Successful development of the HF alkylation unit process model for BP Kwinana Refinery, which this year celebrates its 50th year of operation, has delivered a competitive advantage to one of the most innovative refineries in the southern hemisphere.

“At IGL, we are firm believers in the need to see a clear economic benefit when undertaking dynamic modelling, as the studies are invariably complex and time consuming, so we’re very pleased with the outcome for BP,” IGL managing director Ashley Moffat said.

BP has invested heavily to upgrade the process plant and technology at the multi-award-winning Kwinana refinery, which supplies most of Western Australia’s fuel needs, including BP Ultimate, the best fuel BP has ever had.

“This year, BP is celebrating 50 years of fuelling WA from its refinery in Kwinana,” BP Australia spokesman Peter Metcalfe said.

“We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the help and support of companies like IGL, which delivered a breakthrough for the refinery in the dynamic modelling of our HF Alkylation Process.”

In developing the process model, IGL’s Perth-based Dynamic Simulation specialists have also delivered to BP a significantly increased understanding of the very complex process the Kwinana Refinery’s HF alkylation unit fulfils.

“This project provides BP with a platform for further improving efficiencies at Western Australia’s one and only refinery, as it offers opportunities for advanced control, unit optimisation and minimisation of hazardous inventory in the alkylation unit,” IGL Consultant Engineer Dr Larry Narraway said.

IGL managing director Ashley Moffat said: “Modelling of the BP HF alkylation unit presented a significant challenge for the IGL Dynamic Simulation Team, as no such task had successfully been undertaken anywhere in the world.”

“Ultimately, BP deemed the model to be a rigorous and accurate representation of the HF alkylation unit on conclusion of model development and testing,” he said.

IGL Oil & Gas Consultants’ breakthrough has since progressed control scheme

development at BP Kwinana, where application of the HF Alkylation process model for process and control troubleshooting and optimisation, as well as operator training, is now also envisioned.

Successful execution of several dynamic simulation projects for Perth- and Kuala Lumpur-based oil and gas majors by the Dynamic Simulation Team prompted BP to seek IGL Oil & Gas Consultants’ expertise in modelling the BP HF Alkylation process.

“Exceeding expectations develops the trust that allows IGL to continue adding value to our clients’ operations on tight fiscal terms,” Ashley Moffat said.

“IGL continues to provide BP and other oil and gas majors with expertise in dynamic simulation and our breakthrough for the Kwinana refinery is expected to deliver still more relationship-building opportunities.”