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Manufacturing and Process Performance

Capacity Optimisation and Debottlenecking

We measure the gap between what your plant could make and what it actually makes, then engineer the changes that close it

Programme overview

Capacity Optimisation
and Debottlenecking

Most plants run well below the capacity they were designed for, and the difference is usually trapped behind a handful of fixable bottlenecks. Our team quantifies the gap between theoretical maximum, demonstrated maximum and the capacity you operate at today, then engineers the interventions that close it through intensification, parallel installation, control upgrades and tighter supply integration. We carry out the work alongside a fresh process hazard analysis, safety integrity level and hazardous area review so your safety envelope keeps pace with the extra throughput.

Capacity Optimisation and Debottlenecking Overview
How we deliver it

Our implementation model

We fix the standards that apply to your site before we open at capacity analysis, and we do not close at post investment review until they are met.

Capacity Analysis

Quantify current capacity, demonstrated maximum, theoretical max, build capacity utilisation curve and constraint map.

Bottleneck Hypothesis Test

Test bottleneck hypothesis through capacity step up trials, equipment vendor consultation, and process simulation.

Debottlenecking Options

Generate debottlenecking options, equipment upgrade, parallel installation, intensification, operational change, supply integration.

Engineering & MOC

Engineer the selected option through detailed engineering and MOC, integrate with PHA / SIL / HAC re review where required.

Commissioning & Ramp up

Commission per PSSR discipline, structured ramp up with daily performance tracking, capture lessons learned.

Post Investment Review

Validate capacity uplift against business case, document for next cycle benchmarking, integrate into asset register.

What the programme covers

Capacity Optimisation in full scope

We establish your capacity baseline across operating, demonstrated and theoretical levels
We test each bottleneck hypothesis
We generate debottlenecking options and rank them by net present value
We integrate the engineering with your management of change
We bring discipline to commissioning and ramp up
We review the investment afterwards and capture the learning
Capacity Optimisation and Debottlenecking Coverage
Business value

Value of Capacity Optimisation and Debottlenecking

Safe Capacity Expansion
  • A fresh process hazard analysis and safety integrity level review run alongside the debottlenecking
  • Your safety envelope is updated for the new throughput
  • Pre startup safety review discipline at every startup
  • Integrity operating window limits refreshed in line with API RP 584
Regulated Change Compliance
  • Management of change handled in line with CCPS RBPS Element 14
  • Permit to operate kept current
  • Environmental clearance refreshed
  • Insurer reporting kept up to date
Capacity and Throughput
  • Capacity typically rises by 10 to 40 percent
  • You avoid the capital cost of a greenfield build
  • You reach the extra throughput faster
  • Your assets are utilised more fully
Debottlenecking ROI
  • You avoid the capital cost of building new
  • Payback is fast and usually under two years
  • Extra revenue comes at marginal cost
  • Working capital is used more efficiently
Standards & references

Codes & standards we work to

AIChE Process Intensification GuidelinesCCPS Guidelines for Engineering Design for Process SafetyAPI RP 14C OffshoreIEC 61511 Functional SafetyProcess SimulationCCPS Management of Change Element
When to engage

Triggers that signal the need

Demand that exceeds your installed capacityA decision between building new and expanding what you haveCapacity integration after a merger or acquisitionMargin pressure that calls for more volumeA new product launch that needs capacity
Industries served

Where Capacity Optimisation and Debottlenecking applies

Oil & Gas, Upstream
UpstreamOffshoreFPSO
Refineries & Petrochemicals
RefiningPetrochemical
LNG & Gas Processing
LNGCryogenic
Specialty Chemicals
ReactiveBatch
Power Generation
PowerHydrogen
Pharma & Food
PharmaFood & Bev
What we deliver

Tangible deliverables

  • Capacity diagnostic report
  • Bottleneck and option register
  • Debottlenecking portfolio ranked by net present value
  • Engineering and management of change package
  • Commissioning and ramp up plan
  • Post investment learning report
Get Started

Send us the scope

We will scope Capacity Optimisation and Debottlenecking against your site and come back with what it would take. Tell us where the process is losing time, yield or margin.