Getting a new material recovery facility (MRF) up and running is no easy feat. It’s a complex, timely process that requires clear communication and collaboration between operators and suppliers to be successful.
At the upcoming MRF Operations Forum (Oct. 13-14 in Chicago), we’ll explore real-world challenges and strategies behind commissioning a MRF in a two-part session titled From Zero to 100: Startup and Commissioning a MRF.
In Part 1 (Oct. 14 from 1:15-2:05 p.m. CT), a panel of operators share best practices for ensuring a smooth and efficient commissioning process. In Part 2 (2:05-3:00 p.m. CT), a panel of suppliers discuss how operators can work with their systems integrators to manage equipment startup and testing and ensure on-site support to optimize performance and reduce downtime.
In advance of the conference, the Recycling Today Media Group spoke with RRT Design & Construction President Nat Egosi, session moderator, about the roles of operators and suppliers in the commissioning process, the challenges both parties face during commissioning and what attendees can expect to learn from this in-depth discussion.
Recycling Today (RT): What is the focus of this two-part session?
NE: Building a plant is one thing, but starting up and commissioning a plant is another. This session will explore best practices and challenges faced during commissioning.
While operators and suppliers collaborate with each other, they often have different perspectives and realities. The road can be smooth, but it’s often bumpy while full of excitement and emotions. Ultimately, both parties are inclined to align their goals and achieve full operations.
This two-part session will highlight the commissioning roadmap for both parties, including timeframes and strategies for resolving problems that may arise.
RT: What can attendees expect to learn about the commissioning process?
NE: Attendees will hear different perspectives and approaches, but more significantly, they will learn the expectations and realities of techniques used to minimize the time frame to achieve the end game of a smooth operating plant ready to handle the material that comes in each day.
RT: Why is this session important for both operators and suppliers?
NE: The saying “The proof is in the pudding” comes to mind. Commissioning marks the transition from a built plant to an operating plant which, ultimately, needs to be a successful business. Successful commissioning requires discipline, planning, patience and often compromise. It’s an opportune time for operators to be trained and suppliers to optimize machinery. Together, they will gain hands-on experience of a plant’s performance.
This session will highlight some methods and collaboration techniques used to harmonize the entire plant within a reasonable time for turnover into commercial operations.
RT: What do you think the operator’s role is in commissioning? What about the supplier’s role?
NE: In some respects, the roles are similar. Both operators and suppliers need to bring in staff and learn. After all, a new plant is new to everyone involved. Each party brings valuable experience and resources, but they can vary, as can every minute of a startup. This, in turn, can be a surprise for both parties.
While the excitement and enthusiasm are always high, the hours are long and good teamwork paired with excellent communication cannot be underestimated. Frequent, transparent discussions are key as both parties drive down the road together.
RT: What do you think are the biggest challenges and opportunities around commissioning today?
NE: Safety, training and supervision remain critical challenges that must be methodically embedded to achieve goals. As [MRFs] become larger with more automation, both operators and suppliers continue to adjust to their learnings. This two-part session marks the first time any conference has had a serious conversation on the topic of commissioning, and it’s an important conversation that must be had.
RT: Is there anything else attendees should know about the session?
NE: Without a doubt, each operator and supplier will express similar opinions. However, there will also be differences, and it will be interesting for the attendees to hear and understand those similarities and differences.