Summary
This case study details the implementation of Akselos Structural Performance Management (SPM) software by a North American refinery operator to enhance reactor uptime. The operator faced challenges with outdated cooling and heating procedures for heavy-walled reactors, which led to significant production losses due to prolonged downtime. The reliance on Minimum Pressurization Temperature curves and generic thermal ramps did not account for the specific structural details of each reactor. By adopting Akselos SPM, the operator gained near real-time visibility into the stress and strain on reactors during shutdown and startup processes. This integration allowed for faster cooldowns and startups while ensuring compliance with industry standards. The deployment of the software resulted in a reduction of reactor cycle time by up to 25%, significantly improving operational efficiency and delivering an estimated ROI of over 15x within twelve months. The case study illustrates the benefits of using advanced digital twin technology in optimizing refinery operations.
