Checklist for 3D Model Review - A Guide

In all the EPC project which are been executed on 3D model, it is planned to have 3 formal model
reviews at Stages 30%, 60% and 90% of design completion. These stages are linked to the project
schedule in respect of the supply of engineering information from upstream disciplines (Process,
Mechanical, Instruments etc.) being at a status of Preliminary, Intermediate and Final.

The objective of model review is to “freeze” the design at each of these stages, i.e. once comments
from a specific review are resolved, the scope of facilities covered in that review will be frozen.

Checklist for 30% 3D Model Review

Below is the check point which shall be reviewed prior to 30% 3D model review:

PROJECT NAME : CLIENT :

PROJECT NO. : DOCUMENT NO. :
AREA OR WBS NAME : REV. : DATE : DD-MM-YYYY

Sr. No. Check Points

General and layout related:
1 Major underground piping systems including pressurized and gravity lines are modelled
and checked.
2 Major large bore and critical process piping determining the equipment location are
modelled and checked.
3 Pipeline within plant area is modelled and checked.
4 Pipe racks, tracks and sleeper ways are modelled and checked.
5 All technological structures and platforms are modelled as simple outline and checked.
6 All Process equipment on equipment list are modelled as per data sheet/preliminary
vendor drawings and checked. Packages modelled as boxes.
7 Nozzles, Manholes & associated platforms for static equipment are modelled and
checked for orientations and Location.
8 Roads, main access ways are modelled and checked.
9 Dropout/laydown areas and davits are modelled and checked.
10 Bundle pulling areas are shown and checked.
11 Mobile and permanent maintenance equipment access area is modelled and checked.
12 Space for Construction and erection access is shown as translucent boxes.
13 Escape routes on grade and platforms are shown and checked.
14 All Ladders and stairs are modelled and checked.
15 Spray water rings on the static equipment in the required number and location are
modelled and checked.
16 Concrete slabs and paving are modelled and checked.
17 Outlines of all Buildings is modelled and checked.
18 Major equipment structures, foundations are modelled and checked.
19 Shelters are modelled and checked.
20 Major underground drainage/sewage systems are modelled and checked.
21 Bund walls / fire wall is modelled and checked.
22 Space reservation for main electrical, instrumentation and telecom cable trays on racks is
shown and checked.
23 Main electrical, instrumentation and telecom cable trenches, corridors are modelled and
checked.
24 Fence gates, emergency exits are modelled and checked.
25 Muster point is modelled and checked.
26 ESDV conceptual location are modelled and checked.
27 Space for future facilities is modelled and checked.
28 Battery limit interfaces with others is shown appropriately and checked.
29 Spacing/inter distances between the equipment/structures are checked.
30 All critical piping requiring slopes and no pockets as per process requirements are

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PROJECT NO. : DOCUMENT NO. :
AREA OR WBS NAME : REV. : DATE : DD-MM-YYYY

Sr. No. Check Points

checked.
31 Hard Standing Areas are defined and properly located and checked.
32 The major equipment/tech. structures constructability have been checked.
33 The requirement for operation, maintenance and access on equipment, structures,
shelters and buildings has been checked.
34 Space for loading/unloading of catalysts, pickings, internals for columns/reactors provided
and checked.
35 Modular design projects are checked for installation path modular envelops and modular
setout points.
36 Thermo siphon re-boiler elevation checked with draw-off pan elevation
37 In case of Brown field the existing information is modelled and checked.
38 Interdisciplinary model review is conducted and all the comments are resolved
Safety and operation & maintenance related:
39 All escape route paths are obstruction free and no walk way has got head bumpers or
tripping hazards.
40 All the exits through escape routes are going away from a main process area.
41 Proper opening/space is available for cranes to enter and manoeuvre.
42 All man-ways are within the reach of the crane/hoisting equipments esp. for vertical
vessels and columns, etc.
43 Proper space on platform is available for turning the man-way covers and entering the
equipment.
44 Accessibility for maintenance and operation of spectacle blinds is checked esp. if
associated with equipments.
45 Adequate space for bundle pulling and transportation of bundles is kept for heat
exchangers.
46 The removal of pump is not hindered due to configuration of connected piping.
47 The straight length requirement in the suction line for side suction and discharge and
double suction pumps. Also ensure the accessibility to RS spool, valves and connected
instruments around the pumps.
48 Remote shutdown devices (emergency shutdown valve) are located at safe place.
Mechanical Handling Related:
49 The adequate clearance availability for the maintenance and removal of
rotors/shafts/internals etc (including the installation of temporary rigging beams, hoists,
chain falls, etc.) is checked.
50 Requirements for equipment removal hatches and construction opening in floors, walls
and roofs have been identified and shown.
51 Accessibility for mobile crane for maintenance of equipments (e.g. re-boilers, air coolers,
exchangers on technological structures, etc.)
52 Adequate lay down areas are identified and located for use with cranes, gantries and
monorails.
53 The equipment/heavy items dropdown area have been identified and located specially for
Columns, Vertical Vessels & tech. structures etc.
54 The location of the local compressor panel is checked for operation and maintenance
point of view.
55 The location of compressor lube oil system & seal oil tanks, etc. has been checked with
respect to vendor specific requirement, if any.
Safety Specific requirement:
56 Location of fire hydrants, monitors of firefighting equipment are shown and reviewed.
57 The proper escape routes are provided from elevated equipment’s and all platforms.
58 The fire protection system deluge valve, hose racks, etc. have been identified and located
in accordance with applicable design guidelines, codes and standards.
59 All locations are reachable by a fire truck if one road is blocked.
60 The fuel system day tanks located outdoors with sunshades as per Project specifications,
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PROJECT NO. : DOCUMENT NO. :
AREA OR WBS NAME : REV. : DATE : DD-MM-YYYY

Sr. No. Check Points

if applicable.
61 The fuel unloading facilities, storage tanks etc. shall be enclosed with bunds, dykes
and/or curbs with spillage collection sump as per project specification, if applicable.
62 At truck unloading facilities, the dimensions of vehicles being used have been verified to
ensure that proper vertical clearances, width, and turning radii have been considered.
63 At least two exits as per the safety requirements are present on platforms which will be
used regularly (esp. platforms on technological structures and underneath the air coolers
etc.)
64 The drop out zones and davits are identified & modelled as translucent boxes.
65 All fire water deluge manifolds are safely located in relation to the equipment they are
protecting.
66 Transportation of equipment through existing plants reviewed. (Brownfield only)

SIGN DATE SIGN DATE SIGN DATE REMARKS

Prepared Reviewed Approved
(Lead (Area (Model
Designer) Engineer) Manager)

Checklist for 60% 3D Model Review

60% 3D model review is an intermediate review which take place when the final structural steel, final
equipment and the majority of the major piping runs, duct-work, instrument and electrical trays have
been MODELLED. The primary purpose of these reviews is to review the routings to insure that
process integrity has not been compromised, that the pipe, duct-work and tray runs are in accordance
with the minimum criteria established for the project and to observe any potential interference in the
operability or maintainability, created by the routing of these items.

Below is the check point which shall be reviewed prior to 60% 3D model review:

PROJECT NAME : CLIENT :

PROJECT NO. : DOCUMENT NO. :
AREA OR WBS NAME : REV. : DATE : DD-MM-YYYY

Sr. No. Check Points

General:
1 All underground piping systems are modelled and checked.
2 Piping having size 2” and above is modelled and checked.
3 Pipe supports locations & types are correct. Supports for stress critical systems shall be
based on stress analysis calculations.
4 Utility stations locations are shown by volume box and the locations are checked.
5 Foam powder & Water Spray Systems are modelled and checked.
6 Eye wash and Safety Shower locations modelled and checked.
7 Access and egress, operation and maintenance of valve and instruments are checked.
8 The model is updated as per the vendor drawings of the packages.
9 All equipment are modelled as per latest vendor drawings & checked.
10 All mechanical handling equipment’s like cranes, monorails, davits, eye pads, EOT’s
etc… are modelled and checked.
11 All structural steel, e.g. pipe racks, technological structures, shelters, platforms, stair
cases /ladders, pipe supports designed by civil etc… are modelled as Civil design and
checked.

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PROJECT NO. : DOCUMENT NO. :
AREA OR WBS NAME : REV. : DATE : DD-MM-YYYY

Sr. No. Check Points

12 All Paving and curbing is modelled and checked.
13 All foundations are modelled and checked.
14 All buildings are modelled and checked.
15 All Instrument items like junction boxes, panels, cabinets, SIV vessels Inclusive of
supports) are modelled and checked.
16 All Electrical items like junction boxes, panels, cabinets, lighting poles, flood lights, masts
etc… (Inclusive of supports) are modelled and checked.
17 All Telecom items like junction boxes, panels, cabinets, CCTVs, PAGA speakers, telecom
tower, etc… are modelled and checked.
18 All above ground cable tray routing is modelled and checked. Outline of drops to
equipment/all users is shown in the model.
19 All underground cable trenches are modelled and checked.
20 Analyzer shelters modelled and checked.
21 Where applicable passive fire proofing is incorporated in the model.
22 Construction access is checked.
23 Review tags of 30% model review are closed.
24 Interdisciplinary model review is conducted and all the comments are resolved.
Process related:
25 All line numbers, line size, pipe class & flow direction are checked as per P&IDs.
26 All tags for equipment, valve, SP item and Instrument are checked as per P&IDs.
27 All in-line & on-line components are located and sequence of branch connections are as
per P&IDs.
28 The special requirements such as slope, no pocket, removable spool etc. and design
related P&ID notes are taken care.
29 Ensure the hydro test vents and drains are provided where necessary (for all lines that
will be hydro tested).
30 The insulation type & limit/extent are correctly specified.
31 The electrical tracing and limit/ extent are shown, if applicable.
32 The requirement of symmetrical piping and minimum piping are properly taken care as
per process requirement, if applicable.(esp. for air cooler piping)
33 The requirement of straight length for inlet pipes at column inlets, knock out
drums/vessels and cyclones etc. are taken care as per Process/Mechanical requirement.
34 The straight length requirement for suction & discharge of pumps/ Compressors, if any is
checked.
35 The suction line for compressor is routed with a slope towards the knock out drum.
36 The length / no. of elbows on suction line between tank/vessel and pump should be
minimum. Pockets may be avoided if possible. High points shall be below the LL level in
the tank (i.e. Fully flooded line).
37 All the vapor lines branch off from the top of the main line.
38 All valves required for emergency operations are operable from grade.
39 Lines are provided with drain connection between two valves, especially when the second
valve is a check valve.
40 The hot lines which are near to the operating platform or near the reach of the person are
insulated for personnel protection. The limits of insulation modelled are checked.
41 The routing of flare header is free of any pocket and kept continuously sloping towards
knock-out drum as per process requirement.
Layout related:
42 Ensure all vertical lines rising or dropping from rack to unit are maintained same back of
pipe from rack.
43 Arrangement of piping entering and leaving the plant are logically grouped together at the
battery limit.
44 The PSV outlet lines are self draining to flare header and ensure no pocket in PSV inlet
lines.
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AREA OR WBS NAME : REV. : DATE : DD-MM-YYYY

Sr. No. Check Points

45 The personnel access/ingress paths are free from hazards posed by blow out panels,
rupture discs and relief valve discharge stacks.
46 Removable spool shall be of minimum length and shall not have any instruments, vents,
drains and other tapping/connected piping.
47 The area for large filters, strainers etc. are located within curbed areas to contain the
spillage during cartridge/element replacement operations.
48 The handling & removal of all valves, blinds etc. for maintenance are reviewed with
respect to arrangement and access space.
49 Ensure that the design has been done effectively to reduce the number of flanges
required for internally lined pipes and Galvanized pipes greater than 2”.
50 Operation and maintenance access for all valves, Instrumentation, spec. blinds/spacer &
spade are provided.
51 Platforms requirement for accessibility, operation, maintenance are taken care. Also
ensure proper access is provided by proper selection of ladders or stairways.
52 Proper size cut outs are provided on platform/floor openings for piping.
53 All ladders are checked for side entry on vertical Vessels/Columns.
54 Ensure there is no interference with adjacent lines/structure due to expansion of piping in
hot condition.
55 Open sewer pit is avoided near the hot oil/fluid pumps.
56 The flat side up (FSU) eccentric reducer is used in pump suction line to avoid pocket
formation which may cause the cavitations of the pump.
57 In general, on straight pipe run the eccentric reducer is used with its flat side down (FSD).
58 Placement of valves in pipe racks has been avoided. If unavoidable they are to be
provided with access.
59 For routing of jacketed sulphur piping, cross is used where the direction change is
envisaged. Also ensure proper space for rodding from two directions.
60 Ensure that the valves and instruments located on sulphur pits are safely accessible in
case of fire for shutdown.
61 Provision of tundish where drain is to be collected from the open drain system is checked.
62 Ensure the discharge of process and hydrocarbon lines should not be left to open at
grade; This should be connected to closed drain system.
63 Ensure the Relief valve piping should be as short as possible when discharging into a
closed system.
64 The valve pits, sumps, catch basins and trenches, culverts and any other pits etc. are
properly located and checked.
65 The dyke, curb walls, bund walls and fire separation walls etc. are properly located and
checked.
66 The underground oily/sewer piping is properly shown and checked.
67 The piping for Pumps in parallel and Fin fan coolers is checked for symmetry to have
same performance.
68 The elevation of equipment with relation to NPSH requirement of pumps is checked.
69 Location of suction air filters is checked so that the air quality is clean and free from
obstacle.
70 Hand wheel/lever location/orientation to be checked for plug/ball valves for interference
with operating access, platforms, structures etc.
71 Check the distance of snuffing steam isolation valve for fired heaters, it is to be located
15m away from heater.
72 Elevation of U/G drain drum and pit depth shall be reviewed.
Layout and Mechanical Handling related:
73 Requirements for equipment removal hatches and construction opening in floors, walls
and roofs have been identified and shown and checked.
74 The adequate clearance availability for the maintenance and removal of
rotors/shafts/internals etc (including the installation of temporary rigging beams, hoists,
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AREA OR WBS NAME : REV. : DATE : DD-MM-YYYY

Sr. No. Check Points

chain falls, etc.) should be checked.
75 The bottom of monorails/ hoists/EOT/HOT hook elevation should not be lower than the
usable openings of roll-up doors, forklift access aisles etc.
76 The Crane/Hoist hook limits have been considered when setting crane/monorail
elevations. (The compressor/blower/pump shelter sizes to checked w.r.to available
operation & maintenance space.)
77 Projection of monorails should be minimum 1 meter outside the shelter/buildings for
loading/unloading/dropout area if the same is outside the shelter.
78 Adequate lay down areas are identified and located for use with cranes, gantries and
monorails.
79 The requirement of breakup flanges should be checked for piping running over
equipments (esp. compressors, chemical injection package, blowers).
80 Fire proofing requirement to be checked as per HSE. Fire proofing if required, shall be
modelled and checked for clearances and interferences.
81 The pumps with a vertical suction line and the elevated strainer are properly located and
ensured the opening of such strainer does not result in spilling the flammable liquid.
82 Access around the pumps is to be checked for obstruction due to hook up around the
pumps like seal oil lines, casing drains to closed drain network etc.
83 All Cryogenic service valves stem are to be checked for the stem in Vertical position or at
less than 45 degree angle to vertical.
84 The stem of gate valves in flare service should be horizontal.
Instrument/Mechanical and Vendor related:
85 The equipment/package items are checked with Vendor drawings.(for nozzle no, size,
rating, elevation & orientation)
86 The Control valves, ESDV, & PSV are modelled and checked as per vendor drawings
along with correct size and orientation of actuators. Maintenance access is checked for
Control valves, ESDV, PSV & actuators of valves.
87 All inline/online Instrument connections are checked as per the Inst. Hook-up drawings.
88 The instrument orifice tapping orientations are checked as per Instrument Standards as
per type of fluid (e.g. gas & liquid).
89 The upstream/downstream straight length requirement for orifice is checked as per
instruments/vendor requirement.
90 The suction of the air blower of buildings and the inlet for HVAC is taken from a non-
hazardous area.
91 Check that tracing around the suction and discharge lines can be dismantled to allow
pump removal.
92 The clearance for removal of strainer basket is checked. Also checked for requirement of
breakup flanges, if any for strainer drain lines.
93 Instrument and electrical push buttons on poles are checked so as they are not
obstructing the accessibility of the pump.
94 The piping with instrument connections is properly positioned for easy accessibility. If
needed for access, the necessary platform and walkways are provided.
95 In case ultrasonic flow meter is used, then adequacy of space available around the flow
meter is checked for installation of the flow meter sensor so that it does not touch
adjacent line.
96 Electrical, Instrumentation and Telecommunication JB are locations are checked so that
they are not causing obstruction in the walkway.
97 Sample cabinet and coolers are properly located and checked, wherever applicable.
98 Cathodic protection (CP) rectifier is properly located as a Block, wherever applicable.
99 The electrical power generation package is shown as a Block, wherever applicable.
100 The electrical main cable trays are properly shown and checked.
101 The underground electrical/instrumentation cable trenches etc. are properly shown and
checked.

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PROJECT NO. : DOCUMENT NO. :
AREA OR WBS NAME : REV. : DATE : DD-MM-YYYY

Sr. No. Check Points

102 The underground electrical conduits are properly shown and checked (esp. where
crossing is expected).
103 Electrical transformers as a block are shown. Bus duct between Generator and the
Switchboard are shown.
104 Electrical Panel, Junction Boxes, Push Button stations are shown and checked.
105 Instrument main & branch cable trays of 150 mm and above along with, trenches, junction
boxes, transmitter boxes etc. are located and shown and checked.
Stress and supporting related:
106 The appropriate secondary supports are provided and span is checked as per the support
specification.
107 Stress group comments for stress critical lines are incorporated and checked.
108 The routings of two-phase lines are to be without pocket to the maximum extent possible.
Also ensure proper supporting of these lines.
109 Ensure civil foundation is modelled for standard secondary supports.
110 Ensure civil structural & foundation is modelled for non standard secondary supports (by
civil)
111 Ensure that correct types of primary supports are selected like clamp type shoes shall be
used for Stainless steel, Alloy steel and galvanized pipes. Clamp type shoes shall be
used for Carbon steel pipes requiring PWHT.
112 All foundation including footing/ piling wherever applicable is located and shown (for
equipments, pipe support and platforms, etc).
113 Adequate supporting provided for all control valve stations.
114 Spring supports are modelled and checked.
115 Small bore branches with long runs are checked for proper supporting and requirement of
stiffeners at branch–off locations.

SIGN DATE SIGN DATE SIGN DATE REMARKS

Prepared Reviewed Approved
(Lead (Area (Model
Designer) Engineer) Manager)

Checklist for 90% 3D Model Review

90% 3D model review held when the 3D model has basically been completed. This occurs when all
equipment, piping, valves, instruments, electrical, structural and other items have been modeled in 3D
environment. In this review, the items to be reviewed will include such things as the location and
orientation of valve hand wheels for operability, the location of local instruments for maintainability.

Agreement on the location of all these critical items should precede the start of piping isometrics
EXTRACTION or the preparation of instrument location plan drawings, if required.

Below is the check point which shall be reviewed prior to 90% 3D model review:

PROJECT NAME : CLIENT :

PROJECT NO. : DOCUMENT NO. :
AREA OR WBS NAME : REV. : DATE : DD-MM-YYYY

Sr. No. Check Points

General:
1 The comments of 60% model review are closed.
2 Inter discipline model review is conducted and comments of the same are incorporated.
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Sr. No. Check Points

3 All Equipment checked to IFC Vendor information.
4 All piping modelled including piping below 2”
5 All Pipe supports are modelled and checked
6 All Stress comment incorporated and checked
7 All Steel Structures are completed and checked with respect to IFC drawings
8 All Buildings are completed and checked with respect to IFC drawings
9 All Foundations are completed and checked with respect to IFC drawings
10 All Online, Off-line and equipment mounted Instruments are completed and checked with
respect to approved vendor drawings.
11 All Telecom items including CCTV’s, PAGA speakers are shown and checked
12 All Lighting fixtures are completed and checked.
13 All electrical panels / Distribution Boards are completed and checked.
14 All Fire & Gas Equipment is completed and checked
15 All U/G facilities completed and checked.
16 Any exclusion from 60% model review is incorporated and checked.
17 All Utility Stations are identified, located and checked for the maximum length of hose
with proper access.
18 All Safety showers and eye baths are identified, located and checked with proper access.
19 Location of mobile and portable /manual firefighting equipment are shown and checked.
20 All Sample connections are identified and modelled and checked for proper access.
21 The minor access platforms, if any are located and checked for proper access.
22 The offline instruments including analyzer enclosures/panels etc. are modelled at proper
locations and checked.
23 The fire and gas detectors are shown and location of each is checked by HSE for function
and by piping for obstruction.
24 The cable routing inside the building is complete and checked so that it is not obstructing
any movement of crane or walkways.
All the instrument stands and supports are checked so that they are not obstructing the
walkways on the platforms especially in case of platforms located on vertical vessels and
columns.
25 Location of junction boxes is checked so that they are not obstructing the walkways.
26 Junction boxes/fire boxes are modelled with volume for door opening and does not enter
into the hard standing/access areas located for crane/walkways, etc.
27 Cable conduits are checked so that they are not coming out in the middle of the road/
walkways.
28 Ensure that arrangement of small bore piping has been done in such a way that the pipe
support is provided to prevent the breakage due to vibration.
29 Ensure purging connection is provided at the dead end of flare header.
30 Ensure that cooling water lines branch off from the header from top.
31 Ensure that there are no valves installed with the stem pointing below the horizontal plane
in downward direction.
32 Ensure that the vents from an analyzer house/cabinet are located and routed to
atmosphere at safe height from grade.
33 The vents of seal chambers of reciprocating compressors are properly routed and
supported.
34 Unloading and storage of chemicals and additives is reviewed for any environmental
impact.
35 Vendor trim piping around equipment is put in the model and checked.
36 Ensure Toe plate is modelled properly at platform opening.
37 Check that the Siren/safety alarm system is installed at top of highest building and at the
centre of plant area.
38 The proper lighting poles and fixtures etc. are shown and checked.
39 The safety equipment like wind socks, breathing apparatus are strategically located as
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per escape and safety equipment layout.
40 The routing of branch cable trays to the instrument and support for the same is properly
shown and checked.
41 The parking area, traffic barriers, boulders, etc. as applicable is modelled and checked.
Steam tracing manifolds and steam jacketing details are shown in model and checked.
42 All design change notices (DCNs) are taken care with respect to completeness.
43 The comments of 60% model review are closed.
44 Inter discipline model review is conducted and comments of the same are incorporated.

SIGN DATE SIGN DATE SIGN DATE REMARKS

Prepared Reviewed Approved
(Lead (Area (Model
Designer) Engineer) Manager)

Instructions for filling the check list for 90% model review:

1. This list is not intended for use in milestone reviews, it is for ensuring that the model is ready for the
mile stone review and therefore it is required to be completed and signed before proceeding for
milestone review.

2. Many check points in the check list do not specify the criteria or basis for checking. The points are
listed with the intention to cover the full scope of model and that there are no miss-outs before
proceeding for mile stone review. Separate check prints of points need to be maintained by Area
Designers, Lead Designers and Area engineers to support the readiness of the model review.

3. This check list is to be prepared by piping Lead Designer for each area or WBS separately.

4. Though this check list is prepared by piping Lead Designer and checked by piping Area Engineer, it
requires input from many disciplines. In such cases the piping lead designer has to obtain the
confirmation from the designer of the respective discipline.

5. The Model Manager is the approver for the list.

6. The signed copy is to be preserved for record.

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