AP-Networks has recently expanded its service offerings to include the development of a Turnaround Interval Management Process (TIMP). TIMP is a process designed to establish the optimal turnaround or shutdown interval for a particular site on a unit by unit basis. TIMP is essential because it has proven to deliver significant savings in better reliability and optimized unit downtime for sites that have utilized this process. Further, by delivering improved site efficiency, TIMP generates value for upstream suppliers and downstream customers whose operations are constantly impacted by turnarounds and outages.

In developing this process our consultants use operational and performance data to determine a risk-based, optimal turnaround interval. Conducting turnarounds too frequently results in excessive cost to the organization while running a unit too long results in equipment damage, poor reliability, and exorbitant turnaround costs. TIMP is intended to minimize risks and is a systematic methodology to determine optimum turnaround intervals. This process provides individuals with the information necessary to make informed turnaround interval decisions while working to maintain minimized risk exposure. TIMP encompasses a structured methodology that:

• Sets key objectives
• Finds the best strategy to meet those objectives
• Establishes the benefits of migrating toward the optimal strategy
• Highlights the risks associated with the change in strategy