BASF's Styrene Catalyst Industry 4.0 Solution for Shinpu Chemicals

StyroSimTM, a styrene catalyst Industry 4.0 solution launched by BASF, has been successfully applied in the styrene plant of Xinpu Chemical recently, realizing the simulation optimization of operating conditions, big data analysis, system automatic data transmission and other functions, effectively improving the efficiency of production operation and maintenance.

As the inventor of styrene catalysts and styrene industrial production processes, BASF is committed to the innovation and research and development of catalyst products and services. Since 2018, BASF has taken the lead in exploring the application of Industry 4.0 in the field of styrene catalysts. Based on the actual catalyst operating experience accumulated over decades, by matching appropriate machine learning models, and applying technologies such as big data analysis, predict the styrene selectivity and the required conversion to achieve the target conversion under different operating conditions. Operating temperature, StyroSimTM aims to provide customers with more accurate operating adjustment guidance and catalyst performance prediction.

In February 2022, StyroSimTM was officially launched at Xinpu Chemical, which is also the first successful application of the Industry 4.0 solution in a domestic styrene plant. The device can independently use the simulator to adjust the operating conditions under different production goals, thereby greatly reducing the probability of trial and error based on personal experience, and realizing precise adjustment of the working conditions.

In addition, StyroSimTM covers the automatic online transmission function of data, which optimizes the tedious process required for data analysis in the past and greatly improves the timeliness of data. The operating data and analysis data of the product are encrypted and automatically pushed to the BASF server, which facilitates real-time monitoring of catalyst performance. The data push mechanism and security verification measures also ensure the security of client device data. At the same time, StyroSimTM also has an online interaction function, which is convenient for both parties to communicate in a timely manner.

Xinpu Chemical has been using BASF's styrene catalyst since it was put into production. Regarding this digital application, Li Jian, manager of the styrene plant of Xinpu Chemical, said: "The online operation of StyroSimTM has been through the joint efforts of experts from both parties. While improving operational accuracy, work efficiency will be greatly improved. I believe that the long-term benefits brought by this digital solution will help us better respond to today’s changing market environment.”

Dr. Wei Guohui, Global Vice President of BASF Chemical Catalysts, pointed out, "BASF's styrene catalysts are favored by major chemical companies around the world for their excellent product stability and professional technical services. Today, StyroSimTM is an innovative solution that is successful. Landed in China, with digitalization combined with technical expertise, we will help more local customers maximize economic benefits. I also look forward to the possibility of expanding this solution to other products and creating wider value for customers.”