Emerson and Aramco deploy scalable AI solution for higher refinery yields and efficiencies
Emerson has announced the successful deployment of a globally scalable AI-driven optimisation solution for Aramco.
The collaboration between the automation leader and one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies is designed to measurably improve planning and operational efficiency across global refining operations.
Advancing accuracy
The project commenced with the integration of Emerson’s Aspen Hybrid Models into Aramco’s existing refinery planning framework, resulting in the creation of one of the world’s largest multi-site, multi-period optimisation models.
Emerson explained that by combining first-principles models, deep domain expertise, and purpose-built industrial AI, Aspen Hybrid Models capture nonlinear relationships in yield and quality responses, significantly enhancing the accuracy of refinery planning models.
The deployment has already achieved yield and quality prediction accuracy of up to 98.5% in key refinery units.
Refining gains
The hybrid AI models are implemented in Continuous Catalyst Regeneration (CCR) and Platformer Units, allowing precise feedstock blending, reducing discrepancies between planning and execution, and improving margin forecasting across Aramco’s refining network.
Current efforts are focused on expanding the hybrid modelling to hydrocracker units across Aramco assets. This expansion is expected to further enhance model accuracy and demonstrate the scalability and robustness of this AI-driven optimisation strategy across the enterprise.
Ahmad Alkudmani, Director of the Global Optimiser Department at Aramco, said the deployment represented a significant milestone in Aramco’s AI strategy and its long-standing relationship with Emerson.
“We are committed to leveraging innovative technologies for smarter, more efficient refining optimisation,” he commented.
“With improved model accuracy, we are enhancing planning decisions, reducing the manual adjustments required from our engineers, and uncovering new value across our global assets.”
Scalable benefits
Among the key benefits, Aramco seeks to substantially raise yield volume and improve stream quality across varied feedstocks, conditions, and throughputs; and diversify feedstock selection and blending to enable more profitable, sustainable operations.
Aramco is using Aspen Hybrid Models built and deployed in Emerson’s AspenTech Performance Engineering and Manufacturing and Supply Chain product suites.
Claudio Fayad, Chief Technology Officer of Emerson’s Aspen Technology business, added: “This deployment of AI-driven Aspen Hybrid Models to optimise complex, multi-site, multi-period planning workflows demonstrates the tangible value of combining deep domain expertise with advanced AI.”
