(15b) Using Advanced Process Control (APC) to Solve LPG Quality Issues While Optimizing the Product Distribution

Chevron has recently completed an APC project at a Gas Plant. Not only did this provide substantial and measurable production impact to, it also provided deep insight into the Depropanizer and Debutanizer operation.

The use of well-established project execution methodology enabled this solution to be implemented in a relatively short period. The key measurements of how well this methodology was followed can be seen by the online performance and level of acceptance by operations personnel. Both measures were documented to be truly world class and could only have been achieved by the embodiment of inclusion and partnerships between the various teams, e.g. Operations, Process Engineering and Automation.

Recognizing the reality of our cost management environment, role model cost discipline was demonstrated by throughout this project which was implemented without any additional operating cost or capital expenditures. This is a demonstration of high performance behaviors at Chevron to simplify and deliver results within the cost constraint environment.