On-line system for continuously monitoring a chemical plant or refinery – Patent Abstract

Applicant:Shell Oil Co, USA, and Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij Bv, The Netherlands

A near real-time system and method for continuously monitoring a plurality of operations in a chemical process facility is described. The method of monitoring the operations is based on a multivariate statistical model developed using off-line, selected process-specific historical process data. Such a model is used by the on-line system to monitor the operation of the plant or refinery from a remote location. It enables the operator of the facility to determine whether one or more of the plurality of operations are running within normal or specified parameters. This real-time, continuous monitoring system also can be used to predict impending failures or trouble-spots within the continuous production process, or to minimise catastrophic process failures which may occur in a continuous manufacturing environment. Process variables or ‘tags’, which are most likely related to predicted process failures, can be identified by the model system, such that appropriate control action can be taken to prevent an actual process failure - which can lead to costly production down time - for occurring.

Patent number: WO/2009/023659

Inventors: W.E Evans, D.J. Kozub, E.H. Theobald, G.J. Wells and G.L. Wise

Publication date: 19 February 2009

A near real-time system and method for continuously monitoring a plurality of operations in a chemical process facility is described by patent WO/2009/023659.