In the refining industry, innovation is key to maintaining competitiveness and efficiency, which is why Becht, with over 60 years of experience, has distinguished itself through its commitment to advanced technology, especially in the field of refinery automation. In a recent interview with Sam Lordo, Refinery Desalting and Corrosion Expert, he shared how the company is transforming the sector with its approach.
What is ECCD, and how does it apply to refining?
The ECCD (Electronic Corrosion Control Data) system is an electronic database developed by Becht to centralize, standardize, and continuously update technical data related to corrosion, materials, and operational conditions in refining environments.
Unlike traditional systems that rely on paper records or fragmented spreadsheets, ECCD provides a unified platform where inspection histories, operating parameters, and material records can be stored and correlated. This enables teams to make better informed decisions using consistent and traceable engineering data.
Advantages of data-centric automation
According to Lordo, ECCD brings several concrete benefits to refining operations:
- Reduction of human error through centralized, structured knowledge.
- Increased operational efficiency, by eliminating manual data retrieval.
- Enhanced regulatory compliance, with visibility over corrosion control practices.
- Data traceability that supports performance benchmarking and integrity planning.
ECCD transforms static inspection documents, typically updated every five years, into living datasets that can be revised monthly or even more frequently, enabling real-time alignment with process conditions.
From manual tracking to lifecycle oriented systems
Many facilities still manage corrosion and inspection data using disparate files and manual notes, leading to inconsistencies and decision-making delays. ECCD replaces these outdated methods with a lifecycle-based approach that integrates:
- Inspection history
- Material selection
- Operating environment
- Mitigation strategies
This digital foundation supports higher level programs such as Risk Based Inspection (RBI) and performance gap analysis, allowing engineers to identify areas of improvement across the refinery.
One step closer to automation in refineries
In addition to ECCD, the company is exploring new ways to automate processes within refineries. According to Lordo, the future of the industry lies in the ability to make systems “evergreen” or constantly updatable, without the need for costly and time-consuming manual interventions. This means that data is not only collected but can also be analyzed and updated continuously, enabling faster and better-informed decisions.
Continuing education: Preparing the next generation of experts
As part of its commitment to education and talent development in the industry, Sam also offers desalination training courses, providing industry professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to improve their operations. Becht offers training programs held several times a year, with a practical approach tailored to current market needs.
The future of the refining digitalization
Becht demonstrates that refinery automation goes beyond control systems, it also involves intelligent data management. By digitizing and continuously updating key inspection and corrosion data, refineries can optimize performance, minimize unplanned shutdowns, and lay the foundation for long-term asset integrity. The ability to stay current, efficient, and competitive is more important than ever, and Becht is ensuring its customers are always ahead of the curve.
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Source: Inspenet.
