An APC Program for Braskem

The development and support of Advanced Process Control (APC) technologies became a competitive way to qualify and leverage Braskem operational results. Multivariable predictive controllers are widely spread in the ethylene and polymers facilities. More recently, the APC term is also applied for advanced regulatory controls and virtual analyzers. In order to transform new opportunities into projects and guarantee the sustain value of all existing applications, an APC corporative program has became crucial. The program was designed to lead to operational, financial and control benefits for the next five years rather than the pure execution of independent projects. Tangible and intangible results were considered.

This paper will present the history of the company applications, the methodology to identify opportunities based on optimization gaps, the general strategy of the program, including best practices for sustain value. Standards, documentations and key performance indicators will also be covered, as well as rules and responsibilities of stakeholders.