Oil and gas facilities bring together multiple process systems that must operate safely and efficiently. Compression, sweetening, fractionation, and storage systems are all interdependent, and the transition from construction complete to a running facility is where that integration is tested during the commissioning phase. These projects are rarely challenged by design intent. The difficulty lies in how systems behave when brought online together, often under tight schedules and with multiple stakeholders involved.
Where Execution Typically Breaks Down
The commissioning phase is often treated as an afterthought due to a combination of rigid scheduling and contractual focus on construction. While commissioning is the critical transition from “getting the plant built correctly” to “getting the plant to work correctly” it is frequently squeezed between construction delays and high-pressure production deadlines.
- Compressed time line to conduct highly complicated technical activities
- High number of deficiencies which increase the commissioning scope
- Lack of coordination and interface control impacts schedule and possibly safety
- Inadequate document control and lack of modern technologies leave room for duplication and confusion
An Operations Perspective on Commissioning
S2F approaches these facilities from the standpoint of the team that will ultimately operate them. That perspective changes how systems are tested, how issues are prioritized, and how readiness is defined.
Rather than focusing on individual components, the emphasis is placed on how the facility will function day to day. Systems are validated with consideration for maintenance, isolation, startup procedures, and ongoing operations. S2F feels that commissioning is not at the end of construction, it is the start of operations.
Experience in This Environment
S2F’s experience includes gas processing facilities, deep cut fractionation, amine systems, sulphur recovery, shallow cut, lease activated custody transfers, dehydration, compressor stations, co-gens with waste heat recovery, and SAGD projects, and more.