Troubleshooting Process Operations
- Apply a systematic troubleshooting method rather than trial and error.
- Use mass and energy balances to locate where a process is deviating.
- Read trends, laboratory data and field observations together to form a hypothesis.
- Distinguish instrument error, equipment fault and genuine process change.
- Document findings so that fixes become permanent rather than repeated.
Related Courses
Operations Abnormalities & Plant Upset
Recognise the early indicators that separate a normal process excursion from a developing plant upset.Apply a structured method to diagnose abnormal conditions in reactors, columns, exchangers and utilities.Prioritise operator actions during an upset to protect people, equipment and product quality.Use alarm management, trend data and process interlocks effectively under abnormal conditions.Conduct post-upset reviews that turn incidents into permanent operating improvements.
Process Reactors: Operation, Troubleshooting, Start-Up & Shutdown
Compare fixed bed, moving bed and fluidised reactor types and the duties each is suited to.Operate reactors within their temperature, pressure and space velocity envelope.Diagnose channelling, hot spots, maldistribution and catalyst loss from field and DCS data.Execute controlled start-up, catalyst loading and unloading, and planned shutdown sequences.Apply the safety controls required for reactor entry, purging and reinstatement.
Process Reactors: Operations, Troubleshooting, Start-Up & Shutdown
Review reactor types and the process duties each configuration is designed for.Maintain reaction conditions within the safe and productive operating window.Detect and correct temperature runaway, maldistribution and catalyst degradation.Follow written procedures for start-up, catalyst change-out and shutdown.Apply confined space, purging and reinstatement controls around reactor work.