Turnaround maintenance in petrochemical industry: practices and suggested improvements

Turnaround maintenance (TAM) is an essential activity in process industry. It plays an important role in maintaining consistent productive capacity. It is a major project that requires sound planning, execution and control. In this paper guidelines for a structured approach for managing TAM is outlined and the current practice of TAM in petrochemical industry is assessed. The assessment of the current practice is conducted through a structured questionnaire that covers all the essential phases and activities of TAM. Suggestions for improving the practice of TAM are also provided in the paper. Practical implications . This paper provided a structured approach and guidelines for initiating, planning, executing and terminating TAM. The guidelines are expected to evolve into a manual that can be utilized by process industry for managing TAM.