Refiners must recognize the required organizational changes and use an efficient and cost-effective system design when upgrading an existing blending system to an advanced one. Part 1 of this series (OGJ, Feb. 14, 2005, p. 50) discussed the organizational changes required during an upgrade project that would lead to a sustained return on investment. This conclusion of the series addresses the second component of an upgrade project—the hardware and software required, and how to design and select an efficient and cost-effective advanced blend control system.
Both articles are based on a study conducted in a mid-sized refinery in North America.
A capability assessment of a North American refinery’s gasoline blending system helped the company determine if it was a good candidate for upgrading to an advanced control system. This article, the first part of two, discusses the methodology used to assess an organization’s capability to implement or upgrade to an advanced gasoline blending control system from an existing installation. It also covers the strategies to sustain the long -term benefits.
The conclusion, next week, will discuss the hardware and software requirements. Both are necessary for a successful upgrade implementation and sustainable return on investment.
In any liquid-based manufacturing unit, such as a refinery or chemical facility, tanks are used to store feed stocks, intermediate and final products. It is important to know tank contents, in terms of both quantity and quality, allowing business and operational decisions to be made in a timely manner, thus minimizing bottom-line impact. While real-time tank inventory can be obtained online with an automatic tank-gauging system, it is not easy to get real-time information about tank qualities that can affect plant operational decisions.
This paper discusses all aspects of an online Tanks Quality Tracking System (gomsTQTS™) which has been conceptualized, developed, and tested by Offsite Management System (OMS) and commissioned in the Singapore Refining Company (SRC),which is jointly owned by Chevron-Texaco and Singapore Petroleum Company. It has established tangible benefits from gomsTQTS™.
