Operations Analysis
Optimisation Systems Development
Decision-Support Applications
- Crude oil evaluations and netback calculation monitoring
- Integrated production planning systems and plant operations scheduling
- Hydrocarbon product evaluations, petrochemical evaluations, market opportunity analysis tools
- Live trading data and information interfaces (Energy futures, NYMEX)
- Strategic marketing, hedging and trading applications
Refinery / Petrochemicals Modelling
- Linear programming (LP) systems development - including regional models
- System upgrades, development and new system installations
- Flowsheet modelling, on-screen optimisation models, easy-to-use interface developments
- Process unit modelling, blending value correlation work, new specifications, new products
- Refinery / petrochemical derivatives integration modelling, multiple feed / operating modes
Management Systems Analysis
- Site surveys, IT systems, integration and infrastructure reviews
- Functional design, software implementation, performance and acceptance tests
- Use of mathematical tools for refinery yield balancing and accounting applications
- Interfaces to LP systems, simulation models and 3rd party scheduling systems
- Impact of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Supply Chain Management (SCM) projects and implications for integrating production planning, automation, scheduling and management accounting systems
Supply Chain Optimisation
- Services offered for project development of decision-support & optimisation systems across the entire manufacturing and supply chain, from trading systems through to production planning & scheduling tools and plant APC applications
- Supply chain management, supply chain planning and scheduling systems analysis, including IT infrastructure review, rationalisation of existing planning tools, and development of advanced planning & scheduling solutions
- Audits offered to establish current business economic drivers used for optimisation strategies
- Analysis provided of actual implementation of "optimum" plan highlighting supply, logistical and scheduling issues which inhibit optimisation efforts
- Expertise and skills for Business Process Studies across different departments and groups in the supply chain to ensure procedures and workflows align with new technology
- Change Management services for processes and methods to successfully introduce new technology
Strategic Studies / Audits
Services offered
- Organisational re-structuring, change operations and transformation studies
- Market requirements and strategic planning studies offered using Protos regional models
- Impact of new product specifications, potential plant bottlenecks, processing restrictions, review of new investment options, acquisitions, audits and due diligence services
- Studies undertaken to evaluate hidden quality giveaway using Protos methodology
- Evaluation of opportunities for upgraded and new processing facilities, imports of blending components and development of custom products for niche markets
- Solutions and recommendations to meet future product quality requirements
Blending modelling services
- New product grades analysed and evaluated using client-specific blending value correlations or standard industry methodologies (eg interaction coefficients, blending numbers, etc)
- Laboratory studies prepared for determining blending values, correlations, blending synergies for new components, including co-ordination with laboratory personnel
- Models developed for estimates of product quality differentials, manufacturing and logistical costs
- Market requirement and strategic planning studies offered using Protos regional gasoline blending models
Deliverables
Executive summary reports prepared for study results, including solutions and options available.
Economic evaluations utilise published market pricing information and differentials, and include freight, shipping & refinery operating costs, as well as estimates of storage costs, and other holding costs involved in product terminaling and distribution.
Protos Revenue Improvement Survey
Protos Consulting has developed a Revenue Improvement Survey methodology which offers clients an independent review of business operations. The goal of the Survey is to uncover synergies and opportunities to increase Gross Margin.
The Revenue Improvement Survey is carried out for oil refineries, petrochemical plants, shipping terminals and product blending facilities. The Survey approach is also applicable to gas processing plants, NGL recovery and minerals processing facilities. The Revenue Improvement methodology can also be used to improve the performance of biomass, bio-refinery and renewable energy generation facilities.
The Survey Focus is on 4 key operational areas where change can bring significant improvements to Gross Margin :
- Plant feedstock selection and scheduling (logistics)
- Plant operating modes / rundown routings / storage strategy
- Product formulation / product blending optimisation
- Scheduling / distribution and shipping
The Survey Methodology
- Considers special circumstances facing the organisation
- Evaluates business environment / market opportunities
- Identifies supply & distribution constraints / restrictions
- Assesses current plans / interactions with the marketplace
- Evaluates new legislation and taxation impacts
The Survey Analysis includes a review of IT infrastructure and the decision-support systems and software currently in use for selecting feedstocks, operating modes, product routings, product blending formulations and schedules.
In-house modelling tools used for analysis:
- Feedstock valuation / product blending optimisation
- Hidden product quality giveaway / blend synergies
- Alternative operating modes / processing options
- Alternative scheduling opportunities
Project execution
A survey typically requires a two week on-site visit to gather information and conduct brief interviews with key decision-makers in operations, planning, trading, supply, marketing, and sales & distribution.
A further 15 days are required for analysis, modelling and preparation of a summary report highlighting opportunities for revenue improvement. In addition the survey provides an action plan to improve supply chain management and facilitate supply chain optimisation initiatives.
The Revenue Improvement Survey also includes a quantification of improvements to Gross Margin and a global perspective ensures the survey provides comparisons for trends and insights on future developments.
Deliverables:
The Survey Summary Report is normally delivered within 6 weeks of the on-site visits. Improvement items are identified with examples given of more profitable operations.
Typical Summary Report:
Part 1: Feedstock Selection
- Feedstock supply and market opportunities
- Feedstock synergies / potential for blocked operations
- Composite crude / other feedstock possibilities
- Inventory levels, scheduling and supply recommendations
Part 2: Sales and Product Blending
- Current blends, blend formulations and hidden giveaway analysis
- Potential for yield improvement, new product formulations and component routings
- New market opportunities, developments and product possibilities
- Alternatives for optimising blend scheduling / tank farm operations
For more information, contact Protos Consulting International.
