Overview

Traditional APC deployment in ammonia plants often results in overly complete models that are difficult for operator to manage and may cause model calculation issue. This paper presents a streamline approach that utilised Advanced Regulatory Control (ARC) to handle primary stabilisation tasks within reforming section and ability to handle fast-acting disturbances.

By managing these critical loops as such steam to carbon ratio and reformer outlet temperature at regulatory level, the overlying APC design is simplified and computational burden reduced. The results highlight a design that balance advanced optimisation with operational simplicity, reduces engineering effort for commissioning while delivering measurement improvement in specification energy consumption and allowing the plant to push production limit safely.

Speakers

Normaya binti Shabudin, Manager in digital team, PETRONAS Chemicals Fertiliser Sabah Sdn Bhd

Normaya joined PETRONAS in 2007 as an executive, process control, and has since specialised in Advanced Process Control (APC) implementation and Base Layer (PID) controller assessment and improvement across PETRONAS assets, including gas plants, petrochemical plants, and upstream facilities.

Normaya led the PETRONAS Predictive Emission Monitoring System (PEMS) implementation and sustenance program, which is recognized by the Department of Environment (DOE) Malaysia. Through this program, PETRONAS Technical Services Sdn Bhd (PTSSB) is a registered PEMS Consultant in Malaysia. She was promoted to Staff Engineer (APC) in 2021.

In January 2026, Normaya transitioned to the PETRONAS Digital team as Manager, Digital Production Optimisation, where she leads digital-enabled production optimisation across PETRONAS assets by integrating APC, analytics, and AI to deliver operational efficiency, reliability, and sustainable value.

Godwin Lim Kah Soon, Advanced Process Control Engineer, PETRONAS Chemicals Fertiliser Sabah Sdn Bhd

Godwin Lim Kah Soon is an advanced process control engineer at Petronas Chemicals Fertiliser Sabah Sdn. Bhd., supporting the ammonia plant in process optimisation, advanced process control development, and plant base layer control management.

With a foundation as a process and simulations engineer, he brings strong experience in engineering design and process automation. He previously contributed to multidisciplinary offshore and onshore projects at Synergy Engineering, covering conceptual, FEED, and detailed design, as well as specialised studies such as flow assurance, transient simulation, firewater analysis, and water hammer assessments.

He is skilled in HYSYS, OLGA, and Pipesim, and is committed to advancing innovative and sustainable engineering solutions.

The material presented has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenter’s own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the CAPE Special Interest Group. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.

Time

09:00–10:00 GMT.

Software

The presentation will be delivered via Microsoft Teams. We recommend downloading the app from the Microsoft website, rather than using the web portal.