Ready to see what's scheduled for Summit? Download a copy of the program to explore more than 70 technical sessions along with other opportunities.
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October 14
07:00 AM
Arrive early to the 2024 AFPM Summit and join us at the Heroes Charity Golf Tournament and Clay Shoot. Events include a welcome dinner on Sunday, October 13, and the Heroes Charity Golf Tournament and Clay Shoot on Monday, October 14. Proceeds will benefit the Heroes Charity Foundation, which supports charities that champion initiatives that improve the lives of veterans, children and the families who support them.
Join a fun event and network with colleagues and clients. Click to learn more.
Join a fun event and network with colleagues and clients. Click to learn more.
12:00 PM
02:00 PM
Kyle Cassidy
Technical Services Supervisor Marathon Petroleum CompanySpencer Blindauer
Technology Engineer Axens North AmericaValerie Pompa
Executive Vice President, Operations HF Sinclair CorporationGeoffrey Glasrud
VP & Manufacturing Manager Flint Hills Resources, LLCAndres Rodriguez
Operations Manager Phillips 66Emerging Leaders
Panelists:
Valerie Pompa, HF Sinclair Corporation
Geoff Glasrud, Flint Hills Resources LLC
Andres Rodriguez, Phillips 66
Facilitators:
Kyle Cassidy, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Spencer Blindauer, Axens North America
04:00 PM
Emerging Leaders
05:00 PM
Sponsored by Crystaphase
October 15
07:00 AM
08:00 AM
Chet Thompson
President and CEO AFPM
Welcome
Chet Thompson, President and CEO, AFPM
Chet Thompson, President and CEO, AFPM
08:30 AM
Peter Zeihan
American Geopolitical Analyst Zeihan on Geopolitics
Speaker: Peter Zeihan, American Geopolitical Analyst
09:30 AM
John Eichberger
Executive Director Transportation Energy InstituteGeoff Moody
Senior Vice President, Government Relations and Policy AFPM
Speakers:
John Eichberger, Transportation Energy Institute
Geoff Moody, AFPM
Perspectives on the market development, challenges, and opportunities to better address emissions.
John Eichberger, Transportation Energy Institute
Geoff Moody, AFPM
Perspectives on the market development, challenges, and opportunities to better address emissions.
10:30 AM
10:45 AM
Bill Clark
Director, Reliability Phillips 66Dean Roberts
EWV Business Coordinator Ergon Refining, Inc.Reliability & Maintenance Bootcamp
Speakers:
Bill Clark, Phillips 66
Dean Roberts, Ergon Refining, Inc.
This series is designed for new engineers in reliability and maintenance who seek practical technical skills, hands-on experience, and exposure to real-world scenarios.
Join us for the first ever Reliability & Maintenance Bootcamp! This series is specifically designed for engineers in reliability and maintenance, and their supervisors, to build practical skills, get hands-on experience and gain exposure to real-world situations.
Stay informed. Register early for the 2025 Reliability & Maintenance Bootcamp Webinar.
Willis Jernigan
Director, Safety & Health Koch Companies Public Sector, LLCWilliam Steiner
Chemical Incident Investigator U.S. Chemical Safety BoardLessons Learned
Facilitator:
Willis Jernigan, AFPM
Speakers:
Bill Steiner, U.S. Chemical Safety Board
In this session we will discuss in detail the CSB Investigation of the Fatal Naphtha Release and Fire at the BP-Husky Toledo Refinery that occurred on September 20, 2022. This presentation will discuss the lessons learned from the incident and recommendations from the CSB.
Rajan Rathinasabapathy
Process Optimization Engineer Phillips 66 - Los Angeles RefineryBrent Railey
Chief Data and Analytics Officer Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPArtificial Intelligence
Facilitator:
Rajan Rathinasabapathy, Phillips 66
Speaker:
Brent Railey, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
Demistifying AI by explaining what it is, how it works without a deep dive, no specifics, discussing use cases.
Come prepared with your AI questions by viewing the pre-session AI 101 webinar.
Sponsored Content
Diamond Sponsor — Axens North America
11:30 AM
11:45 AM
Adi Punuru
Autonomous Operations Commercialization Lead ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering CompanyBrent Railey
Chief Data and Analytics Officer Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPArtificial Intelligence
Facilitator:
Adi Punuru, ExxonMobil Corporation
Speakers:
Brent Railey, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
The two most controversial and potentially useful aspects of applied AI reside in Generative AI and Reinforcement Learning. Generative AI has applications in technical training, procedures and guided application development. Reinforcement Learning has applications in nonlinear closed loop optimization. Both areas will be of interest to refinery engineers and managers. This session is an extension of AI 101 which presented a broader view of the areas of application for AI.
Wren Mills
Director of Process Safety Design Valero Energy CorporationRyan Grothe
Process Safety Execution Manager Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPLessons Learned
Facilitator:
Wren Mills, Valero Energy Corporation
Speaker:
Ryan Grothe, Chevron Phillips Chemical LP
Attendees will learn about:
- HOP is a Leadership Mindset Shift
- Meet Leaders where they are at
- Using HOP in Incident Investigations is a great way to introduce HOP to an organization and prompt an “Aha” moment for Leaders
Bailey D. Allen
Chief Technology Officer Refined Technologies, Inc.Sponsored Content
Diamond Sponsor — Refined Technologies, Inc. (R-T-I)
Speaker:
Bailey Allen, Refined Technologies, Inc.
Bill Clark
Director, Reliability Phillips 66Carlos Acosta
Phillips 66Abby Esterly
Program Manager AFPMReliability & Maintenance Bootcamp
Facilitator:
Bill Clark, Phillips 66
Speakers:
Carlos Acosta, Phillips 66
Abby Esterly, AFPM
Participate in the Bootcamp Technology workshop to explore a simulated potential leak scenario and learn immediate response actions within the initial five minutes. Additionally, discover the benefits of using an acrylic pump to resolve inspection challenges.
This session will help and encourage attendees to:
- Understand what good looks like
- Increase knowledge on new technology tools
- Identify and share good practices
12:30 PM
02:00 PM
Jonathan Guidry
Vice President of Maintenance and Turnarounds Turner Industries Group, LLCSponsored Content
Gold Sponsor — Turner Industries Group, LLC
Speaker:
Jonathan Guidry, Turner Industries Group, LLC
Rhasheda Douglas
Principal Excel in Equity, LLCLloyd Freeman
Principal and Owner Veritas Diversity Solutions, LLCHuman Centric Leadership
Speakers:
Rhasheda Douglas, Principal of Excel in Equity, LLC
Lloyd Freeman, Principal and Owner of Veritas Diversity Solutions, LLC
Sponsored by Solenis
Ed Rios
Vice President - Operations Excellence Par Pacific Holdings, IncHoward Butler
Project Development Supervisor Phillips 66Liana Siegel
HF Alkylation Technologist Marathon Petroleum CorporationLesson Learned, FCC, HF Alkylation
Facilitator:
Ed Rios, Par Pacific
Speakers:
Howard Butler, Phillips 66
Liana Siegel, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
The unique challenges of FCC processing of ASO will be presented. Representatives from P66 and Marathon will present a lessons learned from processing Alky ASO in the FCC. The characteristics of ASO will be presented.
Bill Clark
Director, Reliability Phillips 66Larry Webb
Health and Safety Director Flint Hills Resources, LLCReliability & Maintenance Bootcamp
Facilitator:
Bill Clark, Phillips 66
Speaker:
Larry Webb, Flint Hills Resources, LLC
We will explore scenarios of when things go wrong, delve into PSM regulations, discuss RAGAGEP (Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices), and emphasize the significance of going beyond compliance.
Participants will learn:
- How to move beyond compliance
- How to ‘fail safely’
- How “risk” can be assessed differently – the importance of different points of view
02:45 PM
03:00 PM
Justin Edson
HF Sinclair CorporationLessons Learned
Speaker:
Justin Edson, HF Sinclair
Wren Mills
Director of Process Safety Design Valero Energy CorporationBen Manns
Senior Principal for Human Performance ExxonMobil Product Solutions CompanyLeadership
Facilitator:
Wren Mills, Valero Energy Corporation
Speaker:
Ben Manns, ExxonMobil Product Solutions Company
Jaxson O'Brien
CHS Inc.Paul Barna
Southwest/West Regional Sales Manager RDI TechnologiesVlad Derkach
Pine Bend RefineryReliability & Maintenance Bootcamp
Facilitators:
Jaxson O'Brien, CHS Inc.
Speaker:
Paul Barna, RDI Technologies
Vlad Derkach, Flint Hills Resources, LLC
This Bootcamp Technology session will explore and demonstrate the advantages of utilizing motion amplification in a refinery.
Attendees will learn about:
- Enhanced visibility
- Non contact measurement
- Enhanced safety
- Portability
Gary Cheng
Director, Strategic Marketing FCC W. R. Grace & Co.Sponsored Content
Gold Sponsor — W. R. Grace & Co.
Speaker:
Gary Cheng, W. R. Grace & Co.
03:45 PM
04:00 PM
Joel Lack
Sr Engineer – Corrosion Control Baker HughesSponsored Content
Speaker:
Joel Lack, Baker Hughes
Bill Clark
Director, Reliability Phillips 66Jimmy Jernigan
Director, Global Reliability LyondellBasell IndustriesBrian T. Batts
Director of Mechanical Integrity Phillips 66Keneth Marden
Mechanical Integrity Technology Advisor Valero Energy CorporationDavid Nixon
Maintenance and Reliability Manager LyondellBasell IndustriesBrian Novicki
Director Technical Services Valero Energy CorporationReliability & Maintenance Bootcamp
Facilitators:
Bill Clark, Phillips 66
Jimmy Jernigan, LyondellBasell Industries
Speakers:
Brian Batts, Phillips 66
Keneth Marden, Valero Energy Corporation
David Nixon, LyondellBasell Industries
Brian Novicki, Valero Energy Corporation
This panel of reliability, inspection and operational excellence managers will discuss the scope of healthy MI programs.
Attendees will learn:
Val Corcoran
VP of EHS BrandSafwayScott Willis
HSE Manager, Wood River Refinery Phillips 66Lessons Learned
Speakers:
Val Corcoran, BrandSafway
Scott Willis, Phillips 66
Rodney Reeves
Operations Training Supervisor CHS Inc.Nick Turner
Technical Service Specialist Honeywell UOPTraining, FCC
Speakers:
Rodney Reeves, CHS Inc.
Nick Turner, Honeywell UOP
04:45 PM
06:15 PM
Sponsored by HASC
October 16
07:00 AM
08:00 AM
Sergio Robledo
Senior Technical Manager Unicat Catalyst TechnologiesAdrian H. Azpilicueta
Sr. Industry Technical Consultant Nalco WaterSteven W Mayo
VP, Technology & Business Development Eurecat U.S. IncorporatedMontri Vichailak
Hydroprocessing Technologist Marathon Petroleum CorporationHydroprocessing
Facilitator:
Sergio Robledo, Unicat Catalyst Technologies
Speakers:
Adrian Azpilicueta, Nalco Water
Steve Mayo, Eurecat U.S. Incorporated
Montri Vichailak, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
This session will cover the sources, mechanisms, and mitigations of common inorganic poisons of hydroprocessing catalysts. First, we will cover the main types of poisons encountered in hydroprocessing units and their sources. Next the three main poisoning mechanisms will be reviewed along with the severity of poisoning and catalyst mitigations to extend cycle. After that we will consider mitigations upstream of the hydrotreater to extend cycle life. Finally, a refinery case study will be presented demonstrating a process of extending cycle length in a hydrotreater with feedstock poisons.
Eric M Legare
Team Lead, Refinery Systems and Sustainability Chevron U.S.A. Inc.William J Bandy III
Hydroprocessing Technologist Marathon Petroleum CorporationDelbert R Grotewold
Renewable Fuels SME Veolia Water Technologies & SolutionsNathan Jannasch
Manager, Process Engineering at Chevron Renewable Energy Group Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Matthew Kawabe
Technical Service Manager Topsoe, Inc.Kamyar Keyvanloo
Senior Hydroprocessing Engineer Phillips 66Sustainability
Facilitator:
Eric Legare, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
Panelists:
William Bandy, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Delbert Grotewold, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions
Nathan Jannasch, Chevron U.S.A, Inc.
Matthew Kawabe, Topsoe, Inc.
Kamyar Keyvanloo, Phillips 66
Many new facilities were commissioned recently to produce renewable diesel and SAF from renewable feedstocks to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels while taking advantage of state and federal credits. Operating experience in this technology has been gathered by operators and their suppliers. This session will capture some of that expertise and share it with the audience in a traditional Q&A format. An experienced panel of Renewables experts from Operating and Technology companies will answer member supplied questions on operations, technology, reliability and lessons learned. Those in attendance are sure to gain valuable knowledge on this important topic.
Samuel A. Lordo
Advisor BechtJacob Young
General Manager - North America Petroval S.A.Sylvain Fontaine
Sr. Product Application Crude Unit Veolia Water Technologies & SolutionsRobert Graham
Process Technology Specialist HF Sinclair CorporationBeverly Long
Heavy Oil Technologist Marathon Petroleum CompanyRoyce Roemisch
Delek USCrude, Coking
Facilitators:
Sam Lordo, Becht
Jacob Young, Petroval S.A.
Panel:
Sylvain Fontaine, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions
Bob Graham, HF Sinclair Corporation
Beverly Long, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Royce Roemisch, Delek US
Andy Woods
Plant Manager Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPJim Griffin
Senior VP - Energy & Petrochemicals San Jacinto CollegeFerril Onyett
Vice President, Talent Management BrandSafwayBrian Novicki
Director Technical Services Valero Energy CorporationMaintenance
Facilitator:
Andy Woods, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
Speakers:
Jim Griffin, San Jacinto College
Ferril Onyett, BrandSafway
Brian Novicki, Valero Energy Corporation
Will the energy industry have enough operating and design & construction personnel to operate and maintain existing assets and build and operate the infrastructure planned for the future? How can we address the changing needs of the generation about to enter the workforce? Are companies adopting and implementing advanced technologies to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency on each jobsite?
The panel, consisting of owners, EPCs, academia, and construction workforce training and development experts, will discuss how we can develop, engage, train and sustain enough personnel to meet the projected energy and infrastructure needs across the country.
Gary Kemeny
Engineering Advisor PBF Energy Inc.Liana Siegel
HF Alkylation Technologist Marathon Petroleum CorporationHF Alkylation, Lessons Learned
Speaker:
Gary Kemeny, PBF Energy Inc.
Liana Siegel, Marathon Petroleum Company
Atique Malik
Founder AIControl LLCDarin Foote
Director, Process Engineering CHS Inc.Chuck Johnston
Lead Process Controls Engineer Marathon Petroleum CorporationVidyashankar Kuppuraj
Corporate APC Engineer Marathon Petroleum CorporationJohnny Serafin
Process Controls and Modeling Team Lead Phillips 66 - Bayway RefineryNic Tognetti
Process Controls Engineer CHS RefineryOptimization, FCC
Facilitator:
Atique Malik, AIControl LLC
Speakers:
Darin Foote, CHS Inc.
Chuck Johnston, Marathon Petroleum Corporation LP
Vidyashankar Kuppuraj, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Johnny Serafin, Phillips 66
Nic Tognetti, CHS Inc.
Advanced process control (APC) has been employed in FCC applications for 40 years. Despite the similarities of FCC Technology and APC platforms the success of these applications varies widely. In this session we will discuss common threads that lead to poor outcomes and how to build a successful APC program on a modern FCC.
08:45 AM
09:00 AM
Atique Malik
Founder AIControl LLCChris Harrison
Advanced Process Control Engineer Marathon Petroleum CorporationArtificial Intelligence
Facilitator:
Atique Malik, AIControl LLC
Speakers:
Chris Harrison, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
This session will discuss the project development and workflow, implementation, and application maintenance of an Imubit DLPC that was used to reduce giveaway on drum cycles on a delayed coker unit. The DLPC was successful in reducing the number of cycles in which the target level was not achieved in the fixed cycle time period. This resulted in an overall reduction in the number of barrels given away in each cycle. The application has achieved great acceptance by Operations.
Participants will:
- Gain an understanding of the Imubit DLPC application to reduce giveway on Coker Drum cycles
- Gain an understanding of the workflow for an Imubit DLPC project
- Gain an understanding of unique challenges and lessons learned from the project
Eric M Legare
Team Lead, Refinery Systems and Sustainability Chevron U.S.A. Inc.William J Bandy III
Hydroprocessing Technologist Marathon Petroleum CorporationDelbert R Grotewold
Renewable Fuels SME Veolia Water Technologies & SolutionsNathan Jannasch
Manager, Process Engineering at Chevron Renewable Energy Group Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Matthew Kawabe
Technical Service Manager Topsoe, Inc.Kamyar Keyvanloo
Senior Hydroprocessing Engineer Phillips 66Sustainability
Facilitator:
Eric Legare, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
Panelists:
William Bandy, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Delbert Grotewold, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions
Nathan Jannasch, Chevron U.S.A, Inc.
Matthew Kawabe, Topsoe, Inc.
Kamyar Keyvanloo, Phillips 66
Many new facilities were commissioned recently to produce renewable diesel and SAF from renewable feedstocks to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels while taking advantage of state and federal credits. Operating experience in this technology has been gathered by operators and their suppliers. This session will capture some of that expertise and share it with the audience in a traditional Q&A format. An experienced panel of Renewables experts from Operating and Technology companies will answer member supplied questions on operations, technology, reliability and lessons learned. Those in attendance are sure to gain valuable knowledge on this important topic.
Andy Woods
Plant Manager Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPJim Griffin
Senior VP - Energy & Petrochemicals San Jacinto CollegeFerril Onyett
Vice President, Talent Management BrandSafwayMaintenance
Facilitator:
Andy Woods, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
Speakers:
Jim Griffin, San Jacinto College
Ferril Onyett, BrandSafway
Will the energy industry have enough operating and design & construction personnel to operate and maintain existing assets and build and operate the infrastructure planned for the future? How can we address the changing needs of the generation about to enter the workforce? Are companies adopting and implementing advanced technologies to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency on each jobsite?
The panel, consisting of owners, EPCs, academia, and construction workforce training and development experts, will discuss how we can develop, engage, train and sustain enough personnel to meet the projected energy and infrastructure needs across the country.
Diane Dierking
Americas Sales Manager – Hydrogen and Gas Processing Johnson MattheyJames R. Esteban
Senior Technical Manager Unicat Catalyst TechnologiesAshley Brossette
Process Engineering Manager Valero Energy CorporationKen Chlapik
Global Market Manager - Low Carbon Solutions Johnson MattheyKathy Picioccio
Technical Specialist Unicat Catalyst TechnologiesHydroprocessing
Facilitators:
Diane Dierking, Johnson Matthey
James Esteban, Unicat Catalyst Technologies
Speakers:
Ashley Brossette, Valero Energy Corporation
Ken Chlapik, Johnson Matthey
Kathy Picioccio, Unicat Catalyst Technologies
Samuel A. Lordo
Advisor BechtJacob Young
General Manager - North America Petroval S.A.Sylvain Fontaine
Sr. Product Application Crude Unit Veolia Water Technologies & SolutionsRobert Graham
Process Technology Specialist HF Sinclair CorporationBeverly Long
Heavy Oil Technologist Marathon Petroleum CompanyRoyce Roemisch
Delek USCrude, Coking
Facilitators:
Sam Lordo, Becht
Jacob Young, Petroval S.A.
Panel:
Sylvain Fontaine, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions
Bob Graham, HF Sinclair Corporation
Beverly Long, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Royce Roemisch, Delek US
Liana Siegel
HF Alkylation Technologist Marathon Petroleum CorporationMonica Plowman
Corporate Mechanical Integrity Leader Ethos Mechanical Integrity Solutions, LLCHF Alkylation, Mechanical Integrity
Facilitator:
Liana Siegel, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Speaker:
Monica Plowman, Ethos Mechanical Integrity Solutions, LLC
09:45 AM
10:00 AM
Samuel A. Lordo
Advisor BechtGraylon Williams
Sr Industry Technical Consultant Nalco Energy ServicesCrude
Facilitator:
Sam Lordo, Becht
Speaker:
Graylon Williams, Nalco Water
Refineries have increased focus on processing unfamiliar opportunity crude oils to improve profitability. However, the introduction of these new crude slates brings uncertainties that can impact refinery operations. One major challenge is crude incompatibility due to asphaltene instability, which affects desalters, emulsion stability, preheat trains and furnace fouling.
For decades, the industry has recognized the importance of tracking asphaltene stability. Suppliers and refineries employ diverse equipment to assess feeds stability including benchtop microscopy and titration equipment. Unfortunately, those methods can require time-consuming offsite laboratory testing.
Now, utilizing a portable, handheld near-infrared (NIR) analyzer, crude oil tanks and other refinery feeds can be assessed for stability and blending suitability with near instantaneous results. NIR spectra from crude oil samples are collected and compared against a database of crudes and crude unit feeds with known asphaltene stability parameters. Asphaltene stability parameters are modeled and reported with a stability assessment.
In the presentation, we will delve into the fundamentals of these available tools, showcasing real-world case studies where they have been successfully applied for crude blends and crude pretreatment to improve and optimize desalter operations and crude preheat train fouling.
Eamon Cullinane
Director, Renewable Energy Markets Turner, Mason & CompanyAndrea de Rezende Pinho
Senior Researcher PETROBRASSustainability, FCC
1. FCC Process for 100% Vegetable Oil – Trial in a Commercial FCC Unit
Speaker: Andrea de Rezende Pinho, Petróleo Brasileiro S/A - PETROBRAS
In 2023, Petrobras and the Riograndense Refinery (RPR) successfully processed 100% vegetable oil in a Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Unit. Petrobras' technology is based on three pillars: i) triglycerides, such as soybean oil used in the commercial test, ii) ReNewFCC line catalyst and iii) unique operating conditions compared to conventional FCCUs. Biogenic products such as renewable aromatic hydrocarbons (BTX - benzene, toluene and xylene), renewable LPG, and renewable propylene were produced during the commercial trial. Commercial yields, quality of the products, operational challenges and technical adaptations for the trial will be presented.
2. U.S. HEFA Co-processing – Past, Present, and Future Projects
Speaker: Eamon Cullinane, Turner, Mason & Company
HEFA co-processing at U.S. oil refineries has historically not seen the same success as standalone RD/SAF refinery conversions. So why has co-processing in the U.S. been limited in the past and why might we see more of it in the future? We will explore historical production levels of co-processing, economics vs standalone RD/SAF facilities, the regulatory landscape and credit incentives (RINs, BTC, CFPC/45Z, CA LCFS, etc.) driving these economics, and future prospects of co-processing in the U.S.
Jatin Shah
Principal Consultant Baker Engineering and Risk Consultants, Inc.HF Alkylation
Speakers:
Jatin Shah, BakerRisk
Gerard Celestine
Maintenance Support Mgr. Motiva Enterprises, LLCTieraney Celestine
Materials Management Analyst Motiva Enterprises LLCAndrew Martindale
Site Materials Lead Motiva Enterprises LLCDavid Midkiff
Inventory Analyst Motiva Enterprises LLCMaintenance
Facilitator:
Gerard Celestine, Motiva Enterprises, LLC
Speakers:
Tieraney Celestine, Motiva Enterprises, LLC
Andrew Martindale, Motiva Enterprises, LLC
David Midkiff, Motiva Enterprises, LLC
This session will discuss the evolution and ability of a successful materials management system that prepares for events at a time when rising material, labor costs and availability is due to inflation and supply chain interruptions.
Atique Malik
Founder AIControl LLCYangdong Pan
Director of Process Controls Delek USArtificial Intelligence, Advanced Process Controls
Facilitator:
Atique Malik, AIControl LLC
Speaker:
Yangdong Pan, Delek US
Multi-unit optimization has long been a complex issue in the oil and gas industry. Despite efforts using first-principle models or empirical approaches, challenges persist. However, the emergence of machine learning and AI technologies offers an alternative solution. In particular, AI-based process control technology has shown promise for multi-unit optimization. This session will delve into an example using a distillate system optimizer to understand how these AI models address large-scale optimization challenges and how parent and child models collaborate.
Participants will learn:
- The strength of the technology and its high flexibility of handling core issues
- How the technology deals with the availability of individual units, and cooperates with unit controllers from other advanced control technologies
- How to sustain the technology’s performance and benefits
- A site-wide AI adoption strategy
Christy Anderson
Americas Technical Service Manager, Hydroprocessing Ketjen CorporationCarmen Angelini
Process Design Engineer CITGO Petroleum CorporationMitchell E. Loescher
Technical Sales Manager - Hydroprocessing ExxonMobil Product Solutions CompanyTeo Trotus
Segment Lead Refining hte GmbHHydroprocessing
1. Case Study: Boosting Hydrocracking Performance with Celestia™ Catalyst to Double Run Length and Enable Cold-Flow Improvement with MIDW
Presenters:
Christy Anderson, Ketjen Corporation
Mitchel Loescher , ExxonMobil Corporation
2. High throughput testing enables tailored, optimized, and confident catalyst selection for CITGO's Unicracker
Presenters:
Carmen Angelini, CITGO Petroleum Corporation
Ioan-Teodor Trotus, hte GmbH
10:45 AM
11:00 AM
Valentina Di Mauro
Director of Business Development, LOHC Honeywell UOPJuan Pereira da la Riera
Hydrogen Development Engineer Axens North AmericaSustainability, Gasoline Processes
Speakers:
Valentina Di Mauro, Honeywell UOP
Juan Pereira de la Riera, Axens North America
Jonathon Keuler
Lead TS Specialist Honeywell UOPHF Alkylation
Speaker:
Jon Keuler, Honeywell UOP
This session will discuss some process hazards found in HF Alkylation units, and how shutdown systems are used to address these hazards.
Audra Higgins
Operator, Product Control Operations Phillips 66Kacey Lopez
Operator Phillips 66Russell Thompson
Boilermaker Phillips 66Walk the Line
Speakers:
Audra Higgins, Phillips 66
Kacey Lopez, Phillips 66
Russell Thompson, Phillips 66
Hear from front line Maintenance and Operations personnel from the Sweeny Refinery as they discuss Walk-the-Line, how supervisor engagement enhances the ability of front-line employees to perform hazard assessments and taking your safety into your own hands. They will highlight tools that have improved their Hazard Identification and Mitigation, leading to three consecutive AFPM DSA Awards.
Attendees will learn:
- What walk the line actually means.
- Importance of Supervision in influencing proper hazard assessments.
- Protect Yourself, trust but verify.
Lance Cox
Technical Director, Downstream Nalco WaterDean Roberts
EWV Business Coordinator Ergon Refining, Inc.Raúl Romero
Technical Director Refining Nalco WaterMechanical Integrity
Facilitators:
Lance Cox, Nalco Water
Dean Roberts, Ergon Refining, Inc
Speaker:
Raúl Romero, Nalco Water
In this session we will discuss different aspects related to the design, operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of different wash water systems operating in different units of a refinery. Since it is a critical application from the reliability point of view, different practices and criteria are applied based on experience.
Warren Dan Harbs
Senior Technical Consultant Veolia Water Technologies & SolutionsKevin Harkness
Ops Lead Area 4 Monroe Energy, LLCFCC, Reliability
Speakers:
Dan Harbs, Veolia Water Technologies and Solutions
Kevin Harkness, Monroe Energy, LLC
Case studies will be presented highlighting different fouling mechanisms, the impact of fouling on bottoms circuit equipment and MF operation, and methods to mitigate fouling and clean-up the circuit for improved operation.
Valentina Di Mauro
Director of Business Development, LOHC Honeywell UOPSebastien LeCarpenteier
Head of Low Carbon Hydrogen Program Axens North AmericaSustainability, Gasoline Processes
Speakers:
Sebastien LeCarpenteier, Axens North America
Valentina Di Mauro, Honeywell UOP
Alyssa Parks
Process Engineering Manager, Technology and Operations Support PEMEX Deer ParkJohn Durnin
Process Control Technologist Marathon Petroleum CorporationStephen Gill
Director, Process Safety HF Sinclair CorporationYangdong Pan
Director of Process Controls Delek USPatrick Robinson
Sr. Director, Operations Technology & Advanced Process Controls PBF Energy Inc.Abnormal Situation Management
Facilitator:
Alyssa Parks, PEMEX Deer Park
Panel:
John Durnin, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Steve Gill, HF Sinclair
Yangdong Pan, Delek US
Patrick Robinson, PBF Energy Inc.
Operation of a complex refinery process involves keeping the process within varous types of limits. These include safe operating limits, integrity operating windows, machine protection or other reliability limits, and product quality limits. This diverse background panel session from process controls and process safety management explores how to effectively identify these parameters and keep the limits in front of operators using instrumented shutdowns, alarm systems, and other monitoring and alerting software.
11:45 AM
01:15 PM
Calvin Mukarakate
Global Research Manager II NRELJuan Sacoto
Global Head of Agribusiness Consulting S&P GlobalSustainability
Speakers:
Dr. Calvin Mukarakate, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Juan Sacoto, S&P Global
Thomas Porritt
Reforming/Isomerization Business Network Leader Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Gasoline Processes
Speaker:
Thomas Porritt, Chevron USA Inc.
Samantha Boyle
Refining Engineer II Marathon Petroleum CorporationNikolas A Larsen
FCC Technologist Marathon Petroleum CorporationPatrick McSorley
FCC Technical Service Engineer Ketjen CorporationGrant Severyn
FCC Technical Service Specialist BASF CorporationFCC
Speakers:
Samantha Boyle, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Nik Larsen, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Patrick McSorley, Ketjen Corporation
Grant Severyn, BASF Corporation
1. Maximizing Butylene Yields Through Catalyst Design
2. Evaluating Complex Operational Changes via Modeling and Testing
In this presentation, we will detail the close collaboration between Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) and BASF to introduce a new catalyst technology to meet the market demand for butylenes yield and selectivity and high-octane gasoline, from development, evaluation, commercialization, to deployment of the new technology. These commercial trial results are the next step forward for LPG olefins maximization and selectivity, demonstrating significant economic value across a wide range of unit configurations and constraints for a refiner continually striving to be at the forefront of FCC catalyst technology.
Vickie Bradford
Adv. Training Specialist Instructional Design/ E-Learning Developer Marathon Petroleum CorporationTim Chappell
Immersive Technology Studios Product Owner ExxonMobil CorporationDr. Richard Hannah
VP of Learning and Innovation Health and Safety CouncilJay Turner
Ops Learning Capability Lead Flint Hills Resources, LLCTyler Veenstra
Refining Training & Development Manager Marathon Petroleum CompanyTraining
Speakers:
Vickie Bradford, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Timothy Chappell, ExxonMobil Corporation
Dr. Richard Hannah, Health and Safety Council
Jay Turner, Flint Hills Resources, LLC
Tyler Veenstra, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Interactive, immersive, virtual simulations that allow learners the opportunity to fail in a safe environment, develop a more robust mental framework and provide deeper understanding around Winterization and the First 5 Minutes of an emergency situation.
Carlos Diaz
Health & Safety Supervisor Motiva Enterprises LLCSterling Gregg
Tank Program Manager Motiva Enterprises, LLCMechanical Integrity, Lessons Learned
Facilitator:
Gerard Celestine, Motiva Enterprises, LLC
Speakers:
Carlos Diaz, Motiva Enterprises, LLC
Sterling Gregg, Motiva Enterprises, LLC
Learn from an incident where a sand blast pot was opened under pressure. We will discuss how the site was effected by this incident and how Motiva partnered with onsite contractors to create an onboarding document and video to ensure this type of incident is not repeated.
Tim Olsen
Solution Consultant Emerson Automation SolutionsJerry Isch
Operations Training Supervisor Marathon Petroleum CorporationDavid Anthony Lee
President User Centered Design Services IncChristi Mezzic
Process Control Consultant Emerson Automation SolutionsJohnny Serafin
Process Controls and Modeling Team Lead Phillips 66 - Bayway RefineryOptimization, Abnormal Situation Management
Facilitator:
Tim Olsen, Emerson Automation Solutions
Speakers:
Jerry Isch, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Dave Lee, User Centered Design Services Inc.
Christi Mezzic, Emerson Automation Solutions
Johnny Serafin, Phillips 66
This is a panel session follow-on based on the recent AFPM webinar by Phillips 66 Bayway that discussed HMI and alarming enhancements during a control room modernization project. Key components discussed in the webinar were alarm rationalization and the development of HMI graphics based on human-centered design principles with the goal to improve safe reliable operation at the facility. Key design considerations come from industry standards and good shared practices, along with valuable input from key stakeholders across departments. This panel session will also discuss operator development to improve situation awareness as part of a control room modernization.
Come prepared with your questions by viewing the pre-session.
02:00 PM
02:15 PM
Peter Blaser
Vice President of Operations CPFD LLCCJ Farley
FCC Consultant TPM Solutions LLCDennis Kowalczyk
Director of Business Development Equilibrium Catalyst Inc.Reliability, FCC
Speakers:
Peter Blaser, CPFD LLC
CJ Farley, TPM Solutions
Dennis Kowalczyk, Equilibrium Catalyst, Inc.