The process of plant commissioning after mechanical completion in an oil and gas facility will include the aspect of safety as a paramount throughout the entire process, from design to commissioning. No commissioning can be considered successful if it’s not done safely.
- Mechanical Completion (MC):
- MC occurs when the plant, unit, or facility has been erected according to design drawings and specifications.
- It signifies the end of construction, including the installation of equipment, structures, and pipelines.
- Pre-Commissioning:
- After MC, pre-commissioning activities begin.
- The goal is to validate that equipment or components are fabricated, installed, cleaned, and tested as per design intent.
- Pre-commissioning ensures readiness for the next phase.
- Commissioning:
- Commissioning is a verification process to confirm that the facility is prepared for operation.
- It involves:
- Testing: Verifying that systems work as designed.
- Functional Tests: Checking equipment performance.
- Safety Checks: Ensuring safety systems are operational.
- Trained operators execute commissioning, gaining plant experience and ownership.
- Acceptance Test Run:
- Once commissioning is complete, an acceptance test run is planned and executed.
- The goal is to produce 'on-specification' products within a reasonable time frame.
- A successful commissioning includes safety, equipment integrity, and timely product production.