Case Study: Braskem achieves 20% energy reduction and reduced process variability with Aspen Technology's Aspen DMC3™

Braskem Implements Aspen DMC3 to Deploy Controllers in Just Two Weeks and Immediately Accrues Benefits

Braskem, a global petrochemical leader, faced variability in product quality, high energy and utility costs, excess reflux in distillation columns, and limited internal advanced process control (APC) resources. To address these challenges, Braskem partnered with Aspen Technology and deployed Aspen DMC3 adaptive APC on cold-end units of an ethylene site.

Aspen Technology implemented Aspen DMC3’s Adaptive Process Control, allowing rapid controller deployment (controllers started accruing benefits in about two weeks and each column was completed in ~2 months) using Braskem’s existing team of three engineers. The solution cut energy use by 20% per ton of ethylene, reduced reflux by roughly 4–10% across key columns, delivered large gains in top composition (e.g., deethanizer top composition increased 4.8×), saved about six months versus traditional APC rollout, and earned two internal awards for Braskem.

Braskem

Livia Tizzo

Process Control and Automation Engineer