Optimizing Olefins Plant Operations to Reduce Energy Consumption

Abstract

To reduce the energy usage of olefins plants it is necessary to have well-trained operators and maintenance personnel, optimized processes, and knowledge of equipment health and process unit performance capabilities. This can be accomplished using advanced software applications implemented on an open architecture for ease of integration with existing systems. The components of the overall solution include:•Dynamic training simulators for skills development of control room operators;•Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mobility Platforms for enhancing the•effectiveness of field operators;•Asset health and performance monitoring software for improving asset reliability;•A control loop management application;•Model-based advanced process control software for operating closer to constraints;•Online process and utilities optimization software for minimizing energy usage based on process unit performance capabilities and constraints.This presentation will describe system functionality, how the components interact to support overall energy optimization, and provide estimates of the benefits they can be expected to deliver.