Turnaround Planning & Support

Equity Engineering provides specialized turnaround engineering support and shutdown management to prevent budget overruns and schedule delays. We use CCDs and IOWs alongside proactive fitness-for-service (FFS) and risk-based inspection (RBI) implementation. Our onsite and virtual experts deliver the technical rigor required for rapid run-repair-replace decisions and minimizing unplanned work scope while maximizing operational safety and asset reliability.

Download the Mechanical & Structural Engineering Overview here.

Are You Ready for Your Next Turnaround?

Did you know 66% of turnarounds (TARs) finish late and overrun budget by 10% or more?

As one of the most significant portions of a plant’s yearly maintenance budget, TARs are a significant risk to the bottom line that is directly related to the level of readiness. While operations teams plan for the loss of production during the outage, the potential for lengthening the shutdown window is very high.

A successful TAR requires project scope management, minimum schedule delays, controlled costs, and transparent communication.

Equity offers in-person or virtual support to help you make fast, informed decisions before or during the scheduled shutdown to help you make the right decisions at the right time to maximize your return.

Invest in the reliability and future performance of your site’s assets with a properly executed turnaround.

Proactive Turnaround Support

TARs are an investment in the reliability and future performance of your site’s assets. Implementing a three-step strategy will help you plan and execute a successful TAR. Equity’s proactive TAR support helps you deliver a TAR on time and on budget, plus improve equipment reliability and reduce operational risks.

Pre-Turnaround PlanningTurnaround ExecutionPost-Turnaround Planning
Begin TAR planning several years before the scheduled shutdown to minimize unplanned work scope and reduce overall downtime.Onsite or virtual TAR support will improve communication, control project costs, and reduce schedule delays.Increase the effectiveness of future TARs by summarizing the findings and reviewing recommendations and follow-up actions.
Available services: Goal setting, project scoping, risk-based inspections (RBI), proactive fitness-for-service (FFS), CCDs & IOWs, detailed planningAvailable services: FFS, damage mechanism reviews, inspection & non-destructive examination (NDE), improvements & repairsAvailable services: Lessons learned, RBI program updates, planned repairs for next TAR

FFS assessments are applicable before and during a shutdown. Equity recommends conducting proactive FFS assessments to support an efficient and effective TAR.

Proactive FFS

Review the results of detailed remaining life evaluations, rigorous engineering evaluations, and damage mechanism reviews to streamline TAR planning.

The benefits of a proactive FFS assessment are:

  • Extend equipment life and optimize inspection intervals and inspection tasks
  • Understand the effects of and potential for future damage progression
  • Establish screening tools to aid in NDE and flaw sizing exercises

Reactive FFS

During the shutdown, conduct an FFS assessment when flaws or damage are discovered during equipment shutdown inspections or on-stream inspections.

The benefits of a reactive FFS assessment are:

  • Make informed run, repair, or replace decisions during the shutdown

Risk-Based Inspection (RBI)

Implement an RBI program at least two years before a TAR to strategically plan inspection activities, maintain equipment reliability, and control costs.  

  • Pre-TAR Planning – We will help you develop a solid inspection plan to perform quality assurance checks, identify issues, and collaborate with our multi-disciplinary team. 
  • Post-TAR – We will update your RBI program on a short- or long-term basis to maintain its integrity and validity. 

Corrosion Control Documents (CCDs) & Integrity Operating Windows (IOWs)

Support TAR planning and shutdown strategies with clearly defined IOWs and CCDs at your facility. Our team will develop thorough CCDs and customized IOWs for each process unit by analyzing your equipment’s specific operation, stream chemistry, and metallurgy to minimize the likelihood of damage.

Damage Mechanism Reviews (DMRs)

At Equity, our team works with you to detect active and potential damage mechanisms, set safe operating limits, and develop long-term risk management plans. The DMR provides practical recommendations to maximize production, extend the safe operating life, and minimize costly component failures and unit downtime.

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