CHAPTER

Engineers and designers—

Career paths—Institutes

The terminology dimensional, temperature, pressure, etc. used throughout this book
1
is shown in both metric and imperial (English units) notations. There are however
some instances where the notation might be shown only in metric, and in other
instances where it might be only shown in imperial (English units). This was done
for the clarity of the particular calculation, and the fact that the book would be read by
engineers in countries using both or either metric or imperial systems.

1.1 WHAT IS A PIPING/PLANT LAYOUT DESIGNER

AND ENGINEER
ENGINEER
The engineer is the person in charge of the engineering design of a plant and/or of a pip-
ing system. He or she shall be experienced in the design principles of piping and plant
layout design, stress analysis, materials, and pipe support design, along with a thorough
understanding of the ASME B31.3 code for pressure piping. The engineer shall also be
responsible for the checking and approval of all design work produced by the designer.

DESIGNER
The designer is the person responsible for the piping design and layout of a plant and/
or piping system with emphasis on the detailed design. He or she shall be responsible
for the ownership and lead of a design area or areas on a project, along with the
detailed design and layout of equipment and piping general arrangement drawings,
piping isometric drawings, and pipe support details.

ENGINEERS
Engineers need the completion of (minimum) a bachelor’s degree in mechanical
engineering or an HNC/HND (Higher National Certificate/Diploma) followed by
an extra year of learning, to bring up to degree status. Engineers require a minimum
4 years of study, plus 10 years of experience in the design of related pressure piping.
To gain Professional Engineer registration in the United Kingdom and its terri-
tories, the following are the requirements:
Chartered Engineer (CEng)—requires a master’s degree in mechanical engi-
neering and appropriate years of experience, plus the membership of a professional
institution such as but not limited to:
The Engineer’s Guide to Plant Layout and Piping Design for the Oil and Gas Industries.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-814653-8.00001-1
1
# 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
2 CHAPTER 1 Engineers and designers—Career paths—Institutes

• The Institution of Mechanical Engineers

• The Institute of Engineering Technology
• The Institution of Plant Engineers
• The Energy Institute
Incorporated Engineer (IEng)—requires a bachelor’s degree or an HNC/HND (with
an additional year of study) in mechanical engineering, and appropriate years of expe-
rience, plus the membership of a professional institution such as but not limited to:
• The Institution of Mechanical Engineers
• The Institute of Engineering Technology
• The Institution of Plant Engineers
• The Energy Institute
To gain Professional Engineer registration in the United States an accredited 4-year
degree in mechanical engineering, plus study for the engineer in training exams
which must be passed to satisfy the requirements of the professional engineering
board depending on the state that the engineer is to practice in.
To gain Professional Engineer registration in any other country you must consult
the relevant Board of Engineering for the country you live in.

Chief
Transition
Move to deputy chief position
Developing lead skills
retaining lead position
progressing from
small projects to contract lead Deputy chief

Lead

Lead on a
project

Principal
Transition engineer
Consolidate engineering skills

Gain chartered
engineer or
incorporated
engineer status or
join a professional
body
Develop
engineering skills

Competency level

FIG. 1.1
Timeline to gain Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status.
 1.1 What is a piping/Plant layout designer and engineer 3

Chief
Transition
Move to deputy chief position
Developing lead skills retaining lead position
progressing from
small projects to contract lead
Deputy chief

Transition

Lead

Senior
discipline Lead on a
designer project

Transition
Consolidate designing skills

Gain engineering
technician status
or join a
professional
Develop designing
body
skills

Competency level

FIG. 1.2
Timeline to gain Engineering Technician status.

DESIGNERS
Require the completion of an accredited engineering technician or associates degree,
or an ONC/OND (Ordinary National Certificate/Diploma, NVQ qualification or
equivalent), requiring at least 2 years of study, plus a minimum of 10 years of expe-
rience in the design of related pressure piping.
To gain Engineering Technician registration in the United Kingdom and its ter-
ritories, the following are the requirements:
Engineering Technician (EngTech)—an ONC/OND (Ordinary National
Certificate or Diploma) in Mechanical Engineering and appropriate years of
experience, plus the membership of a professional institution such as but not
limited to:

• The Institution of Mechanical Engineers

• The Institute of Engineering Technology
4 CHAPTER 1 Engineers and designers—Career paths—Institutes

• The Institution of Plant Engineers

• The Energy Institute

To gain Engineering Technician registration in any other country you must consult
the relevant Board of Engineering Technicians for the country you live in.

1.2 ENGINEERING INSTITUTIONS AND

ENGINEERING SOCIETIES
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS (ASME)
The ASME was founded in 1880 to provide a setting for engineers to discuss the
concerns brought about by industrialization and mechanization. ASME is the leading
international developer of codes and standards associated with the art, science, and
practice of mechanical engineering. ASME started with the first issuance of its leg-
endary Boiler and Pressure Code in 1914. These codes have now grown to nearly 600
offerings currently in print.
A major benefit of being an ASME member is to further your professional career,
and to connect with the best minds in engineering, advance your career, and make a
difference by getting involved. Joining ASME’s community of engineers enables
you to learn new technologies, keep your skills up to date, explore solutions to tech-
nical problems, and to advance your career. As an ASME member, you can take
advantage of extensive professional and student benefits, most of which are available
at no additional cost or at a substantial discount. ASME membership gives you the
tools, professional training, information, and connections you need to succeed at
every step of your career. Joining ASME is one of the most important connections
a mechanical engineer can make. Members enjoy a host of valuable benefits, plus the
opportunity to have a direct impact on the engineering field.

THE INSTITUTION OF PLANT ENGINEERS (IPlantE),

THE SOCIETY OF OPERATIONS ENGINEERS (SOE)
The IPlantE (Institution of Plant Engineers) was founded in 1946 and is the profes-
sional sector for people whose engineering skills are typically used in industrial,
manufacturing, military, and utility processes for ensuring machinery and equipment
can be operated safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally sustainable way.
The institution helps its members develop their skills, share best practices, and
demonstrate their professional competence—for current and prospective employers,
engineering service providers, plant and equipment owners, or the community at large.
It also owns www.plantengineer.org.uk, a definitive online resource for plant
engineers and technicians containing the latest industry news, jobs, and a compre-
hensive supplier directory. The SOE along with IPlantE runs a variety of seminars
on current legislations.
 1.2 Engineering institutions and engineering societies 5

THE INSTITUTE OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS (IMechE)

The IMechE was started in 1847, holding its first meetings in Birmingham, UK.
The present headquarters of the IMechE, 1 Birdcage Walk in London was com-
pleted in 1899.
Two of IMechE’s famous past presidents.

FIG. 1.3
George Stephenson.
From The Project Gutenberg eBook, Great Britain and Her Queen, by Anne E. Keeling http://www.gutenberg.org/
etext/13103. Taken from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Stephenson#/media/File:George_Stephenson_
Project_Gutenberg_etext_13103.jpg.

FIG. 1.4
Joseph Whitworth.
Photograph of a portrait of Joseph Whitworth, engineer. Taken from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:
Joseph_Whitworth.jpg.
6 CHAPTER 1 Engineers and designers—Career paths—Institutes

THE INSTITUTE OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS (IMECHE)

The IMechE supports product innovation, developing a nation’s economic growth
and increasing its global trade. Through government campaigns such as Engineered
in Britain, this institute shows that a growing and thriving manufacturing sector will
provide future economic growth, wealth, and prosperity.
The institute promotes safe, efficient transport systems to ensure less congestion
and emissions. To advance, travel must be made cleaner, safer, and easier, which
means creating a better understanding of global transport supply and demand, while
keeping a sharp focus on the implications on carbon emissions.
The IMechE promotes sustainable energy use and engineering sustainable sup-
ply. The institutes need to share knowledge, changes the way we behave and drives
advances in technology to reduce the strain on the world’s resources, and champions
the development of more sustainable sources of energy which will also help reduce
emissions.
The IMechE inspires, prepares, and supports tomorrow’s engineers so that they
can respond to society’s challenges.

THE ENERGY INSTITUTE (EI) (FORMERLY THE INSTITUTE OF

PETROLEUM)
The purpose of the Energy Institute is to develop and disseminate knowledge about
energy in all its forms and applications, and to enhance public understanding of
energy resources and their role in society.
The institute publishes magazines and technical publications to promote knowl-
edge and good practice across the whole spectrum of energy supply and use.
Energy professionals can keep themselves up to date with the latest developments
within the industry through its programs or events providing access to the latest
thinking from industry leaders and fellow energy specialists.
The EI provides a wide range of industry information through its lbrary services
providing access to e-publications and journals, in-depth statistics as well as a phys-
ical stock of 15,000 books held at its premises, and has an education portal covering
all aspects of energy, which also provides career advice for students and professional
development guidance for existing employees within the industry.
For most energy professionals, the ultimate aim of membership will be professional
recognition. Professional members come from a very wide range of energy backgrounds.
The EI can offer you an EI grade of professional membership along with a num-
ber of different professional registrations appropriate to your specialism:

Professional membership (fellow, member, or technician member)

Engineering registration (CEng, IEng, or EngTech)
Chartered Scientist registration (CSci)
Chartered Environmentalist registration (CEnv)
Chartered Energy Engineer or Chartered Petroleum Engineer (unique to EI)
Chartered Energy Manager (unique to EI)
 1.2 Engineering institutions and engineering societies 7

THE INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (IET)

Sources your essential engineering intelligence from the five sectors:
Accesses expertise, finds current and reliable information, participates in active
communities, and attends industry’leading events via the institute’s five sectors:
Built Environment, Design and Production, Energy, Information and Communica-
tions, and Transport.
This Institute of Engineering and Technology is the largest and broadest engi-
neering institution in Europe offering professional development, communities, and
knowledge services to engineers and technicians working in multidisciplinary envi-
ronments. Our 150,000 members across the globe regard this institution as their pro-
fessional home for life.
As with other institutions, the IET provides:
Professional development
Professional registration
Career management
Technical and professional networks
Lectures, seminars, and conferences
Magazines, books, a library, and archives