In production, efficiency and safety are often regarded as two contradictory extremes. Some pursue quick gains and act arbitrarily by experience. Though seemingly one step ahead, such practices harbor hidden hazards. Others abide by standard procedures and proceed step by step, translating rigorous "slowness" into long-term operational stability. Today, we step into the frontline workshop to explore the safety philosophy of slowness begets speed embodied in every precise operational specification.

At the No.1 Chemical Department of United Petrochemical, Team Leader Li walks steadily toward the worksite, holding the Heat Furnace Blower Switchover SOP. It marks the second time during his shift that he has meticulously verified critical indicators such as air duct pressure, control valve opening and frequency conversion control item by item in strict compliance with standards. He once underestimated the importance of these regulatory protocols. His present rigorous mindset and thorough inspections can be traced back to a minor incident that occurred during a previous blower operation.

▲ On-site operation in strict compliance with SOP

SOP Not Followed Is just a Piece of Paper

One year ago, despite SOPs being designated as mandatory guidelines at the No.1 Chemical Department, operators still occasionally resorted to long-term working experience when handling trivial operational details. During a heating furnace blower switchover, personnel from the Aromatics Team conducted the operation empirically without paying close attention to air duct pressure variations. Subtle unnoticed pressure fluctuations emerged mid-operation, resulting in a brief operational anomaly of the heating furnace.

Upon detecting the abnormal fluctuation, the team activated emergency response protocols without delay and swiftly restored stable unit operation by dynamically adjusting system parameters. This subtle anomaly struck a chord with all on-site personnel, making them fully aware of the irreplaceable value of SOPs. The workshop immediately issued a clear mandate: Regardless of operational simplicity, no single SOP shall be carried out perfunctorily. Every standard procedure must be strictly implemented on-site.

SOP in Application Delivers Tangible Results

The rectification campaign centered on hierarchical management and control of the Aromatics Unit. Every procedure, including process formulation, joint review, approval signing and on-site supervision, was implemented item by item to achieve full-process closed-loop management and comprehensive risk control. The Heat Furnace Blower Switchover SOP held by Team Leader Li ranks among the first batch of officially implemented guidelines, refined and finalized by on-site staff through repeated operational practice and experience accumulation. Notably, the initial SOP version lacked defined air duct pressure parameters and control thresholds. Drawing on rich field experience, veteran operator Lao Wei proposed an optimized adjustment: when the combined air duct pressure declines, raising the frequency of Blower B can effectively sustain pressure stability. Following rigorous technical verification, this valuable suggestion was formally incorporated into the official SOP clauses. Though seemingly a minor revision, this tweak has become a critical measure to ensure steady and safe blower switchover operations.

▲ Workshop team discussing and refining the SOP 

One night shortly after the rollout of the revised guidelines, the in-board operator issued an emergency alert: sudden abnormal pressure fluctuations occurred at the outlet of the xylene heating furnace blower. Remaining calm and composed, the team strictly complied with the updated SOP, executing standardized procedures and recording every operational node meticulously. Air pressure parameters were adjusted in a timely manner to bring the air duct pressure back within qualified ranges, thereby stabilizing the heating furnace operation. Constantly polished through repeated on-site practices, the SOPs have undergone continuous optimization and delivered tangible operational benefits.

SOP to Optimize Demands Pooling Wisdom

To ensure practicality and on-site applicability, SOPs must incorporate the empirical expertise sourced from frontline operators. During technical deliberations over heating furnace blower procedures, staff supplemented critical details, including "coordinating with in-board operators to verify the actual outlet valve position of Blower A, with permissible deviation capped at 5%". While reviewing the seating operation of rotating valve RV601, an operational suggestion was put forward for equipment protection: once the valve position drops below 50%, the valve shall be throttled downward by 2.5% incrementally until fully closed. Every submitted idea and proposal received thorough evaluation and rational adoption, rendering standardized protocols clearer and field operations more executable.

▲ Team analyzing SOP details in discussion

As the saying goes, sharpening the axe never delays the cutting of wood. Compliance with protocols may appear sluggish yet proves efficient in essence—slowness begets speed. Through iterative operational verification and multi-layered risk mitigation, all personnel have gained a refreshed comprehension of SOPs. Strict adherence to every single process step paves an unimpeded path for long-term safe production.

Moving steadily by procedures and pursuing perfection with craftsmanship, the plant prioritizes safety to fuel operational efficiency. Such temporary "slowness" ultimately delivers sustained speed.