101 Series: Crude-Coking — Coker Monitoring and KPI
101 Series, Crude, Coking
This presentation will focus on the key performance indicators (KPIs) essential for optimizing delayed coker unit operations. It will examine the influence of feed properties on coke quality and heater fouling, while highlighting strategies to improve heater performance and maximize coke drum capacity utilization. Particular emphasis will be placed on minimizing coke drum outages and optimizing cycle time management to enhance unit throughput and reliability. The discussion will also address fractionator and gas plant performance, with a focus on maximizing liquid recovery, as well as evaluating blowdown system. Collectively, these KPIs provide a comprehensive framework for driving operational excellence and improving overall coker profitability.
Moderator:
Sam Lordo, Becht
Speaker:
Gary Gianzon, Becht
Speakers
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Abnormal Situational Prevention: Improve Situational Awareness
Abnormal Situation Management
This panel session will explore how operating companies leverage industry good practices and advanced computing technology to swiftly process predictive analytics. It will also cover the use of high-performance HMI graphics and effective alarm management to enhance situational awareness.
Participants will:
· Learn how analytics (predictive, process conditions nearing an operating limit, reliability focused machine learning, corrosion prediction tied to IOWs, etc.) can assist with identifying pre-abnormal conditions and take appropriate actions to avoid an abnormal situation (prevention).
· Learn how high-performance HMI graphics can improve situational awareness to detect abnormal situations before alarms occur and perform required action(s) faster to avoid consequences.
· Understand the aspect of dealing with abnormal situations is alarm management. It is essential to maximize the time available for operators to respond while keeping the number of alarms triggered at a minimum. Preventing abnormal situations before the alarms activate keeps the console operators focused on the operation without having to manage an abnormal event.
See related presentations on the AFPM Safety Portal at https://safetyportal.afpm.org/
Moderator:
Tim Olsen, Emerson Automation Solutions
Speakers:
Carlos Acosta, Phillips 66
Vance Flosenzier, INVISTA
David Lee, User Centered Design Services, Inc.
Marsha Wisely, Athion
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The Benefits of Good Alarm Management
Abnormal Situation Management
Moderator:
Tim Olsen, Emerson Automation Solutions
Speakers:
Steve Gill, HF Sinclair Corporation
Troy Jones, Motiva Enterprises LLC
Cristina Pirataie, Puffer-Sweiven
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Experiences with New Chemical Additives in Refinery Operations
Crude, Coking
The intention of the presentation is to share a brief explanation of the Coker operation, how the antifoam is used to control foaming, and the results of a trial in North America using a Low Silicon Antifoam to reduce impact in Hydroprocessing Units & optimize costs.
We will include some information around the questions for the MOC process when the new innovative chemistry is selected and a helpful tool to control foam height at the switch vs true coke outage for reliability purposes.
A trial of the new chemistry was run in several refineries in LA and NA with good results: a reduction of 30-40% of Silicon content in Naphtha and Kero because of the antifoam injection during the Coking cycle. Refiners changed to the new chemistry; savings in the expense costs are expected as chemical usage was reduced vs previous formula with a good control of foaming.
During this presentation, we’ll cover why upstream and midstream use H2S scavengers and to a lesser extent, mercaptan scavenging chemistries. Then, we’ll delve into the different families of scavenger chemistries that can be used and the pros and cons of each, including potential impacts on downstream assets.
Moderator:
Graylon Williams, Nalco Energy Services
Topic 1. Low Silica Anti-foam in Coker Units
Speaker:
Adrian Azpilicueta, Nalco Water
Topic 2. H2S and Mercaptan Scavenger Contamination of Crude Oils
Speaker:
Rich Tereba, Baker Hughes
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PFAS Regulatory Update and Strategies
Environmental, Crude, Coking
This presentation will explore the implications of EPA's CERCLA and RCRA designations for PFAS in refineries, focusing on the impact to Marathon. Veolia and Marathon will co-present mitigation strategies, from treatment and disposal to non-PFAS alternatives, with real-world examples of proactive solutions. The presentation will highlight the importance of collaboration in adapting to evolving environmental regulations and maintaining operational resilience.
Moderators:
Greg Cantley, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Sylvain Fontaine, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions
Jeff Gunnulfsen, AFPM
Speakers:
John Bigham, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Todd Kato, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions
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Crude/Coking Q&A — Pt. 1
Crude, Coking
Review and answer submitted questions with a select panel of experts questions regarding crudes/coking.
Moderators:
Hector Gamboa-Arizpe, CITGO Petroleum Corporation
Jacob Young, Petroval S.A.
Panelists:
Mark Cox, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Gary Gianzon, Becht
Kamur Bantwal Rama, HF Sinclair Corporation
Graylon Williams, Nalco Energy Services
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