we ensured a solution that was safe, efficient, and backed by complete documentation.
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Electrical schematics for all panels (electrical, instrumentation, automation)
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Complete loop design and 2D layouts for field instrumentation and equipment
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P&ID updates and management
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Cable sizing and short-circuit calculations
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Cause & Effect matrix aligned with HAZOP study
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RFQ packages and construction documentation for E&I works
The challenge
Ensuring safety, reliability and system integration during plant expansion
The client needed a turnkey E&I solution to support a large-scale expansion of its tank terminal. The challenge was twofold: first, to ensure safe and standards-compliant electrical design in a hazardous environment, and second, to integrate multiple third-party systems into a single, unified documentation and execution package.
Meeting SIL and Exi compliance requirements was essential to the project’s success. Additionally, detailed RFQ and construction documents had to be created to minimize on-site risks and ensure a smooth handover to contractors. All of this had to be delivered within tight project timelines.
Our approach
From complex requirements to a fully documented, contractor-ready solution
Our engineering team began by reviewing and supporting all RFQ packages, ensuring alignment with project goals. Using tools like EPLAN P8, PROPANEL, and ExSILentia, we designed and delivered detailed schematics, loop diagrams, and 2D layouts for all electrical and instrumentation systems.
We managed all P&ID updates and created a Cause & Effect matrix aligned with the HAZOP study. Cable sizing and short-circuit calculations were carried out using Caneco and Powertools, while Exi verification, grounding, and lightning protection studies were performed using specialized software.
In parallel, we developed Safety Requirement Specifications (SRS) and validated all SIL/SIF functions. Our team integrated third-party engineering content, including CCTV, gas detection, and tracing systems, into a standardized format that met the client’s documentation requirements.
Cable lists, material take-offs, datasheets, and work descriptions formed part of the final construction package. This documentation enabled contractors to proceed with confidence and minimized the risk of delays on-site. Lighting studies and compliance reviews were also conducted to ensure all systems met internal and regulatory standards.
By centralizing the engineering and documentation, Contec helped the client reduce execution risk, improve long-term maintainability, and ensure a high level of operational safety from day one.
