Topic 1. Proper Configuration for Chemical Addition Applications
This segment focuses on common best practices and pitfalls for chemical injections.
Learning Objectives:
Types of injectors
Use of diluent
Injection placement / ideal locations
Topic 2. Special Case Study for Caustic Injection
This segment focuses in on injecting caustic in the crude unit to further reduce chlorides in the crude tower overhead system, reducing corrosion potential.
Learning Objectives:
When to use caustic & when NOT to use caustic
Proper injection practices
Potential pitfalls, including an example
Moderator:
Tim Oubre, Halliburton Multi-Chem
Speakers:
Tim Oubre, Halliburton Multi-Chem
Jeff Zurlo, TotalChem, LLC
This session will share lessons learned from a high complexity turnaround that had a large scale debottleneck project integrated into the turnaround scope. We will review key successes and opportunities to understand what this team would repeat or change for future events.
Moderators:
Andrew Jakubowski, Flint Hills Resources, LLC
Jimmy Mendler, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
Speaker:
Sarah Earl, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
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
Speakers:
Darin Foote, CHS Inc.
Chuck Johnston, Marathon Petroleum Corporation LP
Vidyashankar Kuppuraj, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Johnny Serafin, Phillips 66
Nic Tognetti, CHS Inc.
Advanced process control (APC) has been employed in FCC applications for 40 years. Despite the similarities of FCC Technology and APC platforms the success of these applications varies widely. In this session we will discuss common threads that lead to poor outcomes and how to build a successful APC program on a modern FCC.
Fired Heater Flooding incidents continue to occur. Flooding is a term used to indicate operation of a fuel rich condition, resulting in unburned fuel or combustibles in the firebox and/or flue gas. This presentation will touch on causes, indications and provide response examples and possible prevention of fired heater flooding operation.
Moderator:
Sam Lordo, Becht
Speakers:
Jose Corcega, John Zink
Bill Weimer, John Zink
In this session, we will present a case study on wash water reliability, examining the critical role a well-designed water wash plays in maintaining the mechanical integrity of a system. We will also discuss lessons learned from investigations into excessive accelerated corrosion in an overhead system.
Check out the 2024 Summit Session Inspection and Reliability of Wash Water Systems https://safetyportal.afpm.org/
In this session we will discuss in detail the continuous improvement in plant profitability achieved by having a holistic approach for advanced automation where applications such as procedural automation, Artificial Intelligence Plant Control (AIPC), control strategy in distributed control system and safety instrumented system all work together in harmony. AIPC, leveraging Reinforcement Learning (RL), offers a transformative approach to process plant optimization, addressing key limitations of traditional Model Predictive Control (MPC).
While MPC has been a cornerstone of advanced process control for decades, its reliance on linear models and manual tuning often struggles to effectively handle complex, nonlinear process dynamics, particularly in scenarios with frequent disturbances or changing operating conditions. AIPC overcomes these limitations by continuously learning and adapting to the plant's behavior. We will share our motivation to develop this product in-house and how easy it is to maintain the application and sustain the benefits by existing operations staff without the need of any AI or MPC expertise.
Participants will:
Understand the benefits of using AIPC over conventional MPC
Learn how Linde has successfully implemented AIPC on their Air Separation Units that include cryogenic distillation and very complex heat integration and recovery process.
Realize the importance of embracing this cutting-edge technology for improving profitability and safety of their plant and also for their personal and professional growth.