In November 2025, at the Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Complex (NSRP), Thanh Hoa Province, PTSC Quang Ngai JSC is urgently carrying out key maintenance tasks for the Hydrogen Manufacturing Unit (HMU), a process unit licensed by WOOD. The HMU plays a critical role, supplying hydrogen gas to multiple downstream processing units throughout the refinery. Because of its importance, every activity involving equipment shutdown, maintenance, and repair requires high-precision technical planning, strict safety supervision, and zero tolerance for mistakes.

Under the signed contract, PTSC Quang Ngai is responsible for several critical work scopes, including the replacement of the entire manifold system for all four Reformer units; the dismantling, cleaning, inspection, and replacement of center pipes and refractory materials for four Waste Heat Exchangers. Unlike previous Turnaround (TA) campaign, this maintenance program (referred to as a “Pit Stop”) is executed under the condition that the refinery continues operating, with only the HMU isolated for work execution. Moreover, the scope involves not only routine maintenance but also the implementation of Defect Confirmation Shutdown Maintenance (DCSM) to address specific technical issues. These working conditions create significant challenges for the execution team, as most tasks must be carried out in confined spaces, within strictly controlled and designated work zones, and all communication is required to be conducted using intrinsically safe, explosion-proof radios, replacing mobile phones commonly used during TA activities. This limitation affects the speed of communication, coordination, and timely issue resolution.
In addition, the project includes a substantial volume of mechanical and welding hot-work activities with stringent technical requirements. The specialized materials used for the Reformer/Furnace such as Aged Alloy 20Cr-32Ni, Incoloy 800H, Stainless Steel TP347H, and Chrome-Molybdenum Alloy A335/P11, are all difficult-to-weld alloys with significant wall thickness, requiring strict adherence to welding procedures, particularly interpass temperature control and mandatory intermediate inspections as stipulated in the Inspection and Test Plan (ITP). In practice, numerous steps and mandatory Hold-Points must be cleared before progressing to subsequent stages, making the typical approach of increasing manpower to accelerate progress virtually unfeasible.

Despite the substantial workload, complex working conditions, and stringent safety requirements, the project schedule has remained on track to date. Several key tasks have been completed to full technical specifications, thanks to the team’s proactive project coordination, the flexibility and responsiveness of the execution teams, and the high sense of responsibility demonstrated by all the personnel involved.
This HMU Pit Stop campaign reaffirms PTSC Quang Ngai’s proven expertise and experience in executing complex mechanical work scopes—particularly in handling technical troubleshooting and welding activities involving specialized Reformer/Furnace/Boiler materials, which demand exceptionally high quality and strict compliance with engineering standards. Mastering these mechanical repair and hot-work competencies provides a solid foundation for the company to further strengthen its position in major industrial maintenance and repair projects nationwide.

Additional photo:

Phuong Q.