Refinery Availability vs Turnaround Duration
Use risk-based asset condition data to define minimum turnaround scope, satisfying integrity requirements without unnecessary production loss.
CyberTRIZ analysis · OilIndustry contradiction C13-R017 · one of 8,235 worked contradictions published by CyberTRIZ.AI
Regulations
Business Context
Periodic refinery turnarounds allow extensive inspections, maintenance, equipment replacement, and regulatory compliance activities that cannot be performed during normal operation. Longer turnarounds enable more comprehensive maintenance but also extend production losses and increase financial impact.
The Contradiction
Longer turnarounds improve maintenance quality.
However, extended shutdowns reduce refinery availability and profitability.
Why the Contradiction Exists
Maintenance teams seek to complete as much work as possible during each shutdown, while commercial teams seek to minimize production interruptions.
Operational Risks
Short turnarounds may leave critical work incomplete, while extended outages reduce production and increase costs.
Oil Industry TRIZ Analysis
Turnarounds should be driven by asset condition, digital planning, predictive maintenance, and strict scope management so that only value-adding work is performed during shutdowns.
Applicable TRIZ Principles
Principle 10 – Preliminary Action
Principle 19 – Periodic Action
Principle 23 – Feedback
Decision Tree
If equipment condition supports deferral, reduce turnaround scope.
If integrity risks increase, prioritize essential maintenance.
Operational Playbook
Define turnaround scope.
Prioritize critical work.
Validate readiness.
Execute shutdown efficiently.
Verify equipment condition.
Capture lessons learned.
Verification Metrics
Turnaround duration, scope completion, refinery availability, maintenance cost, startup performance, and schedule adherence.