MiMiC simulation software for Motiva Norco

Motiva has implemented the Mynah Technologies MiMiC simulation software and Emerson DeltaV Simulate for multiple refinery operator training systems at Norco in Louisiana, to save time and money

Motiva Enterprises, a joint venture between Shell Oil Company and Saudi Refining, is in the process of implementing the Mynah Technologies MiMiC Process Simulation Software and Emerson DeltaV Simulate for the operator training platform for seven key process units.

These units are undergoing re-instrumentation including the upgrade to an Emerson DeltaV digital process control system over two years.

The work on the hydrocracker, hydrogen plant, and diesel hydrotreater has been successfully completed.

Current installations include the catalytic reformers, naphtha hydrotreater, and coker at the Norco, Louisiana refinery.

The process simulation and operator training systems are being implemented by a team that includes technical resources from Emerson Process Management, Motiva, GAP Engineering (the Emerson local business partner), J.H Carter and Company, and Mynah Technologies.

Mike Homma, one of the engineers on the project, found out that "Using MiMiC saves time just by how closely it works with DeltaV".

Homma remarked that because the refinery needs to stay on-line and profitable, they have aggressive time-lines for implementing new systems and software.

The previous simulation vendor was not able to deliver within the Motiva time frame, so Motiva picked Mynah Technologies, who could deliver on time.

Mynah was successfully able to meet the requirements for the implementation.

Homma added, "The other products cost three times as much and would have taken five times as long to implement".

Emerson DeltaV Simulate will provide an identical replica of the installed control system environment while the MiMiC Process Simulation Software provides non-intrusive, dynamic models of the process units and IO signals.

An integrated Triconex Tristation provides full emulation of the Safety Instrumented System while the MiMiC Software provides simulation of the IO signals terminated at the SIS in the field.

The MIMIC operator training module will also be used to provide structured operator training sessions with pre-scripted process scenarios and events.

When used with Emerson DeltaV SimulatePro, it will also provide quick and complete freeze, save, and restore of control system and process snapshots.

Todd Anstine, Director of Operations at Mynah, noted: "The refining industry has long recognized the value of process simulation".

"The combination of DeltaV Simulate and MiMiC allows refiners like Motiva to implement world-class operator training solutions for less time and money".

Back to top