using Automated Instrument Loop
Checking Tools
FEATURED PAPER
By Irfanullakhan Pathan and Hamad Alhajri
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Abstract
One of the most critical activities during pre-commissioning of major oil and gas projects is instrument loop checks. Conventionally, these loop checks are done manually and are time consuming and prone to human errors. Currently, there are automated instrument loop checking solutions available which offer improved accuracy and reduction in project execution time. This paper describes the challenges faced with conventional methods and highlights significant benefits of utilizing automation tools in mega projects to achieve key project management objectives of reducing project execution time and improved resources utilization while maintaining the required quality and integration of these tools with process control systems as part of digitalization drive.
Introduction
Instrument loop checking primarily involves checking and ensuring that field devices are wired to applicable process control system correctly, properly calibrated and provide desired functionality.
In large-scale projects, this process involves thousands of instrument loops and traditionally requires extensive manual intervention, including field verification, data logging, and report generation. These manual methods are not only labor-intensive but also susceptible to delays, human errors, and inconsistencies.
In today’s state-of-the-art complex oil and gas capital projects, timely and reliable project execution is a critical factor for successful project delivery. Instrument loop checking is not only a technical requirement but also a project management imperative. Manual methods of loop checking usually affect the quality of workmanship and have potential of delaying project schedule, which will eventually impact the project cost adversely. Hence, it is necessary to explore alternate and innovative ways to reduce risk of increased cost, schedule delays and poor quality.
Based on latest technological advancements in the industry, various automated tools have been developed which are capable of completing conventional manual tasks automatically and thereby reducing manual errors and enhancing the quality of work. These tools can perform loop checks through applications installed in the control system which are integrated with instrument asset management system.
Below are some of the key benefits of utilizing these automation tools:
More…
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How to cite this work: Pathan, I. and Alhajri, H. (2025). Enhancement in Project Execution using Automated Instrument Loop Checking Tools, Featured Paper, PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue XII, December. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pmwj159-Dec2025-Pathan-Alhajri-Enhancing-Commissioning-Efficiency-2.pdf
About the Authors
Irfanullakhan Pathan
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Irfanullakhan Pathan is a highly experienced Project Management professional with expertise in Instrumentation and Control systems. He has vast experience of 34+ years in Oil and Gas, Refinery and Petrochemical sectors. He has worked with multinational engineering and operating organizations in various countries around the globe. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering and is registered with Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) as a certified Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and is also a certified Functional Safety Engineer (F.S.Eng.) registered with TÜV Rheinland. He has extensive experience in engineering and project management, has led multidisciplinary teams, managed complex mega projects and played pivotal role as a subject matter expert providing expert technical advice in resolving process control systems, safety instrumented system and automation related complex problems and issues. He has published various technical papers and has been recognized for his contributions to project successes, including receiving pinnacle awards. Email for contact: irfanullakhan.pathan.1@aramco.com
Hamad Alhajri
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Hamad Alhajri is a project management professional with 18 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering (2007) and has contributed to several major projects, most recently the Tanajib Gas Plant Project. Hamad is known for his strong technical background, leadership, and consistent delivery in complex project environments.
