Enhancing PDH  Plant Performance with Real-Time  Dynamic  Simulation Models 

Author(s)
Paula Ventura, Oriol Mir, and Jose Maria Ferrer (Inprocess)

Congress
Aspen Tech User Group Meeting, Optimize 2026

Abstract/Summary
High-fidelity Aspen HYSYS Dynamics models of the three major distillation columns of a Propane Dehydrogenation (PHD) plant were transformed into an online digital twin, connected to plant data every 2-3 seconds and running for more than a year. Discover how the twin provides virtual sensors, analyzer backup, flowmeter corrections, instrument anomaly detection, flooding analysis and product quality verification. It has also been extended to rotating equipment, exchangers, and emissions KPIs, delivering measurable reliability, energy, and quality benefits.

Enhancing PDH Plant Performance with Real-Time Dynamic Simulation Models