Aromatics Oman LLC (AOL) has selected Axens to build an operator training simulator (OTS), a process operations simulator (POS), and an LP optimization program for its ParamaX™ complex which will produce paraxylene and benzene. This award follows the selection of the ParamaX technology for high purity paraxylene production at Sohar aromatics complex, which is scheduled for a third quarter 2008 start-up.

The OTS will dynamically reproduce different phases of the plant’s operation, including start-ups and shutdowns through normal operation and emergency situations. POS and LP will allow plant engineers to perform what-if studies and to optimize ParamaX operating costs taking into account variations in feed characteristics, feed and utility costs, and final product prices.

Axens’ Performance Programs group will execute the project using powerful computational resources including an extensive database of chemical reaction kinetics and thermodynamics.

Aromatics Oman LLC
Aromatics Oman LLC was established in July 2005 by Oman Oil Company S.A.O.C. (OOC), which owns 60% of the company’s share capital. Oman Refinery Company (ORC) owns a 20% share and LG International owns the remaining 20% share. Both OOC and ORC are owned by the government of Oman. The petrochemical complex will produce over 1 million tons per annum of paraxylene and benzene.