On the morning of May 19, 2026, Sinopec's Engineering Department convened a special meeting at the Jinshan Hotel in Shanghai. In the afternoon, delegates from the Engineering Department, Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Company, Sinopec Engineering Incorporation (SEI), Sinopec Guangzhou Engineering Co., Ltd., and Sinopec Ningbo Engineering Co., Ltd. visited SimTech for an on-site inspection and technical exchange.
Special Session Focused on Flare System Optimization
The morning meeting centered on the flare system optimization for the comprehensive technical transformation and upgrading project at Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical. As the first pilot case implementing the relevant guidelines, the flare system optimization for this project was undertaken by SimTech. SimTech's flare system optimization approach is built on a rigorous scientific foundation of relief analysis, employing dynamic relief studies and HIPS (High-Integrity Pressure Protection Systems) to reduce flare loads at the source. The project involved systematic calculation and optimization of relief loads across existing units, as well as new and revamped facilities. It identified and addressed risks in the existing flare system and proposed a plant-wide optimization strategy. Key outcomes included enabling new units to rely on the existing flare system, reducing both the diameter and number of new flare headers, allowing hydrocarbon flare gas to be routed through existing flare infrastructure, and shrinking the flare radiation exclusion zone. Additionally, simulation models for the production units were delivered, forming a core data asset for the digital plant.
On-Site Visit to SimTech for Process Twin Technology Demonstration
Following the morning session, the delegation visited SimTech in the afternoon. Mr. Qin Yunfeng, General Manager of SimTech, began by providing an overview of the company. He then highlighted the "full-lifecycle process twin" solution and relief analysis technologies.
The technical team proceeded to demonstrate SimTech's independently developed Simulation Suite in sequence — from steady-state simulation to dynamic simulation, online optimization, and operator training systems. Each step was projected live on the main screen, allowing delegates to engage in real-time exchanges with the technical team and observe the software's responsiveness under various operating conditions. The delegates' questions were highly practical, focusing on convergence speed, model accuracy, and other performance metrics.
The demonstration was followed by a showcase of SimTech Intelligence — an AI agent product deeply integrated with process simulation software. SimTech Intelligence is capable not only of "reading" process simulation models but also of performing exploration, construction, debugging, replication, analysis, and optimization tasks around them. It transforms the traditionally complex, expert-dependent modeling process into an AI-driven, highly efficient engineering workflow. The product generated strong interest and positive feedback from the attending delegates.
Strong Reception: Sustained Engagement Throughout the Day
From the morning special session to the afternoon technical visit, the delegates gained an in-depth understanding of SimTech's capabilities in relief analysis, flare system optimization, and the application of proprietary industrial software. The SimTech team noted that having multiple Sinopec affiliates visit at the same time was itself a rare and encouraging recognition. After the event, a SimTech representative expressed that the team was deeply inspired and motivated by the visit. Looking ahead, SimTech will continue to deepen its process twin technology and provide the petrochemical industry with safer, more efficient, and more intelligent domestically developed solutions.