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
Facilitator:
Andy Woods, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
Speakers:
Jim Griffin, San Jacinto College
Ferril Onyett, BrandSafway
Brian Novicki, Valero Energy Corporation
Will the energy industry have enough operating and design & construction personnel to operate and maintain existing assets and build and operate the infrastructure planned for the future? How can we address the changing needs of the generation about to enter the workforce? Are companies adopting and implementing advanced technologies to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency on each jobsite?
The panel, consisting of owners, EPCs, academia, and construction workforce training and development experts, will discuss how we can develop, engage, train and sustain enough personnel to meet the projected energy and infrastructure needs across the country.
Facilitator:
Andy Woods, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
Speakers:
Jim Griffin, San Jacinto College
Ferril Onyett, BrandSafway
Brian Novicki, Valero Energy Corporation
Will the energy industry have enough operating and design & construction personnel to operate and maintain existing assets and build and operate the infrastructure planned for the future? How can we address the changing needs of the generation about to enter the workforce? Are companies adopting and implementing advanced technologies to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency on each jobsite?
The panel, consisting of owners, EPCs, academia, and construction workforce training and development experts, will discuss how we can develop, engage, train and sustain enough personnel to meet the projected energy and infrastructure needs across the country.
Speakers:
Tieraney Celestine, Motiva Enterprises, LLC
Andrew Martindale, Motiva Enterprises, LLC
David Midkiff, Motiva Enterprises, LLC
This session will discuss the evolution and ability of a successful materials management system that prepares for events at a time when rising material, labor costs and availability is due to inflation and supply chain interruptions.
In this session we will discuss symptoms, causes, and consequences of an Acid Runaway in an Alkylation Unit and how to recognize and respond to an acid runaway. This track will also discuss lessons learned from acid runaway incidents across the industry.
Participants will: Gain an understanding of what’s an acid runaway, Develop acid runaway monitoring parameters, Develop acid runaway response guidance.
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.
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.
Facilitator:
Andy Woods, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
Speakers:
Jim Griffin, San Jacinto College
Ferril Onyett, BrandSafway
Brian Novicki, Valero Energy Corporation
Will the energy industry have enough operating and design & construction personnel to operate and maintain existing assets and build and operate the infrastructure planned for the future? How can we address the changing needs of the generation about to enter the workforce? Are companies adopting and implementing advanced technologies to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency on each jobsite?
The panel, consisting of owners, EPCs, academia, and construction workforce training and development experts, will discuss how we can develop, engage, train and sustain enough personnel to meet the projected energy and infrastructure needs across the country.
Facilitator:
Andy Woods, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
Speakers:
Jim Griffin, San Jacinto College
Ferril Onyett, BrandSafway
Brian Novicki, Valero Energy Corporation
Will the energy industry have enough operating and design & construction personnel to operate and maintain existing assets and build and operate the infrastructure planned for the future? How can we address the changing needs of the generation about to enter the workforce? Are companies adopting and implementing advanced technologies to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency on each jobsite?
The panel, consisting of owners, EPCs, academia, and construction workforce training and development experts, will discuss how we can develop, engage, train and sustain enough personnel to meet the projected energy and infrastructure needs across the country.