Cost estimates for maintenance turnarounds are notoriously inaccurate and frequently overrun by more than their supposed accuracy range. Until recently there has been little research into why this is, and into how to improve turnaround cost estimates. However, there is now a small body of research that may be worth exploring, for those turnaround teams […]
Turnaround cost estimating is notoriously poor. Previous studies have revealed systemic under-estimation of costs and over-confidence regarding the tightness of the accuracy ranges assigned to estimates. Part of the problem is the general lack of rigor in considering how to allow for uncertainties and risks in the estimate. There are essentially four areas of uncertainty […]
One aspect of process plant maintenance turnaround preparation efficiency that is often overlooked is the role of the steering team in ensuring turnaround success. In recent years it has become clear that a well-functioning Steering Team (or Steering Committee) is a vital component in successful turnaround preparation, planning, and execution. Frequently, process plant site leadership […]
In the April 2021 edition of “The Chemical Engineer” magazine, I highlight the importance of using clear and prescriptive scope selection criteria for your maintenance turnaround, in order to facilitate scope optimization during the scope challenge. Below is a brief overview of the article. It is generally accepted in the maintenance turnaround community that the […]
The Recommended Practices issued by AACE International are widely recognized and have been adopted in estimating and control departments across the process industries. Until recently, the focus of these practices was mainly on capital projects. However, they are now also beginning to cover Maintenance Turnarounds. As an initial step in covering this important aspect of […]
Becht has a team of HF Alky experts that have established and led the alkylation networks and licensing activities for companies like XOM, BP, P66, Shell, and UOP. Becht SMEs have worked in over 95% of the refineries in North America and many others internationally and bring an owner-operator perspective of safety, reliability, quality, cost, […]
With contributing author: Fired equipment is a critical part of most refinery process units. Operating at high temperatures and potentially high pressures make these equipment items particularly risky. Add in the presence of open flames and failures can be dramatic. In today’s refining climate, fired equipment is required to run 5 to 10 years between […]
With contributing author: Clayton Smith Over the years, one thing that continuously strikes fear in the hearts of safety professionals and management alike is the safety challenge that comes with executing a turnaround. A turnaround of any scale will introduce a totally different dynamic into the workplace. Assuming the status-quo in safety will suffice during […]
From a process standpoint, your Fired Equipment items are not only some of the most critical but some of the most risky items in day-to-day operations. Add in the presence of open flames and failures can be dramatic. In today’s refining climate, fired equipment is required to run 4, 5, 6 or even 7 years […]
Turnarounds (TA) in refining units are executed periodically, on a planned basis, to meet multiple objectives, such as regulatory compliance, process reliability improvement, and equipment inspection and/or repairs. In a competitive business environment, managing TA events in a cost effective manner is a well-recognized challenge. Key Step – Planning Development of a comprehensive Work Scope for […]
