Industries
How Cortex Helps in Active Facilities
Our process-centered approach ensures new systems are engineered to meet the safety, reliability, and regulatory requirements of midstream and downstream operations. Our team brings the technical depth and capital discipline required to execute high-value scopes competently, without the overhead structure of the large firms that typically pursue this work.
Capital projects in midstream and refineries require engineering teams that understand how to work within operating facilities where process conditions, safety requirements and capital exposure are all elevated. We evaluate existing systems and infrastructure before design begins — from early feasibility and front-end loading through detailed design, procurement and construction execution.
Laser scanning and integrated 3D modeling are used early to capture existing conditions and confirm how new systems will integrate with active process infrastructure. In environments where turnaround and outage windows are narrow and field conflicts are expensive, confirming fit before construction begins protects both schedule and budget.
Process System Modifications & Expansions
We evaluate existing process systems and define what must change to support modified operations, increased throughput or new production requirements. This may include process redesign, equipment modifications, piping reroutes, additional storage and transfer systems, or structural support for new installations.
New systems are integrated with existing process infrastructure with safety requirements and long-term operability considered throughout. Phased engineering allows teams to confirm process viability and cost before committing to full design. 3D modeling supports layout validation and outage and turnaround planning so modifications can be executed within defined shutdown windows.
High-Value Capital Project Execution
Refining and midstream operators often assume high value capital work requires a large firm. Cortex brings the engineering experience and cross-discipline capability to execute high-value capital scopes with a smaller, more focused, and flexible team that maintains tighter coordination across process, mechanical, electrical, controls and procurement.
Capital discipline is built in from the front end. Early stage investigations and work are completed to develop initial 3D models, load lists, material takeoffs and cost estimates to ensure budgets reflect actual scope.
Utility & Infrastructure Upgrades
Refineries, petrochemical facilities and midstream operations depend on utility infrastructure — steam, power, cooling water, compressed air, nitrogen and specialty gases — that must perform reliably under demanding process conditions. We assess existing utility capacity against defined production requirements and design upgrades that support both current operations and future expansion.
Utility systems are coordinated with process and mechanical design from the start so infrastructure decisions made early don’t create constraints during execution or operations.
Automation & Controls
Refinery and midstream facilities require control systems that support complex process conditions, maintain operational reliability and can be sustained by in-house teams. We evaluate existing control architecture to determine what can be retained, upgraded or expanded before new systems are specified.
Control narratives are developed early so process intent is clearly defined before programming begins. Systems are designed around open, maintainable standards so facilities aren’t locked into proprietary platforms or dependent on outside integrators to operate what was built.
