When a refinery plant needs to carry out routine maintenance, install new machinery, or check existing equipment is running safely, the entire plant will need to temporarily cease operating. This is referred to as a turnaround, and although it means that money is lost while it cannot function, the resulting efficiency improvements should make the turnaround worth it over time.
However, it is still important to minimize the amount of production time lost and get the plant back up and running as soon as possible. Being out of action for just one or two days can significantly impact a plant’s profitability, especially if the maintenance costs are high. To achieve the most efficient turnaround possible, refinery plants will make use of a range of tools and expertise, including project managers and contractors, but in 2021, they have another weapon in their arsenal: turnaround digitalization platforms.
Why should refineries be turning to a digital platform?
While many industries have embraced the digital revolution in one way or another, refineries are somewhat lagging. Most refineries are using manual processes and techniques, which are inefficient, but by using a refinery turnaround digital platform, they could be saving themselves a lot of hassle, time, and money.
More accurate planning and forecasting
Forecasting is a vital part of your maintenance strategy, i.e., estimating how many hours it will take to perform each task, how many people are required, and how much it will cost. A digital platform uses predictive analytics to measure any data you already have from previous turnarounds and, taking any variables into account, calculating a more accurate project scope. This provides peace of mind that you have prepared adequately for the turnaround and helps you to track performance against key performance indicators.
Real-time monitoring and tracking
Keeping to a project plan and hitting deadlines keeps a constant check on your progress, but this can be difficult to do with any accuracy when working on a complex turnaround. A digital platform can track all the relevant information they need to in real-time, and they can also filter the information depending on which part of the project they are focusing on at that moment. It is also possible to track the performance of individual workers to ensure they are fulfilling their responsibilities and where they could improve. It can also be helpful to stay on top of other areas of the plant as they may impact how soon another task can begin and give people notice so they can make preparations.
Analyze and benchmark ROI
A digital platform will improve the turnaround process from its first use, but it will also continue to add even more value with every use. When the turnaround is complete, the platform will be bursting with information that will tell you where your inefficiencies lie, where you missed deadlines, and which elements of the project delivered the most ROI. When you are working on your next turnaround, you will be able to set the bar of success even higher.