The Outage Cycle Continuum

Abstract

Operating-cycle or outage-cycle focus - in well-run plants, the two exist as a continuum, and the plant’s operating success and reliability depend on that. Both concern selecting the right work for execution at the right time, and maximizing completion. Both involve intensely-integrated utility/ service-provider task planning and execution, plus rigorous management oversight throughout. Opportunities abound: service providers can perform work ‘in-operation’ as well as during outages; also longer operating intervals with shorter planned outages are a possibility. Two examples are presented to illustrate this continuum: a new outage scope selection approach, and industry experience with maintenance backlogs.