Over the past century, the processes and technology associated with refining crude oil and its corollary industries have progressed exponentially. However, coking units, also called cokers, are still closed boxes. Refiners always find it difficult to understand how the last quenching or thermal cycling is affecting the cokers. Seemingly minor damages that are often overlooked, such as cracks at welds or vessel bulging, could potentially have a significant effect on the unit’s reliability.
Previously, it was not possible to analyse the structural dynamics of a coker in real-time. However, with Akselos, all that has changed.
Refining Accuracy and Digitizing Operations
With Akselos, you can easily refine the accuracy of your operations. By allowing you to integrate sensors and process data quicker, you can create a digital structural twin of your coker. This will allow you to observe its functioning and structural integrity in real-time, informing you exactly when and how repairs are required. This will prevent problems from being ignored until they become serious and potentially fatal. With Akselos, you can spot and fix even the smallest of problems.
In addition to this, it also allows you to completely digitize your operations. Through the use of the digital twin, you can observe the integrity behaviour of your coker down to the smallest details. At the same time, the technology also allows you to run what-if scenarios on your unit so that you can identify the range of operating conditions under which it will perform optimally.
Quick Solve Times and Longer Coker Life
Another advantage that Akselos provides to its customers is that of a quicker solve time. By comparing the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and the Akselos Reduced-Basis FEA, it was found that while FEA requires more than 4 days for solving an issue and post-processing, the Akselos Reduced-Bsis FEA can solve issues in 15 seconds and can complete the post-processing in under an hour.
All the outcomes were also checked against the API579/ASME code/standards to ensure compliance and make sure that the optimal desirable conditions were present. These codes ensure that all the quantitative and qualitative factors are taken into account during the course of the assessment. It not only results in uniformity across tests but also creates a safe and compliant atmosphere for the functioning of the different units.
The Net Zero Technology Centre, an organisation that is accelerating the transition to a net-zero carbon emissions economy, hires and trains experts that are highly familiar with such technologies. Rebecca Allison, their Head of Emissions Reductions, who has more than 20 years of experience in the energy sector, recently said about Askelos:
Akselos’ digital twin software ties in perfectly with the focus on robotics and automation, harnessing the power of data and technology to improve overall asset efficiency.
– Rebecca Allison, Head of Emissions Reductions, Net Zero Technology Centre, United kingdom.
Top-Notch Service Offering
Akselos is also easily compatible with existing systems and technologies, making the transition easier. For starters, Akselos’ Asset Model Support can help you get the digital twin up and running quickly, minimizing set-up times. They also provide training facilities where engineers are trained on the various functionalities of Akselos, as well as the best-use practices. With the option to run infinite what-if simulations AND monitor everything in real-time too, the possibilities for you to maximise your refinery’s productivity are endless.
The software is also accessible from anywhere on the internet because it is fully cloud-based. This means that engineers in your headquarters in California can analyse coking units at a refinery in Texas and make repairs as and when needed.
To get access to Akselos or to book an appointment where you can discuss the advantages, compatibility, and licensing options, email info@akselos.com.