۱٫ Introduction

۲٫ Literature review

۳٫ Methodology

۴٫ PEMMA application in Singapore: results and discussions

۵٫ Conclusions and recommendations

Acknowledgement

Appendix. Work types, activities, and sub-tasks used by PEMMA

References

Abstract

Maintenance in petrochemical plants is often characterized as labor intensive and may give rise to such problems as being costly, diminishing productivity, and emitting pollutant. To mitigate such problems, managers have tried mechanizing the maintenance tasks. This study elaborated the concept of mechanization, proposed a method named Petrochemical Maintenance Mechanization Assessment (PEMMA), which can help assess mechanization levels of the maintenance tasks and provide corresponding improvement recommendations This study presented the development process of the PEMMA method and applied the method in the context of Singapore. Results showed that the mechanization level of the maintenance tasks in Singapore is relatively low. The developed method is arguably the first to be presented and therefore, it contributes to the existing body of knowledge. In addition, the developed method is beneficial to the practice as well, because it can help diagnose and then improve the mechanization levels of petrochemical plants, which would eventually make the petrochemical industry more productive and cleaner.

Introduction

One of the most important industries to most nations is the petrochemical industry, as this industry is responsible for creating many products that are essential to modern lifedplastics, cosmetics, paints and lubricants (Ruqaishi and Bashir, 2015). A crucial component of petrochemical plants running efficiently is that of maintenance. Indeed, various types of equipment occasionally break down from wear and tear, aging, inefficient processes, failure, and human error. Recent news has shown, however, maintenance in petrochemical facilities is confronted with an issue of low productivity thanks to the extensive use of labor forces (LoeraHern
andez and Espinosa-Garza, 2014). Apart from that, maintenance in petrochemical facilities could discharge large amount of pollutants (e.g., wastewater and solid waste) which are difficult to deal with artificially (Wen et al., 2019).

Plant managers have tried numerous ways to address these issues, including mechanization. According to Willis (1875), mechanization refers to the process of change, from working largely or exclusively by hand or with animals to working with hand-tools or powered equipment. It enables people to quickly handle an otherwise overwhelming workload. Therefore, it can increase the efficiency and productivity of the production activities significantly. Adopting mechanization in maintaining petrochemical facilities have clear benefits. Doing so can reduce work duration, enhance work quality and precision, and circumvent the shortage of skilled labor in some specific types of work (Sawyer, 2016). It can also increase workplace safety, as the use of mechanized tools and equipment can eliminate potential hazards to be faced by frontline workers (Iversen and Geehan, 2015). Moreover, it can help create a clean and hygienic environment which would be beneficial to the workers onsite (Yin et al., 2019). It is evident that the higher the mechanization level is, the more productive and cleaner the maintenance tasks will be. Therefore, it is necessary for industry practitioners to know the mechanization level of the maintenance tasks carried out in their plants.