Aspen Technology has been commissioned by EQUATE, a leading petrochemical company in Kuwait, to implement a previously licensed integrated software solution that will enable its ethylene and polyethylene plants to run more efficiently. Initial estimates show that the company will achieve significant annual benefits using AspenTech's technologies for asset optimisation, supply chain planning, advanced control and information management.
The solution will enable EQUATE to realise these benefits by optimising plant performance and maximising operational efficiency. Increased plant utilisation and capacity will enable EQUATE to improve its yields of ethylene and polyethylene as well as drive down production and operating costs. Further benefits are expected to be delivered across the supply chain by reducing inventory and lowering logistics costs.
The implementation follows a pilot 'proof of concept' project where AspenTech implemented its advanced production control solution on EQUATE's ethylene plants over a period of eight months, resulting in an increase in ethylene production capacity. The success of this pilot led to EQUATE's decision to implement a broader integrated solution from AspenTech.
"Receiving better-than-expected results from the ethylene advanced production control project gave us tremendous confidence that we would be able to generate further efficiencies across our plants," explains Charles Kline, president and CEO of EQUATE. "AspenTech's solutions enable us to achieve significant bottom-line benefits."
As part of the solution, EQUATE will be using AspenTech's Virtual Plant Simulator (VPS) to develop and sustain the knowledge and skills of its employees in the efficient and safe operation of the plant. The VPS system is based on the Aspen OTISS simulation technology and creates a highly accurate dynamic model of the plant that can be used for operator training purposes.
"There are tremendous opportunities for our solutions in the Middle East," says Ian Huntly, regional sales manager at AspenTech Africa. "The plants in this part of the world are modern, world scale facilities and are excellent platforms for AspenTech's technologies to add value by improving efficiencies, managing processes more efficiently and optimising the design of plants."
The implementation of the solutions is being carried out by AspenTech's Enterprise Solutions organisation.
About EQUATE
EQUATE Petrochemical Company is a leading producer of ethylene, ethylene glycol and polyethylene. The company serves the rapidly expanding world demand for plastics and chemicals with competitively advantaged products of the highest quality. EQUATE is a joint venture between The Dow Chemical Company (45%), Kuwait's Petrochemical Industries Company (45%) and Boubyan Petrochemical Company (10%).
EQUATE's ethylene production is used in the manufacturing of ethylene glycol and polyethylene. The company also maintains and operates a polypropylene facility on behalf of its partner, PIC. Ethylene glycol is a key intermediate for polyester fibre and container resin. Polyethylene is used in a broad variety of packaging and agricultural film and container moulding applications. Polypropylene is used for a range of applications including closures, packaging and a high-impact plastic for items ranging from computers and automobile parts to acrylic fibres and insulations.
Amanda Strauss, sales co-ordinator, AspenTech Africa
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