Honeywell partnered with TotalEnergies to pilot its AI-assisted Experion Operations Assistant at the Port Arthur Refinery. The initiative empowers operators to make timely, informed decisions while laying the groundwork for enhanced operational autonomy in refinery operations.
Transforming Control Room Operations with AI
Built on Honeywell’s flagship distributed control system, the Experion Operations Assistant uses advanced AI to transform plant monitoring. By combining operational analytics with real-time predictive insights, the solution enables a more efficient workflow in critical refinery processes.
With AI integration, operators can:
- Forecast potential maintenance events before they occur
- Minimize risks linked to unsafe operations
- Reduce production downtime and losses
This predictive capability ensures that operators are proactively equipped to maintain safe and efficient refinery performance.
Early Pilot Success at Port Arthur
TotalEnergies implemented an initial pilot of Experion Operations Assistant at the Delayed Coking Unit (DCU) of its Port Arthur Refinery. Early results demonstrate that the AI solution forecasted five potential events, helping to minimize downtime and reduce emissions from flaring. On average, predictions were made 12 minutes before alarm incidents, giving operators valuable time to take corrective action and prevent disruptions.
Leadership Perspectives
Raphael Duflos, VP and General Manager of TotalEnergies’ Port Arthur Platform, stated, “Partnering with Honeywell at our Port Arthur Refinery is a key step toward operational excellence. We believe this solution can enhance safety, reduce downtime, and minimize product losses.”
Jim Masso, President and CEO of Honeywell Process Solutions, added, “Honeywell’s expertise helps solve customers’ toughest challenges with solutions like Experion Operations Assistant. This pilot with TotalEnergies bridges the gap between autonomous technology and operators, enabling safer, more efficient operations.”
Driving Industrial Autonomy and Efficiency
Located in Southeast Texas near the Gulf Coast, TotalEnergies’ Port Arthur Platform refines crude oil into transportation fuels and produces petrochemicals used in plastics, rubber, and pharmaceuticals. As per the press release, the pilot reflects a successful collaboration between Honeywell, TotalEnergies’ Port Arthur Platform, and its technology headquarters OneTech, demonstrating the potential of AI-assisted systems to increase efficiency, safety, and sustainability in industrial operations.
