Pideya Learning Academy

Startup and Commissioning of Process Plants

Upcoming Schedules

  • Live Online Training
  • Classroom Training

Date Venue Duration Fee (USD)
20 Jan - 24 Jan 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
10 Mar - 14 Mar 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
14 Apr - 18 Apr 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
19 May - 23 May 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
21 Jul - 25 Jul 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
15 Sep - 19 Sep 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
06 Oct - 10 Oct 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
24 Nov - 28 Nov 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750

Course Overview

The startup and commissioning of process plants are pivotal phases that determine the long-term success and reliability of petrochemical and industrial facilities. This critical stage serves as the bridge between project completion and full-scale production, where every system must perform as designed, and safety, efficiency, and integration must be flawlessly executed. The Startup and Commissioning of Process Plants training by Pideya Learning Academy is tailored to provide professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the commissioning lifecycle, from pre-commissioning to performance optimization.
Inefficient commissioning processes remain one of the top contributors to cost overruns and operational delays in the energy and processing industries. According to McKinsey & Company, projects with well-structured commissioning frameworks can reduce unplanned downtime by up to 30%, leading to significant cost savings and faster return on investment. Similarly, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) notes that around 60% of early-stage operational failures in process plants are directly linked to inadequate startup procedures, misconfigured equipment, and poor team coordination. As plant technologies become more sophisticated—with complex distillation systems, integrated instrumentation, and safety interlocks—commissioning professionals must be equipped with advanced knowledge and tools to meet these demands.
This course, designed by Pideya Learning Academy, presents an integrated and strategic approach to startup management. It covers every aspect of the commissioning process—from mechanical integrity and utility testing to system readiness checks and performance benchmarking. It places particular emphasis on the commissioning of atmospheric and vacuum distillation units, troubleshooting startup delays, managing team coordination, and integrating safety protocols.
Throughout the training, participants will benefit from expert-led instruction and real-world insights drawn from international commissioning case studies. Additionally, the course incorporates simulation models based on leading software such as Aspen HYSYS to enhance process understanding and startup planning. Participants will walk away with a structured commissioning strategy and tools to manage both technical execution and cross-functional coordination.
Key highlights of the training include:
In-depth study of startup protocols for atmospheric and vacuum distillation columns
Application of de-bottlenecking techniques to optimize throughput and product quality
Evaluation of modern column internals and associated performance metrics
Use of simulation tools like Aspen HYSYS for modeling startup conditions and troubleshooting
Resource estimation techniques and critical path method (CPM) planning for effective startup scheduling
Real-life case studies focusing on startup failures, success factors, and turnaround lessons
Instrumentation and control system integration strategies for safe and efficient plant commissioning
By engaging with these topics, participants will develop a proactive mindset and gain the technical acumen necessary to lead or support commissioning teams. The program builds confidence in managing startup timelines, mitigating risks, and ensuring a successful handover from construction to operations.
This training aligns with the latest global industry standards and is designed to support process engineers, commissioning managers, project execution leads, and operations personnel who are responsible for delivering high-performing facilities on time and within budget. Whether working on a greenfield project or managing a facility restart, attendees will leave the program prepared to navigate the complexities of plant startup with greater assurance and strategic insight.

Key Takeaways:

  • In-depth study of startup protocols for atmospheric and vacuum distillation columns
  • Application of de-bottlenecking techniques to optimize throughput and product quality
  • Evaluation of modern column internals and associated performance metrics
  • Use of simulation tools like Aspen HYSYS for modeling startup conditions and troubleshooting
  • Resource estimation techniques and critical path method (CPM) planning for effective startup scheduling
  • Real-life case studies focusing on startup failures, success factors, and turnaround lessons
  • Instrumentation and control system integration strategies for safe and efficient plant commissioning
  • In-depth study of startup protocols for atmospheric and vacuum distillation columns
  • Application of de-bottlenecking techniques to optimize throughput and product quality
  • Evaluation of modern column internals and associated performance metrics
  • Use of simulation tools like Aspen HYSYS for modeling startup conditions and troubleshooting
  • Resource estimation techniques and critical path method (CPM) planning for effective startup scheduling
  • Real-life case studies focusing on startup failures, success factors, and turnaround lessons
  • Instrumentation and control system integration strategies for safe and efficient plant commissioning

Course Objectives

After completing this Pideya Learning Academy training, the participants will learn to:
Understand the fundamentals of crude distillation operations and failure diagnostics
Optimize operational performance of atmospheric and vacuum distillation systems
Implement revamp strategies for aging distillation equipment
Analyze and apply advanced technologies in modern distillation column design
Evaluate operational enhancements that improve product yield and energy efficiency
Apply de-bottlenecking concepts to overcome capacity constraints
Understand different column internals, their selection, and performance calculations
Identify instrumentation systems essential for reliable startup execution
Utilize simulation tools like AspenTech and HYSYS for startup modeling and validation
Integrate commissioning tasks with safety, maintenance, and inspection standards

Personal Benefits

Participants will gain:
Advanced skills in startup planning and troubleshooting for distillation systems
Practical exposure to simulation-based commissioning tools
Insight into modern design practices and optimization of process operations
Knowledge of international case studies that highlight success factors in commissioning
Confidence to lead or support complex plant commissioning assignments

Organisational Benefits

Organizations that nominate participants to this training can expect the following outcomes:
Minimized risk of startup delays and operational failures
Enhanced plant availability and improved asset performance from day one
Streamlined commissioning practices aligned with global industry benchmarks
Better coordination between engineering, maintenance, and operations teams
Reduced costs associated with rework, unplanned downtime, or equipment damage

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for professionals involved in the startup, commissioning, or operation of petrochemical facilities, including:
Project Managers and Team Leaders
Plant Managers and Refinery Executives
Section Heads and Maintenance Supervisors
Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation & Control Engineers
Process Engineers, Commissioning Specialists, and Operational Planners
Contractor staff involved in new build or turnaround project execution

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Petrochemical Start-Up Operations
Terminology and definitions in petrochemical commissioning Start-up prerequisites and operational readiness Review of project specifications and scope Contractual compliance and project delivery obligations Startup performance indicators and success criteria Organizational hierarchy and functional roles Typical start-up challenges and mitigation planning
Module 2: Fundamentals of Atmospheric and Vacuum Distillation
Introduction to crude distillation unit (CDU) operations Operating parameters and optimization in distillation towers Troubleshooting common CDU and VDU issues Feedstock variability and column response Energy efficiency in distillation systems Case-based discussions on distillation upsets
Module 3: Engineering Design Modifications and Unit Revamps
Revamp strategies for atmospheric and vacuum distillation units Turnaround planning for column enhancements Process intensification techniques Impact of tray and packing retrofits Efficiency assessment post-revamp
Module 4: Safety Systems and Environmental Risk Management
Hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies in commissioning Safety audits and behavioral safety awareness Emergency response protocols and contingency planning Compliance with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards Development and review of site-specific HSE manuals Environmental permitting and emissions monitoring
Module 5: Strategic Planning for Commissioning Execution
Roles and responsibilities in commissioning teams Defining manpower deployment and resource plans Task ownership and interdisciplinary coordination Establishing system boundaries and isolation protocols Alignment of commissioning schedule with project milestones
Module 6: Process Control and Instrumentation in Start-Up
Control loop tuning for start-up conditions Instrument calibration and performance verification Digital control system readiness checks Integration of PLC/DCS with field devices Commissioning of safety interlock systems
Module 7: Advanced Distillation Technologies and Enhancements
Innovations in distillation tower internals Structured packing vs. random packing benefits Use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in tower design Enhancing product recovery and energy conservation Comparative analysis of modern distillation technologies
Module 8: Mechanical Integrity and Functional Testing
Pre-startup safety review (PSSR) Pressure and leak testing protocols System flushing and inerting procedures Alignment verification of rotating equipment Inspection checklists for static and dynamic systems
Module 9: Commissioning Simulation and Digital Modeling
Simulation tools for distillation operations (e.g. Aspen HYSYS) Scenario testing and model validation Use of dynamic simulation to support decision making Data reconciliation and performance prediction
Module 10: Execution of Initial Start-Up and Test Run Activities
System walkdown and turnover documentation Functional checks and loop testing First fill and line-up for initial hydrocarbon introduction Pressure ramp-up and system stabilization Performance benchmarking during test run
Module 11: Performance Monitoring and Troubleshooting
Key performance indicators for startup operations Root cause failure analysis (RCFA) methodology Reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) integration Trend analysis and predictive diagnostics Real-time data acquisition for troubleshooting
Module 12: Optimization Opportunities and System Improvements
Identifying process bottlenecks in CDU/VDU Heat integration and energy recovery improvements Control system upgrades for operational reliability Opportunities for automation and digitization Eliminating non-value-added operations
Module 13: Collaborative Knowledge Exchange & Course Wrap-Up
Structured open forum for technical exchange Group presentations and key learning reflections Peer-to-peer problem-solving case analysis Summary of key takeaways from the training modules Certification distribution and closing remarks

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