Aspen Technology's operator training simulators selected for major new petrochemicals complex in China
Aspen Technology, Inc. today announced that it has been awarded a contract by Yokogawa Electric Corporation to supply a series of operator training simulators for a major new petrochemicals complex in China. AspenTech will provide a total of seven simulators for the $4.3 billion Nanhai Petrochemicals Project, which is being constructed by CNOOC (China National Offshore Oil Corporation) and Shell Petrochemicals Company Limited in Daya Bay, Huizhou Municipality in Guangdong Province.
CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals Company (CSPC) is a joint venture between Shell Nanhai BV and CNOOC Petrochemicals Investment Limited. Yokogawa is the main automation contractor for the CSPC project, which involves the construction of an ethylene cracker with a production capacity of 800,000 tons per year, together with downstream plants, utilities and infrastructure. The petrochemicals complex also includes plants to produce propylene oxide, ethylene glycol, styrene monomer, polypropylene, high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene, with outputs ranging from 200,000 to 550,000 tons per year. The complex is scheduled to start operations by the end of 2005.
"AspenTech demonstrated an in-depth understanding of our needs and those of our customer," said Mr. Akinobu Nonaka, Yokogawa Project Manager. "It proposed a solution plan that meets key project goals and provides a framework to help us deliver within rigorous schedules."
AspenTech will develop Virtual Plant Simulators (VPS) for all key units in the complex, including olefins, pygas, butadiene, styrene monomer, propylene oxide, ethyl benzene, and ethylene oxide. The simulators use modeling software to provide a comprehensive dynamic model of the facilities that accurately mirrors the behavior of the plant. The VPS models will be used for operator training before start-up and then for refresher training and operations improvement. The use of simulators will help to ensure the safe and efficient running of the new plants, by enabling operators to experience a full range of operating scenarios before the plant is commissioned.
Yokogawa selected AspenTech after a detailed competitive evaluation that highlighted the better quality and accuracy of AspenTech's technology, the long-term value of its solutions, and its ability to mobilize an experienced project team.
The project involves close collaboration between AspenTech, Yokogawa, CSPC and the Project Management Contractor, BSF (Bechtel, Sinopec Engineering and Foster-Wheeler). The ability of AspenTech to deploy a team that can operate both from its own offices and those of the project has enabled the critical definition phases of this project to move ahead effectively.
"AspenTech's contract win reflects the value that we can deliver throughout the lifecycle of petrochemicals plants," said David McQuillin, President and CEO of AspenTech. "In addition to providing critical training during the commissioning and start-up phase, our VPS models also enable users to maximize economic returns by analyzing plant performance, evaluating alternative scenarios and identifying optimal operating strategies."
Other news from the department business & finance
Get the chemical industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for the chemical industry, analytics, lab technology and process engineering brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
