Refining & Petrochemicals
Downstream
The downstream sector is focusing increased attention on risk analysis and regulatory compliance, in addition to addressing traditional issues around commercial optimization and process improvement. Physical security and cybersecurity are rising in importance as well, with renewed attention to automated (audit trail-capable) solutions. Even the most basic of refining functions - the processing of crude oil - has taken on new dimensions as the higher-sulfur, higher-acid feedstocks force closer monitoring of asset integrity and maturity. This overall increase in critical success factors in an already complex and physically asset intensives business calls for innovative solutions that SAIC can deliver.
SAIC offers a robust portfolio of downstream solutions and capabilities that are rooted in a strong scientific culture. Our downstream team covers the important bases, with expertise in process and technology that is recognized throughout the oil industry. We bring the right kind of innovation to the downstream sector, along with a deep understanding of the operations and systems that make up the business. Our two key areas of solution focus and experience are:
- Operations Integrity and Reliability and
- Process Modeling and Decision Support.
Operations Integrity and Reliability
Margin pressure and increasing regulatory requirements drive refiners to continually exploit ways to improve efficiency and cost management while making certain plant safety is maintained. Intelligently designed and implemented programs that leverage technology while recognizing organizational capabilities can help streamline operations and processes and to improve operator response, both in the steady-state and abnormal-state environments.
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) offers a wide spectrum of operational solutions that focus on the critical business area of refinery efficiency and safety. Our downstream team has a proven record of helping refinery customers significantly impact their bottom line through operational efficiency and cost management.
Selected Solutions and Capabilities
Reliability-Focused Maintenance
Fix something right before it breaks instead of right after. RFM takes a proactive approach to maintenance by using historical data and statistical analysis to predict when maintenance activities need to be applied.
Integrated Production Management
We help refinery management arrive at the most efficient operations and product mix through integration of production scheduling, maintenance, and turnarounds.
Work Process Optimization
This business-rule-driven process automation helps create significantly greater efficiencies in the refinery by eliminating delays arising from human unavailability or inefficient process design.
Corrosion Management
We offer a comprehensive corrosion management solution that includes detection through real-time data collection, prediction through advanced analytical data models, and mitigation.
Wireless Operator Rounds
SAIC creates work flows and systems to allow operators to use hand-held computers for gathering information during plant inspection rounds. Shifting this part of daily operations from paper-based business processes to electronic capture of inspection data increases efficiency, record accuracy, and enables more informed reporting and failure analysis.
Asset Management
We specialize in value-added approaches to both physical and human asset management. Our physical asset approach considers performance history and capability as well as book value, and we apply RFID technology to virtually locate and track movement of personnel in the plant.
Automation and Control
SAIC has provided real-time process monitoring and control systems used at nuclear and fossil-fired power plants and oil and gas transmission pipelines in more than 80 separate installations worldwide. This experience translates well to a refinery environment.
Process Modeling and Decision Support
Until now, refinery managers have been required to make critical decisions without full access to complete and current data and information. Decision makers in the downstream sector face a complex operational and business environment that calls for rapid response to market changes. In addition to the need for good information and decision making on a day-to-day basis, effective decisions must be made rapidly, as when a problem occurs and multiple alarms sound in the refining complex. SAIC provides the platform and tools for obtaining the right information to make the right decisions, in both day-to-day operations and times of crisis.
We offer a wide range of solutions that support process modeling and informed decision making. We help our clients develop tools to verify and validate predictive models, speed up the modeling process, and optimize modeling software through code modifications.
Selected Solutions and Capabilities
Linear Programming and Process Unit Monitoring
Our team has deep experience developing integrated data solutions for process unit representations to test the validity of the LP models that refining managers rely on for commercial and operational decision making.
Model Re-Engineering
We improve model execution speed through use of software profiling tools, compiler optimizations, and manual modification of code inefficiencies.
Material Balance and Energy Management
SAIC's downstream team has the yield expertise to help the refiner assess the performance of the plant. Our material balance and energy management solutions leverage automation and integration with key systems such as LIMS and SCADA to bring the highest value to the refiner.
Real-Time Interactive Decision System
The RIDE system is a real-time decision support dashboard that provides critical information and a framework for selecting the best possible option in changing, complex, and possibly stressful operating conditions. Decision makers can access and visualize data, leverage analysis and simulation tools, and coordinate decisions between different sites and/or geographies.
Pipeline Geographic Information System
We capture corporate knowledge of pipeline operations into GISs to facilitate integration of disparate data types into one decision support system. In the process, we develop a pipe data model, which relies on existing legacy records for population, and integrate that model with other key operational systems.
Site Fuels Management
The SFM is a virtual remote tool for the management and reconciliation of fuel stocks. It provides the ability to record and reconcile stock-related activities on a daily basis to allow tight control of fuel stocks.
Crude Assay Assessment Services
SAIC has extensive experience developing predictive, computer models of crude oil and cut properties, using multivariate prediction techniques to create a "virtual assay" of the crude from a small, known set of crude properties.
