Performance Testing

Chapter from the Field Operations Handbook.

UNIT ACCEPTANCE & PERFORMANCE TESTING

Performance Test Planning

A performance test (or demonstration run) proves that the unit meets its design guarantees under defined operating conditions.

Planning Elements:
1. Test Procedure:
• Document target conditions (feed rate, quality, temperature, pressure)
• Define acceptance criteria (product quality, yield, capacity, efficiency)
• Specify data collection requirements (frequency, parameters, lab samples)
• Define test duration (typically 72-168 hours at stable conditions)
• Identify instrument accuracy requirements

2. Pre-Test Requirements:
• Unit must be operating at stable conditions for minimum 24 hours before test begins
• All instruments calibrated and verified within 30 days
• All control systems in automatic
• Tank gauges/meters verified
• Lab methods agreed upon

3. During Test:
• Maintain target conditions within ±2% (or per procedure tolerance)
• Log all operating parameters at specified intervals
• Collect all required samples per schedule
• Document any deviations and assess impact
• Stop and restart test if upsets exceed tolerance

Acceptance Criteria Framework

Parameter	Typical Guarantee	How Measured	Tolerance	If Not Met
Design Capacity	100% of design feed rate	Flow meters (calibrated)	±2%	Investigate cause, retest or negotiate
Product Quality	Per spec (sulfur, cetane, pour point, etc.)	Lab analysis (certified lab)	Per spec limits	Adjust operation, retest
Yield	Design yield ±tolerance	Material balance, tank gauging	±1-2% absolute	Verify feed quality, recalculate
H2 Consumption	Design SCF/BBL ±tolerance	Gas metering and purity	±5-10%	Check for leaks, recalculate
Catalyst Activity	Design WABT for given conditions	Thermocouples, normalized WABT	±5-10°F	Verify normalization, retest
Utility Consumption	Design fuel/power/steam/CW	Meters, balances	±5-10%	Optimize, document as-built

Source: Field_Operations_Handbook_v1.xlsx · sheet “Performance Testing”

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