CC-96-128 REAL-TIME OIWMIZATION OF FLUID CATALYTIC CRACKING AND CATALYTIC POLYMERIZATION UNITS

Description:

Closed-loop real-time optimization of a Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) and Catalytic Polymerization (Cat Poly) Unit has been implemented at the Saint-Romuald refinery of Ultramar LtCe. The optimization model uses ftrst principles of chemistry, physics, and fluid mechanics to 0 compute the optimum operating point of the plant and sends setpoints to the multivariable constraint controls. The technology has been running for about nine months and has proven to generate substantial profit by downloading automatically up to 61 process setpoints once per hour. The technology combines simultaneous solution of first principles models, regression-based software sensors, expertsystem logic, regression-based dynamic models, and off-line flowsheeting design models. This is the first closed-loop optimization at this refmery and the fust application of Treiber Controls’ (< Closed-loop Reconciliation and Optimization >> (CRO) on FCC/Cat Poly units. The technology has previously been successfully implemented in crude and vacuum units, naphtha hydrotreaters and reformers, alkylation units, and natural gas plants at various locations.