Many process plants now operate for long periods of time between scheduled maintenance. It was routine 50 years ago for facilities to shut down annually or even more often for scheduled maintenance. Today, however, an increasing emphasis on reliability, including more condition monitoring and predictive maintenance, means plants frequently run for 4 to 10 years before having to shut down. So, when a turnaround arrives, it may be the first one for much of the staff.
Engineering schools rarely mention, even once, maintenance requirements. So, the first turnaround you go through provides a tremendous opportunity to learn. It allows you to better grasp how equipment is put together and what common problems in your facility look like. Also, it gives you the chance to use what you know to improve the plant.
Protecting electrical controls and equipment within food and beverage plants presents unique challenges due to the sanitation requirements of the hygienic environment.
