Refinery-Wide Optimization RWO

The refinery-wide optimization (RWO) initiative began in July 1998. Three phases were defined for the project  

Phase 1. Build a solid and sustainable advanced control and optimization foundation 

Phase 2. Ensure model consistency between planning, scheduling, and real-time optimization 

Rigorous models for stand-alone units also can provide significant benefits. Previously, we reported benefits of US 3,000 per day (US 0.15 per barrel) for the initial optimizer on the hydrocracking complex these benefits were in addition to those provided by model-predictive DMC control. For RWO, a revised model based on Aspen Hydrocracker (AHYC) was developed. It includes a catalyst deactivation block, which enhances maintenance turnaround planning by predicting future catalyst activity, product yields and product properties for a variety of assumed feeds and specified operating conditions. This information also is used to impose constraints on present-day operation. 

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