Investments in technologies bring along some challenges that need to be managed. Petrochemical Update and Autodesk brought together a group of science, technology, engineering and project management experts to discuss and debate the role of technology in helping the construction and engineering industry rethink the future of capital projects. Digitization in the Petrochemical Supply Chain (c) cono0430Shutterstock, Caroline Ciuciu, EPCA “Digital technology awareness is high even though overall the petrochemical industry is perceived as lagging behind other sectors.”, Ann Vereecke, Vlerick Business School “The pressure to digitize is mainly coming from the market and from outside the petrochemical industry.”, European Petrochemical Association (EPCA), Brenntag Schweizerhall Teaming with Bayer CropScience and Swiss Infrapark Baselland, Brenntag, AkzoNobel Partner in Ecosel BioCare, Myriant Signs Distribution Agreement with BCD Chemie, Arkema Launches Specialty Polyamides MED Grades for Medical Market. The majority of the participants in the EPCA study report an increase in efficiency and productivity, as well as an improvement of customer service. Much of this sulphur content is converted through hydrotreating into hydrogen sulphide in refining and other conversion facilities. The benefits of such IIoT enabled tools include: Secondly, the more we use information and communication technologies in the supply chain, the more we rely on these systems for our day-to-day operations, and the more we must manage the risk of hacking, system failures and temporary black-outs. If and when investments in these technologies will be seen, it will most likely be in niche applications in the supply chain. A plant enabled by IIoT is equipped with a combination of sensors, automation systems and cloud based technologies that are integrated with its current systems and data analytics capabilities. Digitalization issues were discussed at Asia Downstream Week 2018, which was organized by Euro Petroleum Consultants (EPC) and held in Bangkok 9-11 October. Chemical companies’ business processes, including manufacturing, marketing and sales, and R&D, present opportunities for performance improvement based on data capture and interpretation. It provides an environment for an integrated sulphur management system using a ‘sulphur rich’ dashboard with refinery and petrochemical specific KPIs, and a high speed integration platform aligned with high frequency data from DCS, APC and other automation technologies. Click here for more information. That said, digitization does pay off. The EPCA report provides some illustrations of innovative digital projects in the petrochemical supply chain through eleven cases from manufacturers and logistics service providers. Digital twins provide the means for successful digital advancement by breaking down previously inaccessible data silos and granting access to shared information in a common view that improves decision-making. Interestingly, customers are even more stern; they almost unanimously report that the sector is lagging. Three out of four survey participants acknowledge that the petrochemical sector is lagging behind other sectors. According to a Gartner survey of businesses around the world across 15 industries, 47% of CEOs are being challenged by their board of directors to make progress in digital business, and 56% said that their digital improvements have already improved profits. Proven and new technologies are introduced on the shop floor, in the warehouse, in transportation and in many other logistic activities. Core refinery challenge The sector may be lagging… yet, there is a lot of ambition. In a recent AFPM webinar Bruce Taylor, director of digital transformation at Sinclair Oil and Chair of AFPM’s OPCAT Committee, described digital transformation … The key operating challenges facing the refinery included: running an energy efficient process; catering to environmental regulations; unit unavailability; operations less than optimal; and lack of availability of real time process optimisation. IIoT enabled digital systems with advanced analytics help refiners to make improved decisions … A special focus was put on the following questions: How digital is the petrochemical supply chain? What are the challenges that can impact a successful transformational journey? The future of work is increasing digital, and nowhere is that more evident than in manufacturing. Indian Chemical News is an important online resource for news, views, analysis, trends, technology updates and interviews with prominent leaders in the chemical and petrochemical space. Start-up companies are disrupting traditional logistics flows. Investments are planned mainly in proven technologies. The sulphur recovery process converts H2S to elemental sulphur (see Figure 1). RFP’s design incorporated fire pumps and a custom In Line Balance Proportioning Foam Skid to deliver foam throughout the facility. CHRISTOPHER JOSEPH and JOHNSON DOMINIC Factories are becoming smart by introducing new process technologies, often referred to as Industry 4.0 or Internet of Things (IoT). Solution The global chemical industry can benefit from The petrochemical industry is a vital component of numerous industrial processes as it provides raw materi… We keep you posted - Subscribe to the CHEManager International newsletter here! The growth of the market for petrochemicals will be driven by rising demand for downstream products from end-use industries and capacity additions in the base chemical industry. The petrochemical industry has ridden high on emerging-market demand growth since the start of the century, just like producers of metals and other commodities. Digital Transformation is a buzz word that seems to be on everyone's mind and lips these days. There is little enthusiasm for investments in augmented reality, blockchain and self-driving vehicles, which is in line with the low impact that is expected from these technologies. Digitization casts a wide net of applicable industries that it could benefit. Crambeth Allen Publishing Ltd, Multi-element and total S process analyzers, Hydrotreating and hydrocracking catalysts, Advanced sulphur analysis in hydrocarbons, Instrumentation, Automation and Process Control. This report focuses on the current state of automation in the petroleum/chemical industry… . •    Reducing maintenance costs. To strengthen the chances of success, refinery and petrochemicals companies are using digital tools that enable plants to access the benefits of the IIoT and cloud computing. Key Considerations for Fuel and Petrochemical Companies Pursuing Digital Transformation. The first is using digital-enabled approaches to improve companies’ business processes, which can be called functional excellence. Half of the participants in the research report that it will even change the way they do business. Copyright © The acid gas removal unit is used to separate and concentrate H2S and other acid gases produced in hydrotreatment. Refiners are increasingly exploring digital tools that take advantage of the emerging Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), as well as advanced software for data analysis that can optimise process operations and reduce downtime. •    Decision making support and improved operation through continuous monitoring and by providing instant access to information Logistics Service Providers Act as Catalysts. What does digital transformation mean for the Petrochemical Industry? Functional excellence has generated significant productivity improvements over the past two decades. Digitization makes for better contract and commodity-procurement decisions. There is a need for investment in developing these capabilities. Key findings from this And how can digitization create value in the supply chain of the petrochemical sector, from the upstream refineries, to the downstream traders, distributors and customers of the chemical companies? Now, 12 years later, the top 5 companies in the world in terms of market capitalization are data-intensive enterprises. Once processes are digitized, then additional technologies like machine learning, AI, IIoT, digital twins, and a comprehensive, complete product lifecycle can emerge. •    Reducing unplanned downtime with increased rate of asset utilisation So, every industry is either at or near an inflection point for digital transformation. So, the overall picture the study draws is one of a sector that is well aware of the importance and potential impact of digitization that got off the starting blocks and is running. A refinery where the option of changing feed strategy is not available may need to invest in expensive upgrading projects. Especially for logistics service providers this also results in increased sales. The examples of digitization in the supply chain are numerous. However, the increased visibility of assets and goods throughout the supply chain and the improved coordination and alignment across the chain has not (yet) led to lower inventory levels and improved asset utilization for many of the participating companies (cf. Pressure is also coming from newcomers in the sector: start-up companies launching new solutions, the so-called “GAFA” companies, or existing companies from other sectors entering the petrochemical sector. The Petrochemical Facility was a retrofit of an existing large combustible liquid tank farm which stores refined oil products and ethanol to deliver motor fuels throughout the US. 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