Moderator: Tommy Sessum, Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Speakers:
Justin Newton & Audra Higgins, Phillips 66 - Sweeny Refinery
David Coleman & Jerry Rodriguez, Valero Energy Corporation - McKee Refinery
Woodrow Henderson, Valero Energy Corporation - Three Rivers Refinery
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) is proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Annual Safety Awards, considered the refining and petrochemical industries’ premier safety awards. They are part of a comprehensive program developed by the AFPM Safety and Health Committee to promote safe operations in our industries and recognize facilities that have outstanding occupational and process safety performance.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) proudly recognizes the winners of the 2024 Annual Safety Awards—widely regarded as the premier safety honors in the refining and petrochemical industries. These awards are a cornerstone of AFPM's comprehensive safety program, developed by the Safety and Health Committee to advance good practices, ensure safe operations, and highlight facilities that demonstrate exceptional occupational and process safety performance.
Safety is the top priority for the refining and petrochemical industries. AFPM’s members are committed to maintaining strong safety records while continuously improving performance to protect their people, communities and the environment.
Nothing is more important to the refining and petrochemical industries than safety. AFPM’s member companies have strong safety records and consistently work to improve performance to take care of our people, communities and environment.
Collaboration is the cornerstone of progress, and when it comes to safety, working together is essential. At AFPM, we believe that sharing knowledge and best practices strengthens our industries and protects the workforce. That’s why we’re proud to participate in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls, May 5 – 9, a dedicated week focused on raising awareness and improving workplace safety.
This session will share lessons learned from a high complexity turnaround that had a large scale debottleneck project integrated into the turnaround scope. We will review key successes and opportunities to understand what this team would repeat or change for future events.
Moderators:
Andrew Jakubowski, Flint Hills Resources, LLC
Jimmy Mendler, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
Speaker:
Sarah Earl, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
In an era of rapid technological advancement, achieving positive reliability outcomes requires a strategic blend of innovation and foundational maintenance practices. This presentation explores how organizations can harness emerging technologies to enhance awareness and enable early anomaly detection. By integrating data-driven insights with proven maintenance strategies, companies can improve operational reliability and efficiency. Through an open discussion, we will explore the real-world challenges and opportunities that arise when merging traditional maintenance with cutting-edge technology.
The session is designed as an introductory-level discussion that highlights the value of combining traditional hands-on maintenance practices with modern monitoring tools to support a more comprehensive and reliable approach to decision-making. Together we aim to uncover practical strategies for building a resilient, future-ready maintenance culture. Participants will be encouraged to share experiences and insights on navigating common pitfalls—such as over-reliance on digital tools, integration complexities, and maintaining a balance between automation and human expertise.
Moderator:
Dean Roberts, Ergon Refining, Inc.
Speakers:
Jaxson O'Brien, CHS Inc.
Mark Sannes, Flint Hills Resources, LLC
Fired Heater Flooding incidents continue to occur. Flooding is a term used to indicate operation of a fuel rich condition, resulting in unburned fuel or combustibles in the firebox and/or flue gas. This presentation will touch on causes, indications and provide response examples and possible prevention of fired heater flooding operation.
Moderator:
Sam Lordo, Becht
Speakers:
Jose Corcega, John Zink
Bill Weimer, John Zink
