YPF S.A., the Seeker for this Innocentive Challenge, is looking for design and detailed technical documentation describing a fully or partially automated system to operate coke drums.
Coke drums are used in oil refining processes, such as thermal cracking. As a by-product of thermal cracking, solid carbon compound (coke) accumulates, which needs to be periodically removed from drums. Given the size of coke drums and complex, often hazardous, conditions under which they operate, there is an urgent need to automate the process of coke drum handling, which includes bolting, unbolting, and torquing of coke drum heads.
Designing and documenting such an automated (or partially automated) system is the objective of this Challenge.
Solvers are expected to outline their approach to the project’s design and execution based on the principles of Front-End Engineering Design (FEED). In addition, they should demonstrate their capacity to implement the proposed design, supported by proof of successful implementation of this type of technology in the past.
This is a Scouting Challenge seeking a partner or supplier to provide systems and expertise to solve YPF’s business challenge; the Solver is invited to submit a written proposal to be evaluated by YPF with the goal of establishing a collaborative partnership, including running a pilot.
Awards:- For any Challenge winner selected, a USD $20,000 pilot in Buenos Aires will be requested, aligned with the technical guidelines and specifications defined by YPF. This pilot will enable the formalization of an agreement with the winning Solver and support progress toward the full-scale implementation of the project across, potentially, three coke units comprising fourteen drums located in two refineries.
Deadline:- 30-06-2026
