Abstract
Research Overview
Process Optimization and Environmental Directives in Refining- A winning Strategy
Low refining margins and a high oil prices have prompted refining companies to
implement process optimization programs aimed at improving refining
performance. This is expected to drive the market for DCS revenues over the
forecast period. To refining companies operating on a global basis, process
standardization is becoming increasingly important, as this will allow
refining companies to manage their operations more efficiently. The Royal
Dutch Shell Group currently has a program in place aimed at better management
of its refining assets and as part of this program, a review of all its
refineries is expected to have been taken place by 2008.
Process optimization will also aim at improving energy efficiency and meet
legislation on sulphur content of oil and gas. The first draft of legislation
on reduced sulphur levels came into force in 2003, prompting most European
refineries to upgrade production processes to meet the new requirements.
Although European refineries have been adapted to meet latest requirements on
sulphur levels, work to prepare refining units from even more stringent
legislation in 2009, is expected to drive investment in further process
upgrades also prompting DCS upgrades.
Investment in LNG Infrastructure
Demand for natural gas is expected to increase over the forecast period as the
European power generation sector increasingly turns to gas as its main fuel
source. The environmental qualities of natural gas over other fossil fuels are
also driving growth. LNG is expected to increase its share of total amount of
natural gas supplied; however, as the future growth in supply is likely to
come from outside Europe, a number of new import terminals are planned over
the forecast period. Five new terminals have recently been approved in France,
Italy and Spain. An additional 17 LNG import terminals have been proposed to
be constructed in Italy (9 terminals), United Kingdom and Turkey (2
terminals), France, Germany, Netherlands, and Poland (1 terminal). Investment
in the LNG infrastructure will have a positive impact on the market, for DCS
in particular, because LNG terminals imply a large and complex process
environment similar to refineries, and therefore are particularly suitable for
DCS systems.
Advanced Features Key to Success
Some of the recent ACS solutions, which have attained a better growth rate in
the past couple of years, are equipped with advanced features which makes them
more sought after in comparison to other traditional ACS solutions used. One
of the features is the openness of the solution which enables better
distribution of information and provides remote login access. The need for
product automation has led to more advanced / upgraded solutions, which is
observed in the form of higher versions of the software release and which is
more quality conscious. The higher demand and higher productivity has yielded
to higher automation and increased the competition to a greater extent.
Hence the new versions of the products which have come up from different
companies who follow their own strategy for product upgradation has resulted
in lowering of prices and initiated cost competition amongst them.
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