ENEOS announces AI-based autonomous crude oil processing

Japanese company ENEOS Corporation (ENEOS) and Preferred Networks, Inc. (PFN) have announced that they started continuous autonomous operation of an atmospheric distillation unit for processing crude oil in January 2024. The atmospheric distillation unit currently operated autonomously with an AI system is located in the ENEOS Kawasaki Refinery.

Jointly developed by ENEOS and PFN, the AI system automates large-scale, complex operations of oil refinery plants that normally require human operators with years of experience. Since 2018, ENEOS and PFN have been co-developing AI systems for improving the safety and stability of plant operations by reducing dependence on technicians’ varying skill levels.

With 24 key operational factors to control and as many as 930 sensors to monitor, the atmospheric distillation unit especially requires a high level of skills and experience. AI-based, continuous autonomous operation of an atmospheric distillation unit is the world’s first, according to consulting firm Globe-ing Inc.

The AI system for the atmospheric distillation unit continuously monitors 24 key operational factors and adjusts 13 valves at the same time to stabilise fluctuations resulting from crude oil switching as well as changes in crude oil throughput. The AI system has demonstrated higher stability and efficiency compared with manual operations.

ENEOS and PFN plan to deploy the co-developed AI systems to other ENEOS refineries and later provide them as a packaged solution to external parties as well.

The announcement follows a previous announcement of the AI-based automation of a butadiene extraction unit at the same refinery, which has been operating since January 2023.