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Downstream business process mapping |
Atul Agrawal Infosys Technology Ltd |
2005 / Q1 |
The use of business process mapping on a refinery/downstream enterprise integration project. Efficient documentation of all enterprise-wide activities helps to keep re-engineered processes in focus while identifying future scenarios More
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Improving olefins plant performance |
Darren C Le Geyt KBC Advanced Technologies Inc |
2005 / Q1 |
A review of available modelling and optimisation tools for olefins plants. A cost effective approach has been developed for improving cash margins by a combination of rigorous simulation, optimisation and steam cracker economics More
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Ethylene plant Optimisation |
Zak Alzein and Ravi Nath Honeywell Process Solutions |
2005 / Q1 |
A review of the application requirements, trends and evolution of closed-loop real time optimisation applied in ethylene plants and how this relates to feedstock selection and furnace schedule optimisation More
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Refinery production planning |
Paulo Rego Siemens Chemtech Rüdiger Reichow Siemens AG
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2005 / Q1 |
Plant level scheduling at the interface of technical vision and operational demands, say the authors, requires a scheduling tool that supports rather than simply automates the decision process. Ways to minimise inefficiencies are discussed More
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Managing refining yields and margins |
Aftab Saleem Allegro Development |
2005 / Q1 |
How energy transaction management systems can help to integrate business processes and data and provide accurate access to this information. Examples show how consolidated data can be used to calculate accurate yields and margins More
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Advanced computer control at Melaka refinery. |
Mohd Redzuan Mohd Sofian, Petronas Melaka Refinery |
1999 / Q1 |
A description of the experience of a Malaysian refinery in implementing advanced process control and the product inferential system. The author describes lessons learned and recommends some problem-solving methods. More
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Techniques of multivariable controls and optimisation. |
N SelvaGuru, Singapore Refining Company (SRC) |
1999 / Q1 |
Increasing competition is putting refiners under pressure to achieve greater returns from each barrel of raw material. Advanced process control and knowledge engineering techniques help towards this goal by automating some of the human skills and conventional controls involved in the process. More
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Real-time optimisation for major refinery units. |
Ian Godman, MDC Technology Blaine Tookey, BP Oil |
1999 / Q1 |
On the premise that a single model is needed to cover the range of plant functions, a performance monitoring and real-time optimisation system has been installed at BP Oil Alliance's refinery, and indications are that projected profit increases will be achieved with better and more consistent performance. More
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Computer integrated systems for global engineering. |
David Cockshoot, Kvaerner Process UK |
1999 / Q1 |
Integrated, globally operable computer systems bring benefits to contractors, but even greater benefits to owner operators who retain the electronic deliverables and full atrribute data for use throughout the plant lifetime. More
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Process control applications at a Middle East refinery. |
John Delich and S S Dhaliwal, AspenTech (UK) Ltd. |
1999 / Q1 |
Continuous development of a Middle East refinery's process control system is discussed, together with the results of the application of a DMC plus multivariable constraint controller to the refinery's crude distillation unit and ARD unit fractionator.l More
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Information technology - Agip case study. |
Danilo Belletti, IBM Italy. |
1999 / Q1 |
Improving management skills and streamlining the decision-making process has become a necessity for the industry, with information technology as the primary means. This article describes the AgipPetroli strategy in this field. More
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Reduction of benzene precursors in the reformer feed. |
Michela Montesi, Filippo Trivella, Alessandro Brambilla, Contas Process Control. Massimiliano Dell'Agnello and Luciano Paolicchi, AgipPetroli SpA |
1999 / Q1 |
The authors report the results of a technology developed by Contas Process Control for estimating product composition, and its application to the naphtha splitting section at the Livorno refinery, Italy. More
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Process simulation through the internet. |
Manel Serra. Daniel Pinol, Sergi Sama, Hyprotech Europe |
2003 / Q1 |
A review of the available network technologies to bring Cape-Open standards to the process environment with a discussion of the COGents European project and its targets for software discovery and collaboration through the web. More
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Maintaining the optimum advanced process control |
Kees den Bakker, Chris Seppala, Rob Snoeren, Shell Global Solutions |
2003 / Q1 |
The potential for improved performance monitoring allows companies to measure the performance of their advanced control and optimisation methods against established indicators, and also helps to identify missed faults to be corrected. More
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Advanced analytical methods for FCCU troubleshooting |
A J Romero, E Rautiainen, K Y Yung, Akzo Nobel Catalysts A Gevers and J Russel-Lucasius, Refineria Isla (Curacao) NA |
2003 / Q1 |
Separation of FCC catalyst on skeletal density and AAI are in-depth tests to consider when standard analytical methods fail to predit catalyst performance. Methods described here have been helpful in certain catalyst replacement problems. More
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Crude Valuation for crude selection |
J C M Hartmann, Hartmann Refinery Consultancy |
2003 / Q1 |
A simulation model can give product yields/properties on separate crudes while an LP run indicates the cost of using limited facilities and markets. Together they show the relative values of crudes for a specific refinery in a specific market. More
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Advanced process control re-engineering. |
Ulrich Rejek and Blaine Tookey, BP Oil Steve Park, Sean Goodhart, Steve Finlayson, Applied Manufacturing Technologies |
2004 / Q1 |
Update on a refinery's model predictive control application that resulted in maximised FCCU feed while the unit was pushed against key constraints such as regenerator excess oxygen and main fractionator reflux temperature. More
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Advanced control for solvent extraction |
Bruce Wilson, Suncor Energy Products Inc Birendra Das Biswas, Aspen Technology Inc |
2004 / Q1 |
A case study of multivariable control in a BTX solvent extraction unit. It includes a process overview with an examination of controller design and sub-controller concepts, together with a reference to future improvement with automated testing. More
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Online optimisation to improve performance |
Jay Jackson, Mike Piatt, Charles Timmons, CITGO Refining and Chemicals LP Paul Fountain and Randy Wagler, Honeywell Hi-Spec Solutions |
2004 / Q1 |
An account of how a refinery, using an online optimisation system for maximising production and increasing operational flexibility, improved its profitability by increasing throughput, reducing costs and improving product quality. More
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Multivariable control of delayed coker units |
Robert Howard and Neale Johnson, AspenTech Europe Issa al-Abdeen, Shakir Khambaty, Siva Subraminjam, Kuwait National Petroleum Corp |
1997 / Q1 |
In recent years, multivariable predictive control has been successfully applied to delayed coking units in refineries around the world. Observations from three recent projects in North America, Europe and Kuwait are presented. More
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Robust multivariable process control technology |
A Ogden-Swift, Honeywell Profitmatics Ltd |
1997 / Q1 |
Robust control technologies are reviewed in this article, together with a summary of real applications in the hydrocarbon process industries where results are already published. More
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Crude unit optimisation |
Paul Brice, Mike Hill, Jerry Platt, Simualtion Sciences (SimSci) |
1997 / Q1 |
ROM - or Rigorous Online Model - has been used widely in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries, and this study of a ROM installation at a 90000bpd crude distillation unit assesses its ability to increase plant profitability. More
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Remote computing in gas processing operations |
Stanley DeVries, The Foxboro Company |
1997 / Q1 |
Gas processing operations face huge challenges to maximise production, and at the same time reduce operating costs. Remote computing, available for a long time in its simplest form, has recently matured to become an "enabling technology", allowing processors to transform their operations. More
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Large scale roll-out of integrated refinery applications |
J Patrick Kennedy, OSI Software |
1997 / Q1 |
Many companies can buy and distribute personal computers, but only a few get the marked improvement in productivity they had been expecting, says the author, who analyses the complexities of integrating software applications. More
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Digital control rooms: are they what operators need? |
Robert W Szoke, Ashland Petroleum Company |
1998 / Q1 |
The control room's migration from analog panel boards to distributed control systems (DCS) solved many problems and created some new ones. Was it worth the effort? The transition to all-digital control rooms is discussed with an eye towards some technologies that are looming on the horizon. More
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Upgrade of predictive multivariable control for a delayed coker |
David J Anderson, Chevron Products Company Dennis I Cima, Aspen Technology Inc. |
1998 / Q1 |
The new multivariable controller at Chevron's El Segundo delayed coker, now online for over a year, has increased unit profitability by some $1 million a year. The benefits achieved by the new fractionator and gas recovery system multivariable predictive controler include a more profitable yield structure. More
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OLE in process simulation model development |
Peter Stanley, Hyprotech Ltd |
1998 / Q1 |
Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) technology is enabling processors to choose the most suitable software components for their applications, and to adapt it to develop rigorous simulation models, reflecting realistic plant behavious, in a shorter time than ever before. More
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Improving instrumentation and control |
Michael A Spencer, HSB Reliability Technologies Ross M Elliot, EnTech Control Engineering Inc |
1998 / Q1 |
The economic impact of poorly designed and maintained instrumentation and control systems is examined in this article, together with methods for improving and continuously maintaining their performance. More
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Gas plant advanced process control using personal computers |
William A Poe and P N Berkowitz, Continental Controls Inc |
1998 / Q1 |
A new technology in the economic optimisation of gas processing has improved operations in a wide range of inlet conditions. The approach has effectively reduced operator interaction and also achieves better results when placed under supervisory control. More
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Online optimisation: experience and future prospects |
Hidle van der Pas, Jan van Arkel, Pierre Vadnais, Shell Global Solutions
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2000 / Q1 |
This article describes how using the same models at different stages of the business process -design, planning, operation - aids the implementation and support of online optimisation projects.
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Spectroscopic methods in refining and petrochemicals |
Marc Valleur, Technip France
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2000 / Q1 |
A review of the practicalities of using process spectrometers in the refining and petrochemical industries, including the available applications, the practical results from their use in the field, and the prerequisites for success.
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Oil loss monitoring - a profitable investment |
Nobutaka Sumikawa, Taiyo Oil Company Peter Downs, KBC Kenzo Matsuda, System Plaza
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2000 / Q1 |
Reducing loss has the potential to significantly improve refinery profitability, and a software application and methodology has been developed to assist in this task. This article describes how a Japanese refinery has put it to good use.
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Advanced control and optimisation |
Laszlo Bodai, Akos Jozsef, antal Katona, MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas Company Rendell Byrd, Aspen Technology Inc
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2000 / Q1 |
The authors highlight the benefits - potential and achieved - from applying advanced process control and optimisation at Hungary's Danube Refinery and which they say has strengthened their company's market position.
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Refinery integration in an enlarged supply operation |
Ian Swanson and Shaun Haydon, Electronic Data Systems Ltd (EDS)
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2000 / Q1 |
The refinery is by necessity becoming part of an enlarged supply operation, integrating more closely with head office, other refinereis and organisations beyond the fence. Two case studies describe how two refineries have adapted.
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Using new dimensions to improve profitability |
Robin W Brooks, Process Plant Computing Ltd
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2000 / Q1 |
There is value not only in improving the gathering and storage of process and laboratory data but also in enchancing methods of visualisation and analysis. Parallel Coordinates, a two-dimensional method of viewing data, is described.
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Minimising the impact of crude feedstock changes |
Rafael Gonzalez-Martin and Mikel Sola, Petronor-Repsol David W Hoffman, Aspen Technology
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2000 / Q1 |
In this article the authors describe a multivariable control system that utilises a feed-forward crude switch detection in order to minimise the impact of crude switches on unit operation
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Use of rigorous models in refinery-wide optimisation |
Dale R Mudt and Clifford C Pedersen, Sunoco Inc P R Robinson, M D Jett, S Karur, J M Thiessen, P J Hanratty, B McIntyre, Aspen Technology Inc
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2001 / Q1 |
A description of how rigorous models are being used for closed-loop real time optimisation at a refinery in Canada. The authors show how combinations of rigorous models can quantify important non-linear relationship between units.
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Clean fuels: a strategy for today's refiners |
Uday Hattiangadi, Michiel Spoort, Subhas C Pal, Washington Group Int.
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2001 / Q1 |
After addressing the current status of "clean fuels" and the technology options for both diesel and gasoline, the authors present a novel linear programming model for analysing complex scenarios and arriving at a cost effective solution.
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Software for scheduling a multi-plant complex |
Wolfgang Liebenau, Veba Oel Verarbeitungs GmbH Tony Cutting, Haverly Systems Inc
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2001 / Q1 |
A description of the vendor selection, requirements and actual status of a project to install a new computerised scheduling system at one of Germany's major refineries, with an outline of the complexity of its operations.
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Artificial neural networks in lube oil refining |
F G Martins, J J C Aparicio, J A Coelho, M A N Coelho, C A V da Costa, Oporto University Manuel A S Jeronimo, Lusiada University Carlos Martins and Artur S Braga, Petrogal
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2001 / Q1 |
The authors describe how feedforward artificial neural networks are used to model rotating disc contactors for deasphalting and for furfural extraction - an approach proving valuable in solving complex problems in the refining business.
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Improving FCC operations with predictive upgrade |
Ulisse Spanu, Saras Sonia Sulis, Sartec Henrik Terndrup, Honeywell Hi-Spec Solutions
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2001 / Q1 |
Robust multivariable control and optimisation technology applied to an FCC unit in Italy has boosted operational efficiency and yielded financial benefits. And in a short period of time it has paid back the cost of the entire project.
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Establishing an information platform for three refineries |
Jens H Schroeder, IT Consult GmbH Markus Muth, BayernOil Raffinerie GmbH
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2001 / Q1 |
An account of how an integrated refinery information system was devised when a group of refineries was merged and needed consistent information technology to replace their individual systems for running software and hardware.
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Competitive advantage in plant reliability |
Keith Eldon Burres, HSB Reliability Technologies/Solomon Associates Inc
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2002 / Q3 |
The concept of total plant reliability aims to integrate the approach to improving production and reducing costs. By lowering workloads, improving reliability and using effective procedures, says the author, plants greatly improve their performance.
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Optimised procedural operations |
Richard Kucharyson, Honeywell.
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2006 / Q3 |
More focus is now being placed on procedure effectiveness in the management of abnormal situations and process state changes. This helps to increase profitability as well as provide safer and more effective operations.
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Furnace combustion management |
Gino DiSimone, SEI Inc
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2006 / Q3 |
Results-driven innovation is yielding record-breaking advances. Six Sigma methods are being employed with smart metrology to push the envelope of efficiency beyond what was thought to be possibe. Measurement is the first, fundamental step.
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Refinery CO2 challenges: Part III |
Joris N Mertens, Klaas Minks and R Michiel Spoor, KBC Process Technology
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2006 / Q3 |
For the prediction of CO2 emissions from a refinery, simple correlations are not always sufficient. A rigorous simulation tool that includes fractionation and reactor models can help to obtain a correct prediction fo the total emissions.
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Deployment of Foundation Fieldbus technology |
David Wood, David Wood & Associates
Saeid Mokhatab, University of Wyoming
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2007 / Q1 |
Foundation Fieldbus technology reduces design and construction, decreasing lifetime costs. The concept of diagnostics for plant operation and maintenance is also enhanced, giving an expanded process view for operators and reduced maintenance through predictive strategies.
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Improving crude vacuum unit performance |
Darius Remesat, Koch-Glitsch Canada LP
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2008 / Q3 |
When simulating or designing an unconventional heavy oil/bitumen vacuum crude unit, the sharing of operating data on cracked gas make, stripping section performance and indirect entrainment can help ensure designers make the right design choices.
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Improving crude oil selection |
Pat Swafford and Rachel McCarthy, Spiral Software Ltd
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2008 / Q3 |
Advanced statistical techniques and models for predicting a crude oil's qualities can help refiners to better understand the changing quality of crude and speedily generate comprehensive, updated assays even from the current limited data available.
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Implementing simulation-based training |
Ronald Smith, Chevron Products Company Dennis Nash, Control Station Inc
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2008 / Q3 |
Evolving best practices for the field operator of the future are being realised through process control simulation-based training. These initiatives help meet or exceed the challenges of existing corporate SOPs, while improving production performance.
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Improving VGO hydrotreater operation |
Darius Remesat, Koch-Glitsch Canada
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2009 / Q1 |
A practical, industrial data-derived tool can give refinerys confidence in simulating the actual benefits of additional hydrogen for improved VGO hydrotreater performance. A lumped parameter dynamic simulation modelling approach is employed.
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Pygas upgrading for European steam crackers |
Joseph C Gentry and Meijuan Zeng, GTC Technology
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2009 / Q1 |
Upgrading secondary by-products from naphtha-based steam crackers is an economic imperative that should take into consideration available process options such as extractive distillation to recover styrene from pygas.
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Offline tools for on-site control implementation |
Ken Allsford, Bhaskar Iyer and Aric Tomlins, Advanced Solutions, Honeywell International |
2012 / Q3 |
Application of productivity tools and work process changes can expedite advanced control projects and reduce effort in refining applications More
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APC2: aligning people with control |
Raymond Coker, BP Texas City refinery |
2012 / Q3 |
A lead practitioner explains how refinery-wide involvement of people underpins a major advanced process control programme More
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Alarm floods and plant incidents |
Dustin Beebe, Steve Ferrer and Darwin Logerot, ProSys Inc |
2012 / Q3 |
Alarm floods and their contribution to industrial incidents can be controlled succesfully through all process states More
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