How to achieve plant startups in developing countries. N. Hassan. Hydrocarbon Processing, April 1995, 74(4), 84B--84J (4 pages).

Building of chemical and petrochemical plants in developing countries which have large reserves of crude oil and natural gas is discussed. Technical involvement of US companies in mid-Eastern, African, and former Soviet Union countries is described. Plant startup, availability of spare parts, manpower, and working conditions are often very different from those experienced in already industrialized countries. Precommissioning procedures are described and illustrated using a time-lapse startup schedule. Technical training requirements are reviewed in relation to operating philosophy, simulation, and laboratory test programmes. Process modifications and debottlenecking operations during the startup phase are described and performance runs are carried out. Progress is monitored using open communication techniques.