Gunvor refinery completes modernization project with Implico
HAMBURG/INGOLSTADT — Software and consulting company Implico announced the successful completion of a major modernization project for loading processes at the Gunvor refinery in Ingolstadt. Field equipment for tank truck filling was replaced on all 12 loading bays. Work on the project was completed early this year.
As things stood, Gunvor had no option but to go ahead with replacing the hardware, since the loading master—i.e. the computer that controls pumps and valves during tank truck loading—no longer met the latest technical standards. Some of the field gear on the loading bays also needed replacing with newer equipment. To minimize the impact on company business, Gunvor decided to complete the work with the refinery in normal operation.
The technically and logistically challenging project began in early 2016. As a first step, Implico installed a new OpenTAS system to work alongside the existing one. One loading bay after another could then switch to the new system. On the software side, Implico’s downstream experts decoupled each loading bay to be moved from the legacy system. Once the equipment had been replaced on the loading bay by the services provider Actemium, Implico then integrated the platform into the new system.
“We also took the opportunity to replace the old interfaces,” said Volkmar Lindner-Billiau, Senior Consultant Oil & Gas at Implico. “Gunvor now uses the latest XML format for data exchange and will benefit from smooth and seamless data communications in the long run.”
In addition to the production system, Implico also set up development and acceptance systems during the migration period. This allowed the software company’s developers to test the nuts and bolts of the new functions beforehand and verify compatibility for hardware and software components.
Comments