AspenTech implements virtualplant simulator project for petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia
September 2003
News
Products & Solutions
Simulators will help to ensure safe and efficient initial plant operation, and will support performance improvement during later operations.
Aspen Technology has begun the implementation of a project to supply operator-training simulators for a new petrochemical complex being built by Jubail United Petrochemical Company (United) in Saudi Arabia. The simulators will help to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the plants during commissioning and start-up, and will also support performance improvement strategies during later operations.
United is a Saudi Basic Industries Company (SABIC) affiliate. Its petrochemical complex is scheduled to come on stream in the second half of 2004, with an annual production capacity of one million tons of ethylene, 575 000 tons of ethylene glycol, and 150 000 tons of linear alpha olefins (LAO).
The scope of the project awarded to AspenTech includes the delivery of virtual plant simulators (VPS) for the ethylene cracker and the ethylene glycol plant. The simulators provide an accurate dynamic model of the plants that incorporates detailed process characteristics and models provided by process technology licensors. This enables the VPS models to be used as the basis for both initial operator training and subsequent refresher training and operations improvement.
"AspenTech's approach of utilising comprehensive, rigorous process models at the heart of its simulators will ensure United can gain substantial returns from its investment in this technology," said Abdullah Al-Buainian the United general manager of operation. "This approach delivers significantly greater value during the whole lifecycle of the plant than more basic simulators that can only be used for operator training prior to plant start-up."
United selected AspenTech after detailed analysis of AspenTech's technology, experience and recent track record in delivering plant simulators. The analysis highlighted the higher quality and accuracy of its technical solution, the sustained long-term value that its solutions are able to provide and AspenTech's capability to assign an experienced project team including local support in the Middle East post delivery.
"AspenTech has a proven track record in delivering high-value simulation solutions, and this contract demonstrates our commitment to further expand our business activities in the Middle East," said Ian Huntly, managing director of AspenTech Africa. "By selecting AspenTech's technology for this project, United will be able to realise maximum benefits from the solution throughout the lifecycle of the plant."
For more information contact Amanda Strauss, AspenTech Africa, 011 258 8771, [email protected], www.aspentech.com
Further reading:
AI-enabled NVR for Milestone XProtect
Surveillance Infrastructure Products & Solutions
As surveillance environments continue to grow in scale and complexity, organisations need infrastructure that is easy to deploy, simple to manage, and ready for AI-driven workloads.
Read more...
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments
News
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments to support grid readiness for the AI era.
Read more...
Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...
What to expect at Africa Automation Indaba 2026: From AI readiness to bankable automation projects
RX Africa
News
Africa Automation Indaba 2026 will give delegates a practical view of what it takes to move automation from ambition to implementation with a two-day programme focused on industrial readiness, skills development, policy alignment, investment realities and the future of intelligent operations.
Read more...
SKF achieves SaiMechE CPD accreditation
SKF South Africa
News
SKF South Africa has achieved SaiMechE CPD accreditation, a decisive step that empowers the next generation of engineers.
Read more...
Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy
ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...
One visit, five shows: practical solutions for safer, smarter operations
News
Five co-located shows will bring together the full picture of how organisations manage risk, compliance, infrastructure and energy.
Read more...
The rise of the smart alarm
Spectrum Security Products
Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Products & Solutions
As modern homes across South Africa and the broader Africa region become more connected, expectations around security are rapidly evolving. Today’s homeowner wants a fully integrated smart home security system that delivers control, visibility, and flexibility from anywhere.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: A little bit of magic
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Whatever your view is of America today, the Artemis II mission showed the world that it can still deliver moments of wonder. For a few days, the chaotic headlines gave way to something more. Who could
...
Read more...
Electra Mining Africa 2026
News
Electra Mining Africa will take place at Nasrec, Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.
Read more...
printer friendly version