Petroleum refinery implementation

To facilitate the maintenance and updating of plant performance inputs, we have developed and implemented an LP preprocessor. This preprocessor automatically generates and stores in the LP database the usage of equipment and utilities, the product yields, and the product properties for six process units at Sun Petroleum Products Company s Toledo Refinery. Linked to the preprocessor are three already existing process simulators a fluid catalytic cracker or FCC simulator, a hydrocracker simulator, and a catalytic reformer simulator. 

Petroleum shortage is an important issue. Improving the efficiency of refineries by optimising their operation is one of the measures that must be implemented. In order to do so using computational tools available, like Real Time Optimization (TTTO), it is mandatory to use data obtained in steady-state operation. This justifies the need for steady-state detection procedures, because the adaptation of process models to data obtained exclusively in steady state operation leads to better solutions (Bhat Saraf, 2004). 

---