Maintenance Practices Specific to HF Alkylation Units
Alkylation, FCC
Moderator:
Bill Clark, Phillips 66
Speaker:
Sheila Bottjen, Valero Corporation
Speakers
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Moderator:
Bill Clark, Phillips 66
Speaker:
Sheila Bottjen, Valero Corporation
101 Series: HF Alkylation — HF & H₂SO₄ Uncovered: Fundamentals You Need to Know
101 Series, Alkylation
Moderator:
Sheila Bottjen, Valero Energy Corporation
Speaker:
Mike Teders, Becht
Speakers
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FCC Optimization 101: The Path From Process Knowledge to Real Time Optimization via Basic Process Control and APC
Optimization, FCC
Facilitator:
Atique Malik, AIControl 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.
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Implementing a Refinery Diesel Pool Optimizer Using Neural Networks and Reinforcement Learning
Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Process Controls
Facilitator:
Atique Malik, AIControl LLC
Speaker:
Yangdong Pan, Delek US
Toni Adetayo, Imubit, Inc.
Multi-unit optimization has long been a complex issue in the oil and gas industry. Despite efforts using first-principle models or empirical approaches, challenges persist. However, the emergence of machine learning and AI technologies offers an alternative solution. In particular, AI-based process control technology has shown promise for multi-unit optimization. This session will delve into an example using a distillate system optimizer to understand how these AI models address large-scale optimization challenges and how parent and child models collaborate.
Participants will learn:
- The strength of the technology and its high flexibility of handling core issues
- How the technology deals with the availability of individual units, and cooperates with unit controllers from other advanced control technologies
- How to sustain the technology’s performance and benefits
- A site-wide AI adoption strategy
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Acid Runaway (HF and Sulfuric Acid)
Alkylation
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.
Moderator:
Wade Hollman, Phillips 66
Presenters:
Wade Hollman, Phillips 66
Liza Pacheco, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
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AI Plant Control: A Reinforcement Learning Approach to Process Optimization
Artificial Intelligence, Optimization
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.
Moderator:
Atique Malik, AIControl LLC
Presenters:
Rajeev Limaye, Linde Advanced Operations Services
Lena Tetampel, Linde Engineering Munich Germany
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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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