January 2020
Process Optimization
RAM analysis for refinery process design optimization
RAM refers to reliability, availability and maintainability analysis. The RAM model uses discrete event simulation (DES) software and provides a quantitative assessment of the performance of an industrial plant. This article discusses the use of RAM analysis on petroleum refinery projects to select an optimum process configuration and associated storage requirements.
The Authors
Shamim A. Gandhi is a Process Engineering Manager with Fluor Enterprises Inc. He has more than 35 yr of experience in front-end process engineering and process design of petroleum refineries and gas processing plants. He holds an MS degree in chemical engineering from the University of California at Berkeley and is a registered Professional Engineer in California.
Harry Kortnicki is a Reliability/Logistics Engineer with Fluor Enterprises Inc. Mr. Kortnicki has more than 42 yr of experience in reliability, availability and maintainability analysis, logistics and mechanical engineering. He holds a BS degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado and an MS degree in engineering from the University of California at Los Angeles, and is a registered Professional Engineer in California.
Krish K. Nangia is a Process Technology Director/Senior Fellow with Fluor Enterprises Inc. He has more than 40 yr of experience in petroleum refining, gas processing and petrochemical projects. Dr. Nangia holds a BS degree in chemical engineering from Delhi University and a PhD from McGill University. He is a registered PE in California.
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