Emerging Technologies for Alkylation
Alkylation
Today’s refiners are looking for newer technologies to product better quality alkylate. This session will review innovative processes, including:
- The K-SAAT® process, which produces higher quality alkylate using an engineered non-corrosive solid-acid catalyst. The K-SAAT® process eliminates the need for liquid acid catalyst, and is an ideal low cost solution for refiners looking to upgrade their existing Alkylation process. Participants will gain an understanding of how refiners can revamp an existing Alkylation unit to produce better quality alkylate through case studies that illustrate examples of such a conversion and the benefits achieved.
- The ISOALKY™ Technology, commercialized by Chevron and UOP, which offers benefits (product quality and yields) and economics compared to traditional alkylation technologies. The ISOALKY™ Catalyst is a non-volatile ionic liquid that does not require offsite regeneration. ISOALKY™ Technology can be used for green field plants or retrofit/expansion of existing alkylation units. The first commercial ISOALKY™ Unit has been successfully operating at the Chevron Salt Lake Refinery since January 2021, and the first unit turnaround was completed in October 2024. Participants will gain information on the ISOALKY™ Technology as well as the commercial operation, including turnaround learnings.
Moderator:
Liana Siegel, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Speakers:
Bhavdip Kalaria, KBR
Jon Keuler, Honeywell UOP
Mark Rasmussen, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
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Topic
Process Controls 101: Back to the Basics
Optimization
What is basic process control?
How is it done? Why is it important for the refinery engineer to be familiar with the basics?
In this foundational session, the discussion will focus on the workings of everyday loops and instrumentation that a refinery engineer is likely to encounter.
Moderator:
Sriram Ramaganesan, Phillips 66
Speakers:
Joe Boyce, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Scott Flanagan, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Tim Olsen, Emerson Automation Solutions
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Topic
Capital Projects: Project Life Cycle Costs
Reliability and Maintenance Bootcamp
This session will introduce an integral part of maintenance and reliability engineers’ responsibilities to capital projects. How this relationship and communication is important to get safe, reliable, and maintainable equipment installed when working with a capital project team.
Participants will learn:
- What a project life cycle is
- What influences cost the most, and
- Industry standards for analysis
Moderator:
Bill Clark, Phillips 66
Speaker:
Dean Roberts, Ergon Refining, Inc.
Speakers
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Shaking the Shake Test with a UOP Mercaptide Sensor
FCC
Canadian Refiner replaced the Shake Test with on-line UOP Mercaptide Sensors to monitor the extent of Merox caustic regeneration. Mercaptide Sensor use resulted in continuously trended data, reduced caustic exposure, and proactive process variable optimization, while vastly reducing off specification incidences and unnecessary bulk caustic replacements.
Moderator:
Nik Larsen, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Speaker:
Jessy Trucko, Honeywell UOP
Speakers
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Topic
Contaminants from FCC to Alky
Alkylation, FCC
Units in the refinery are interconnected and operational changes to an upstream often create challenges for downstream units. We will review how normal and abnormal FCC operations impact Alky feeds. We will also discuss Alky feed specifications and the impact to acid consumption and alkylate quality.
Moderator:
Tyner Devine, Flint Hills Resources, LLC
Speakers:
Javier Rios, Honeywell UOP
Liana Siegel, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Speakers
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Topic
Closed-Loop Optimization: Old School vs. New School
Optimization
This session covers the complete spectrum of process optimization methods at a refinery or petrochemical plant. From models predictive control to real time optimization via process models and onto machine learning methods via neural networks. The attendee will gain an understanding of when to apply these methods in practice and the organizational support needed to succeed long term.
Moderator:
Patrick Robinson, PBF Energy Inc.
Speakers:
GT McDaniel, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Chuck Johnston, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Sriram Ramaganesan, Phillips 66
Abhay Singh, Motiva Enterprises LLC
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Topic
Unlocking the Future of Refining: The Transformative Power of Perchloroethylene (PCE or PERC) – Regulations, Safety, and Sustainability
Gasoline Processes, Environmental
The intersection of refining and petrochemical manufacturing has never been more significant as industries navigate the dual challenges of efficiency and sustainability. This session will explore the critical role of Perchloroethylene (PERC) in modern refining processes while also highlighting its applications in petrochemical production.
PERC is recognized as one of the safest catalyst activators during normal operations, as well as a regenerator for spent catalysts. Utilizing less efficient materials can necessitate larger quantities of hazardous substances being kept onsite, thus increasing exposure risks. Other chlorinating agents are either restricted by the EPA or are inherently more hazardous, making PERC a preferable option.
Attendees will gain insights into how PERC enhances refining technologies through processes such as isomerization and catalytic reforming, which help ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Industry experts will discuss the extensive benefits of utilizing PERC, emphasizing innovations that contribute to both safety and operational efficiency.
Moreover, we will review advancements in safety protocols that facilitate the effective handling of PERC, ensuring minimal exposure and adherence to rigorous regulatory standards. By fostering dialogue among leaders in refining and petrochemical manufacturing, this session aims to identify collective strategies for driving innovation and achieving sustainability goals within the industry.
Moderator:
Alex Kniuksta, Honeywell UOP
Speaker:
Scott Wozniak, Honeywell UOP
Speakers
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