Maintenance Practices Specific to HF Alkylation Units
Alkylation, FCC
Moderator:
Bill Clark, Phillips 66
Speaker:
Sheila Bottjen, Valero Corporation
Speakers
Session Start End
-
Topic
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
Session Start End
-
Topic
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.
Session Start End
-
Topic
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
Speakers
Session Start End
-
Topic
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
Speakers
Session Start End
-
Topic
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.
Session Start End
-
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
Session Start End
-
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
Session Start End
-
Topic