Support your units to run at peak performance

Equipment age, regulations and performance gaps drive most upgrades. Operations typically face multiple triggers simultaneously rather than a single catalyst. The timing often depends on turnaround schedules and capital availability. Common triggers include:

• New emissions standards requiring updated controls
• Capacity constraints in specific units
• Aging equipment approaching end-of-life
• Technology improvements offering better yields
•  Market conditions justifying throughput investments

Turnaround schedules often create specific implementation windows. Higher margins can justify investments in throughput improvements, while regulatory deadlines may accelerate upgrade timelines regardless of market conditions.

The gap between current and needed performance helps determine the best path. Most operations evaluate both options based on specific unit conditions and business objectives. The decision framework considers technical requirements and operational constraints.

Spares and consumables maintain existing performance, replacing worn components without changing capabilities. Capacity expansion requires equipment upgrades, addressing performance limits when existing units can’t meet desired targets.

Cost analysis compares upgrade investment against incremental value; be sure to factor in implementation complexity and turnaround scheduling. Engineering support can help operations make the most of existing equipment before considering hardware changes.

Operations timing depends on production capacity requirements and maintenance windows. Incremental improvements can occur during scheduled shutdowns without major downtime. 

Digital solutions can implement rapidly. Software can typically be deployed in weeks, with data connectivity often established within days, depending on site conditions. Analytics platforms can activate without unit shutdowns.

Equipment installations, on the other hand, require downtime. Honeywell UOP teams support planning so that major hardware changes can align with turnaround schedules, spares and consumables can swap during routine maintenance and modifications can coordinate with planned outages.