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Oct. 07, 2026

Kuraray America’s Richard Jackson Shares Digital Twin Applications for Plant Turnarounds at IRPC 2026

IRPC 2026’s theme, “Defining the Next Era of Refining and Petrochemical Technologies,” provides a setting for this discussion.

Conference Presentation

 

Kuraray America's Richard Jackson Shares Digital Twin Applications for Plant Turnarounds at IRPC 2026,

Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is sharing its experience applying digital twins to plant turnaround preparation at Hydrocarbon Processing’s International Refining and Petrochemical Conference (IRPC) 2026, taking place October 8–9 at the Hyatt Regency Houston West in Houston, Texas.

Richard Jackson, Project Engineering Manager, represents KAI with his presentation, “STOs with Digital Twins: Enhancing Plant Operations.” The session offers a practical look at a customized, digitalized STO program developed for KAI’s EVAL business.

A Practical Approach to Shutdowns, Turnarounds and Outages
STO stands for shutdown, turnaround and outage. These activities require teams to coordinate work, information and preparation across plant operations.

Jackson’s presentation focuses on how digital twins can support teams before and during a turnaround, including:

  • Planning and schedule reviews: Supporting preparation and review of turnaround activities.

  • Logistics mapping: Helping teams understand the arrangements needed to carry out planned work.

  • Operator preparation: Supporting familiarity with upcoming activities and plant conditions.

  • Safety reviews: Helping teams review work plans and consider potential risks.

  • Emergency preplanning: Supporting preparation for potential emergency scenarios.

  • Asset management: Connecting plant information with the assets involved in planned activities.

These applications place digital tools within the practical work of preparing people, coordinating activities and reviewing plans before execution begins.

Clearer Information for More Informed Decisions

The EVAL program centers on giving teams clearer information, improving preparation and helping people make more informed decisions.

By connecting digital twins with turnaround planning and operational needs, the program brings digitalization into the activities that plant teams already manage. The emphasis is on making information useful to the people responsible for preparing and executing the work.

Contributing to the Next Era of Refining and Petrochemical Technologies

IRPC 2026’s theme, “Defining the Next Era of Refining and Petrochemical Technologies,” provides a setting for this discussion. KAI’s contribution brings experience from its EVAL business to the broader conversation about applying digital tools to plant performance and operational preparation. 


Explore other KAI’s Digital Twin Presentation:
Read more about KAI’s digital twin presentation at the 2026 Digitalization in Oil & Gas Conference to explore how this work supports plant preparation and operations.