Planned plant shut downs can be very complex, with a significant number of tasks to be completed within the very solid time, engineering, safety and budgetary constraints.
In addition, shutdowns often involve different subcontractors performing various interdependent and interfacing tasks. In order to maximise the effectiveness of a shutdown, it is paramount that a thorough pre-shutdown analysis has to be timeously conducted, all parties involved in the shutdown works have to take part. This article will briefly discuss some of the main areas of focus of a pre-shutdown plant analysis.
OBJECTIVES
Ensure that all parties involved in the shutdown works fully understand and agree on the scope of work.
Ensure that all parties involved agree on the equipment and methodologies to be employed during the project.
Establish and agree on the quantity and quality of materials to be used.
Ensure the availability and adequacy of support services including the following:
Water supply (correct pressure & quality)
Compressed air supply (correct pressure & quality)
Electrical power points (correct ratings & sufficiency for anticipated load)
Safety considerations:
Risk assessments to be redone as normal engineering controls would be removed during the project.
Accessibility of units
Controls for special consideration areas, e.g. Confined spaces
Project interferences and interfaces
Clear definition of each participating party’s battery limits.
Clear scheduling around milestones and bottlenecks.
OUTCOMES
When properly done the analysis will:
Avoid budget overruns.
Avoid extended downtime.
Avoid unnecessary maintenance equipment breakdowns.
Improve the safety profile for all the personnel throughout the duration of the project
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