Advanced automation can significantly reduce energy use in all areas of a refinery including process units, offsite units, and utilities. Some of these savings are possible with no investment— only a change in normal operating procedures. In other cases, improvements to online analyses and improved control action are justified.

Real-time modeling and monitoring of the energy use in plants also permits refiners to make allocation decisions much more frequently and accurately, often resulting in substantial savings. This paper summarizes the results from many plants to provide guidance to refinery staff on likely areas for savings.

Reprinted with Permission from www.emersonprocess.com