o Definitions, terminology, and plant lifecycle overview
o Relationship between shutdown, commissioning, startup, and normal operation
o Types of shutdowns (planned, unplanned, emergency)
o Types of startups (cold, warm, hot)
o Role of operating procedures, permits, and management of change (MOC)
o Safety and risk awareness during transient plant conditions

o Shutdown objectives and success criteria
o Pre shutdown planning and coordination
o Unit and system isolation philosophy
o Depressurization, draining, purging, and inerting practices
o Equipment protection, preservation, and lay up methods
o Common shutdown risks and mitigation measures

o Commissioning philosophy and stages
o Mechanical completion and punch list management
o Pre commissioning activities (flushing, cleaning, drying)
o Leak testing and pressure testing overview
o Instrumentation checks, loop testing, and control system readiness
o Commissioning documentation, approvals, and handover

o Startup readiness reviews and safety checks
o Cold, hot, and restart philosophies
o Step by step startup sequencing and logic
o Introduction of utilities, feedstocks, and chemicals
o Equipment alignment and rotating equipment considerations
o Control loop tuning and process stabilization
o Monitoring performance during initial operation

o Common startup and shutdown problems
o Thermal shock, mechanical stress, and equipment failure modes
o Instrumentation and control system issues
o Utilities and off site system limitations
o Human factors and communication challenges
o Systematic troubleshooting methodology
o Root cause identification and case studies from operating plants