EPD's solution-orientated approach is used to deliver high quality, cost effective, Feasibility/Conceptual Studies and Front End Engineering Designs. The approach taken is to focus on areas of uncertainty to ensure changes in subsequent engineering phases are minimised. The foundation of a successful project is to establish a secure system design selection that meets not only the technical objectives, but also the environmental and commercial demands of the Project.

Careful selection of appropriate technologies, and detailed analysis of the implications of each alternative, provides an in-depth understanding of the likely risks and most appropriate mitigation strategies available. Commercial risk assessments include the following main studies:

• Subsurface - Volumes, recovery, water build-up etc
• Drilling - Rig rates, number of wells, hole collapse, drill and completion days
• Facilities - Scope definition, cost, installation costs, flow assurance
• Export systems - materials, route, installation, market conditions
• Commercial & Management - tariffs, market conditions, contractor performance
• Environmental & Safety - beach crossings, reputation, legislation, safety

The feasibility analysis outputs are studied and evaluated, including the use of process simulation packages such as HYSIS, Pro-II, HTFS and bespoke software, to produce recommendations on the treatment to achieve the desired oil or gas qualities. The following are produced for the selected process systems:

• Review of current and proposed future activities and any existing facilities
• Recommendations for optimum treatment and itemising the process plant required
• P & IDs, GA's, data-sheets, weights, dimensions, and utility requirements
• Scheduling and preliminary cost estimates.