Hydrocarbon Processing Analysis System for Operator Decision Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydrocarbon processing workflows, it is challenging for operators to understand and implement optimized solutions due to their non-intuitive nature, which may lead to missed opportunities or costly mistakes, as existing tools lack the ability to clearly explain the basis of these solutions and identify significant contributors to the outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for analyzing hydrocarbon processing models that generate converted shadow values, perform sensitivity analysis, and allow constraint relaxation, providing a user interface to display and track related values, enabling users to understand the optimized solutions and their impacts on process streams and constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If operators implement optimized solutions from hydrocarbon processing models, then productivity and profitability improve, but the non-intuitive nature of these solutions increases the risk of costly mistakes and missed opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary analysis system that translates complex optimized solutions into intuitive explanations. The system generates and displays converted shadow values, constraint sensitivities, and stream tracking information that bridge the gap between mathematical optimization results and operator understanding, allowing operators to confidently implement optimized solutions without fully grasping the underlying complex relationships
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to operators by displaying converted shadow values that indicate the impact of constraint changes on the objective function. This feedback mechanism allows operators to understand how their decisions affect overall refinery profitability, enabling them to make informed adjustments while maintaining the benefits of optimization
2Loss of information
If detailed analysis tools are provided to explain optimized solutions, then operator understanding improves, but the complexity of the analysis system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex optimization analysis into distinct, manageable components: converted shadow values for constraint impact, constraint sensitivities for variable relationships, and stream tracking for process flow analysis. Each component addresses a specific aspect of optimization understanding, allowing operators to consume information in digestible portions rather than overwhelming them with complete system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by providing different types of analytical information at different levels of the decision-making process. Converted shadow values provide high-level constraint impact, while stream tracking provides detailed process-specific insights. This layered approach ensures operators receive appropriate detail for their specific needs without being overwhelmed by comprehensive system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Tools and methods are provided for supplementing an optimization solution for an objective function based on a model of one or more hydrocarbon refining and/or conversion and/or chemical production processes with supporting analysis. The supporting analysis can illustrate for a user how the nature of the feed(s) and/or the selected processing conditions and/or the quality of the product(s) contributes to the optimized solution. A user interface is also provided to facilitate viewing of the information by a user. The supporting analysis can allow a user to understand the factors in the optimized solution that contribute in a significant way.