Refinery optimization: Closing the gap between planned and actual performance

摘要

Refinery optimization is a complex business. Plant managers across the globe face constant pressure to achieve commercial targets. Fundamentally, a key part of the operational planning process relies on setting accurate goals, whereby planning and scheduling, process modeling and day-to-day plant operations are important tools to help set targets and achieve them. Often, management encounters more questions than answers. Why do the linear programming (LP) models not reflect reality? How do we cope with continuously changing targets? Why are we not performing to expectations? The optimal plan typically will be a "stretch" target. It may not factor in certain constraints like tankage, but it will account for plant availability while not assuming any product quality giveaway.