ABB to modernise oil refinery07 August 2019

ABB has won a multi-million-dollar order to modernise a major oil refinery in Kazakhstan.




The technology provider will leverage ABB Ability, the company’s cross digital offering, in delivering solutions to modernise the Shymkent oil refinery.

Sensors, data and advanced analytics will monitor and assess the real-time health of the plant’s assets, with operator PetroKazakhstan Oil Products (PKOP) to gain real-time insights into its assets and production processes.

At Shymkent oil refinery, digital transformation is expected to increase productivity and lower operational costs, with operators empowered to make better informed decisions based on accurate and live data and reporting.

“With our leading technologies and deep-domain knowledge, we can help operators across the energy industry move forward confidently towards digital transformation,” says Kevin Kosisko, MD of ABB Energy Industries. “ABB is uniquely positioned to drive and support the digital transformation of the chemical and refining industry in Kazakhstan, and it is exciting to contribute to the modernisation of Shymkent oil refinery.”

Using ABB Ability Asset Performance Management solutions, the company’s maintenance strategy will progress from an hourly-based maintenance system to prescriptive-based maintenance. ABB will extend the current maintenance annual turnaround intervals at the refinery to a three-year plan. This will be achieved through early identification of when assets might need repair or replacement.

ABB will also provide a business consultancy service to PKOP to support the lifecycle of the project and promote culture change in adopting digital practices at the plant. This will include assessing current work processes, leveraging opportunities to increase efficiency and resilience, recommending improvements and providing expert training.

The order win is against a wider backdrop, as the government-led ‘Digital Kazakhstan’ programme focuses on accelerating growth and elevating economic sectors, including the oil, gas and chemicals industry throughout the Republic through digitalisation.

Adam Offord

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