A “turnaround” is the planned, periodic inspection and overhaul of the units of a refinery or chemical plant, including safety checks, preventive maintenance, and repair. It typically requires the shutting down of all or part of a facility for a period of up to several weeks. According to industry data compiled by Solomon Associates, the cost of turnarounds has nearly tripled worldwide over the past decade.

Solomon Associates recently discussed the importance of monitoring and controlling turnaround costs in the Dutch-language publication Industrial Maintenance. Download the article.