Chemical Plant Commissioning

This is an IChemE-approved training course delivered by the University of Leeds. For more information about the course and to register, contact the training provider directly.

Overview

This course deals with the commissioning and start-up of process plants, both large and small.

It covers many different aspects including the planning and managerial aspects of major plants, the start-up of small plants with an emphasis on the technical problems and also dealing with the documentation associated with commissioning.

Lecture materials are delivered by specialists in the field, all of whom have been associated with start-ups themselves. There is substantial emphasis on tutorial exercises in both commissioning and pre-commissioning.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, you will:

• gain an overview of the many aspects involved with the commissioning and start-up of both large and small process plants
• develop a better understanding of the commissioning process from planning to execution
• have learnt about developing effective commissioning plans and schedules
• have received guidance on how to deal with complexity, identify risks and diagnose causes of mal-operation.

Who will benefit

• Recent graduate process engineers about to take their first major commissioning responsibility
• Process engineers who wants to strengthen their commissioning knowledge in order to commission a new plant

Course outline

Day 1

• Introduction to plant commissioning
• Pre-commissioning
• Tutorial exercise – heat transfer utility
• Developing effective commissioning plans and schedules
• Planning tutorial exercise

Day 2

• Plant completion – dealing with complexity
• Risk based commissioning and start up
• Commissioning tutorial exercise
• Commissioning instruments
• Tutorial in diagnosing causes of mal-operation
• The role of the process control engineer

Day 3

• The law, safety and the environment
• Commissioning hazard studies
• Case study – commissioning small areas of plant
• Commissioning "top tips"

What delegates say

"Very good course, that gives a good insight into commissioning systems."
Marlow Foods

"Great overview of commissioning and some very useful extras, such as control and instrumentation considerations."
Johnson Matthey

"Excellent course – especially for engineers who are starting a career in commissioning."
Synthomer (UK)

"The course provides and excellent brief to approaching chemical commissioning and highlighting best practice."
Rolls-Royce

"It was a pleasure to attend the course, it opened my eyes on small details that have a huge impact on integrity and fluency of commissioning and also safety during the process."
CNG Services

Upcoming dates

• 1–3 July 2026

For more information contact the training provider directly.

Planning on becoming a Chartered Member of IChemE?

If you’re planning on becoming a Chartered Member of IChemE, this course may support your preparation. In the list below, we have identified how this course could contribute to your Underpinning Knowledge and Understanding (which needs to be demonstrated by applicants who have not completed the equivalent of an accredited MEng degree which fully meets the UKU requirements) – see ‘UKU Chartered Chemical Engineer and UKU Professional Process Safety Engineer’.

The course could also help you in preparing your Competence and Commitment report – see ‘C&C Chartered Chemical Engineer and C&C PPSE’. The references below demonstrate the question numbers in the respective application forms.  Please also refer to the Chartered Member Guidance document.

• UKU – Chartered Chemical Engineer: N/A
• UKU – Professional Process Safety Engineer: N/A
• C&C – Chartered Chemical Engineer: A4, B1
• C&C – Professional Process Safety Engineer: B3, C1