In all of the project estimate work that I have done, the following was always necessary
- In order to get a reasonable piping cost estimate, you must have:
1) Budgetary Grade PIDs or Block flow diagrams, for pipe sizes and process material selection
2) An approximate equipment layout, to develop piping and conduit lengths
3) Established piping "line specifications" for expected materials, insulation needs
4) List of underground systems and selected materials
I have always found it a GREAT ADVANTAGE to retain old cost estimates for similar projects and equipment.
I also maintained active "vendor lists" and developed relationships with vendor reps who would help me in providing "budgetary grade" cost estimates and approximate weeks to delivery.
The estimated "weeks to deliver" for equipment often controlled the preliminary schedule which was also required for the project estimate
Most vendors could turn around a budgetary estimates in a day or two
I was able to cost some items based on unitary costs for similar components on other jobs, for example, I would use a $/gallon cost for similar tankage and a $/lb basis for certain types of heat exchangers.
If really pressed, I would use the cost of a similar, used piece of equipment (found on the internet) and triple it...
I would like to hear from others how they did their project estimates ...
MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer