KBC (A Yokogawa Company) announced the release of Petro-SIM® v7.6, the latest version of its industry-leading digital twin process simulation platform. Designed for both upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors—including refining, petrochemicals, polymers, and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)—the new release pushes the boundaries of process optimization, digitalization, and low-carbon operations.
Advancing Digital Twin Capabilities with AI and Hybrid Modelling
Building on its robust digital twin foundation, Petro-SIM v7.6 introduces powerful enhancements in first-principles and hybrid modeling, now seamlessly integrated with artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML). The advanced fusion enables engineers, operators, and business leaders to optimize plant performance, enhance decision-making, and accelerate the journey toward profitability and sustainability. “Any miscalculation in product quality or properties directly impacts production planning, energy use, and profitability. In a volatile market, process optimization is no longer optional,” informed Rodolfo Tellez-Schmill, Product Champion for Petro-SIM.
Driving Efficiency and Emissions Reduction
The new capabilities in Petro-SIM v7.6 enable operators to explore low-carbon pathways with greater confidence and agility. Developed by KBC, the platform improves process workflows and modeling accuracy, helping reduce energy waste and production losses—critical contributors to the 5.1 gigatonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions from global oil and gas operations each year, according to the 2023 IEA World Energy Outlook Report.
Whether optimizing traditional crude refining or simulating emerging renewable processes, Petro-SIM v7.6 supports more efficient, reliable, and lower-emission operations, including:
*Renewable fuel production
*Plastic waste-to-polymer circular economy processes
*Bio-oil co-processing
*What’s New in Petro-SIM v7.6: Key Features and Enhancements
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FTR-SIM: Advanced SAF Production Modeling
A new Fischer-Tropsch reactor model (FTR-SIM) delivers kinetic-based simulation for SAF production. Users can now model and optimize FT synthesis and downstream hydroprocessing, creating a complete digital twin of the sustainable fuel value chain.
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NOMAD Solver: Smarter Optimization Engine
The newly integrated NOMAD solver tackles complex blackbox optimization challenges. It enhances energy efficiency, streamlines production planning, and directly contributes to emissions reduction.
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AI/ML Integration for Predictive Power
Petro-SIM v7.6 enables users to combine AI/ML models with physics-based simulations for more accurate predictions, faster optimizations, and improved real-time decision-making across planning and scheduling workflows.
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Next-Gen Polymer Modeling with Predici
With Predici-powered enhancements, users can simulate polymer properties, optimize grade transitions, and analyze catalyst performance. This enables dynamic production digital twins that minimize downtime and reduce off-spec production.
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Renewables and Hydroprocessing Enhancements
Significant upgrades in kinetic modeling for renewable feedstocks support better simulation of hydrotreating, hydrocracking, and isomerization. These enhancements improve reactor performance and cut solving times by up to 30% through improved modeling of liquid recycling and gas quenching.
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FCC-SIM: Co-Processing with Bio-Oils
Improvements in FCC-SIM include enhanced oxygen balance modeling and better inert load assessment during bio-oil co-processing. These updates help operators control emissions and maintain product quality more effectively.
As per the press release, KBC continues to empower energy operators with Petro-SIM v7.6. The platform helps balance efficiency, profitability, and environmental responsibility in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
