(301b) Real-Time Optimization: Current Status & Opportunities

ExxonMobil has a long history in deploying Real-Time Optimization (RTO) applications for manufacturing facilities in both downstream and chemicals businesses. RTO applications utilize steady-state physics-based mathematical models which are calibrated against plant data and provide optimal operating conditions in the form of set points to the Advanced Process Control (APC) layer.

The scope of an RTO application ranges from a unit-level to a plant-wide application and it mainly depends on the complexity of the underlying mathematical model, computational speed and steady-state condition requirements. Increasing the scope of an application increases the number of handles and unit constraints that are included in the optimization allowing for improved operating signals. An integrated RTO (iRTO) technology, developed and patented by ExxonMobil, has successfully enabled the deployment of site-wide RTO applications.

This presentation will provide an overview of the current state of the art technology in implementing RTO applications, discuss challenges in expanding the scope of existing application and opportunities for leveraging RTO as a data source as well as advances in modeling solutions.