The chemicals industry has been, at times, slow to truly innovate. But since I last reported on this industry in 2018, I have seen a shift in approach from many chemical companies. Breakthrough technologies are now being integrated much faster into company processes, chief digital officers are being hired and the AI revolution is being taken seriously.
Digital Twinning: Optimizing Processes and Decarbonization
Dr. Wai Kiong Ng, acting executive director at the Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy, and Environment (ISCE2) at A*STAR, is a strong advocate for digital twinning in the context of the industry. "Digital twinning allows us to optimize and plan processes before conducting physical tests," he says. This method integrates different companies across the value chain and is crucial for decarbonization through process control and standards adherence. It is an approach that Mayank Patel, industry strategy director for chemicals at Siemens, has also taken note of, along with gener- ative AI. "We have been integrating generative AI and digital twinning to enhance process modeling and operational efficiency," Patel highlights.
These technologies create detailed, dynamic models that simulate various operational scenarios, optimizing processes without extensive manual input. Siemens is leveraging partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft and NVIDIA to further enhance these capabilities, particularly looking to aid new entrants in green ammonia production.
Driving the AI Revolution Through Chemistry
Specialty chemical companies are also posturing to align themselves with the industries of tomorrow. The semiconductor industry, crucial for advancements in various technol- ogies including AI, is one of them. Eric Johnson, CEO of JSR Corporation, mentions how through chemistry: "We enable manufacturing precision and quality at unprecedented levels." Focusing on imaging and processing for semiconductor manufacturing at the nanometer level, JSR Corporation ensures that its products meet extreme quality and reliability standards. This precision is vital for the progression of computing, AI, 5G and autonomous vehicles.
The chemicals industry is also playing a significant role in supporting the AI revolution through advanced cooling solutions. Matthew Joyce, senior VP - lubricants & specialties at HF Sinclair, notes, "This initiative involves innovative cooling solutions that involve immersing servers in specially designed fluids to dissipate heat more effectively, thus reducing the massive energy consumption typically associated with cooling systems. Data centers, as they operate today, consume vast amounts of energy and water, which is the industry’s dirty little secret."
Enhancing Oil Recovery With Nanotechnology
Even as the world shifts to cleaner energy, the demand for oil and gas remains significant. Ofek Levy, founder and CEO of Valor International, focuses on "maximizing efficiency and sustainability in oil production," he explains. By using renewable raw materials and innovative chemistry, Valor enhances well stimulation and production. Levy highlights their work with enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques and nanotechnology to clear organic deposits inside wells, improving extraction rates and reducing environmental harm.
These innovators leveraging digital twinning, AI, nanotechnology, predictive maintenance and enhanced oil recovery techniques are pioneering technologies to not only improve operational performance but also contribute to a more sustainable and responsible industrial landscape. As these advancements continue to evolve, they will play a crucial role in shaping a cleaner, more efficient future for the chemicals sector.