ENEOS Corporation (ENEOS) and Preferred Networks, Inc. (PFN)
announced that they started continuous autonomous operation of an atmospheric
distillation unit for processing crude oil in January 2024.The atmospheric distillation
unit currently operated autonomously with an AI system is located in the ENEOS
Kawasaki Refinery.
Jointly developed by ENEOS and PFN, the AI system automates large -scale,
complex operations of oil refinery plants that required human operators with years of
experience. Since 2018, ENEOS and PFN have been co-developing AI systems for
improving safety and stability of plant operations by reducing dependence on
technicians’ varying skill levels.
With 24 key operational factors to control and as many as 930 sensors to
monitor, the atmospheric distillation unit especially requires a high
level of skills and experience. AI-based, continuous autonomous operation of an
atmospheric distillation unit is the world’s first, according to a consulting firm
Globe-ing Inc.
The AI system for the atmospheric distillation unit continuously monitors 24 key
operational factors and adjusts 13 valves at the same time to stabilize fluctuations
resulting from crude oil switching as well as changes in crude oil throughput.
The AI system has demonstrated higher stability and efficiency compared with manual
operations.
ENEOS and PFN plan to deploy the co-developed AI systems to other ENEOS refineries
and later provide them as a packaged solution to external parties as well.
Through this collaboration, ENEOS and PFN will also support the United Nations’
Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 9 (“Build resilient infrastructure,
promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”).
