STS AIChE January 2018 Workshops

Workshop I

Title: Next generation of process modeling and optimization technology

Abstract:

Process industries are always looking for ways to optimize key performance indicators. Rigorous process optimization is based on high-fidelity predictive mathematical models consisting of first-principles coupled with accurate thermodynamics. Given the size and the complexity of such models, the equation-oriented modeling approach is more promising compared to the traditional sequential modular approach. Recent advances in equation-oriented modeling technology extend the current modeling capabilities and demonstrate that the combination of high-fidelity, physics based mathematical models coupled with accurate thermodynamics within an equation-oriented environment leads to better, safer and faster decisions generating significant value.

In this workshop, the fundamentals of the advanced process modeling technology will be discussed, new capabilities will be analyzed and the benefits of adopting this technology will be illustrated through different case studies. In particular, we will discuss the development and model validation of multi-scale models of chemical reactors and their integration within a process flowsheet. The results of a wholeplant optimization study will reveal the benefits of using this technology. 

Bio:

Dimitrios Georgis, Process Systems Enterprise Inc., is a Senior Applications Engineer based in Houston having joined PSE four years ago after completing his PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Minnesota and his Diploma in Chemical Engineering at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece. Dimitrios is currently supporting advanced process modeling applications in a wide range of different industries, including Gas Processing, Air Separation, Chemicals and Petrochemicals. Dimitrios has experience in developing and

deploying physics-based mathematical models of complex process schemes for process simulation and optimization studies. 

Workshop II

Title: Process Safety and Human Factors: Using a Context-Aware Operations Management System

Abstract:  

Many plant incidents can be attributed to human error, some brought on by human-machine interactions. A context-aware mobile system has been designed to minimize these errors while increasing the efficiency of operations. This system imposes discipline, uniformity in thinking, and makes available to the operator, on-demand, the required technical information to perform the job at hand.  It enables real time communication from field operators to panel operator/supervisor/management through mobile devices. This system has been incorporated in a number of fertilizer plants around the world using state of the art mobile technology. It has been used in routine operations to feed the log sheets of a particular task at the required time of day, and in non-routine operations such as startups, normal shutdowns, emergency operations and other critical situations such as power loss, loss of containment, loss of utilities, etc. Besides being a “virtual assistant” to operators by providing on-demand, context-based technical information for plant operations, such as SOPs, P&IDs and SDSs, it can be used for performing the right corrective action and for training.

Bio: 

Arun Murugan is the Director of Software Engineering at Fitiri, a global technology firm that specializes in software solutions for improving Human Performance in mission critical plant operations. He has an extensive background in software engineering and developing systems to automate and augment plant personnel at their work environment. After joining Fitiri he has been involved in interacting with chemical plant operators, supervisors and managers and in the development of PlantMS a comprehensive plant operations management solution. He has headed successful implementations in number of ammonia, methanol, urea and gas plants in the US and overseas which included training plant personnel. He works closely with the department for Human-Centered Design at Florida Institute of Technology to bring to chemical plant operations the research work done in the aerospace domain. He has a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology from Anna University, India.