The enabling technologies for digitalization in the chemical process industry

Abstract

In this paper, we provide an overview of the technologies that enable digitalization in the chemical process industry and describe their applications to solve problems in industrial settings. This is done through the identification and categorization of these technologies, thereby providing structure to an otherwise loosely connected basket of technologies and casting a spotlight on state-of-the-art technologies that offer great potential but are still underutilized in industrial applications. Furthermore, we identify the problem domains that characterize the chemical process industry and connect them to development aspects in the industry that lend themselves to digital solutions. For each of these connections, we select the technologies most essential to bridging the gap between problem and solution. This allows practitioners to better understand the relevancy of digitalization to their problems and provides a starting point for further investigation of potential solutions. The connections are substantiated by reference to successful industrial applications, highlighting previous works that have been published in the field. They are further verified by industry experts through brainstorm sessions, interviews, and a workshop.

Keywords

• Digitalization
• Chemical process industry
• Enabling technology