2025 Spring Meeting and 21st Global Congress on Process Safety

(103b) Industrial Iot (IIoT) Enhancing Operations in Refinery Processing

Author

Gaya Dandekar - Presenter, University of Toronto
Industrial IoT (IIoT) is significantly enhancing operations in refinery processing plants by providing a range of advanced capabilities. One of the primary benefits is real-time monitoring and control, where IIoT sensors continuously gather data on critical parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates. This enables operators to make real-time adjustments that optimize performance and safety. Additionally, predictive maintenance capabilities allow for the analysis of equipment data, helping to foresee maintenance needs, thus reducing unplanned downtime and extending machinery lifespan. Asset tracking and management are streamlined with IIoT, allowing real-time monitoring of critical assets, improving inventory management, and minimizing losses. Enhanced quality control is achieved through sensors that monitor the quality of feedstock and final products, ensuring specifications are met and reducing the risk of off-spec outputs. Data analytics contribute to process optimization by identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies, ultimately improving throughput and yield. Lastly, IIoT enables remote monitoring and operations, allowing operators to manage processes and respond to issues from a distance, which is particularly advantageous in hazardous environments. Overall, the integration of IIoT in refinery processing plants not only enhances operational efficiency and safety but also aligns with the industry's shift towards more sustainable practices.