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According to Sinochem News, the online real-time optimization system for distillation units, independently developed by the Sinopec Research Institute of Petrochemical Technology (hereinafter referred to as the RIT), has achieved stable operation in the atmospheric and vacuum distillation units at Hainan Refining & Chemical Complex following multiple stages of testing and field application verification, yielding significant results. Based on comparisons with data from similar operating conditions, after the system was put into use, the final heat exchange temperature in the atmospheric and vacuum distillation unit increased by 1.29°C, while the total energy consumption decreased by 0.07 kg of standard oil per ton of crude oil. The yield from atmospheric distillation increased by 1.18% on a year-on-year basis, and the yield from vacuum distillation increased by 2.25% on a year-on-year basis. This system employs an AI-driven process optimization algorithm that integrates process mechanism models, digital twin models, and efficient optimization algorithms. With the core objectives of maximizing the product yield of the distillation system and minimizing energy consumption costs, it creates an online real-time optimization system for production operations. This facilitates a transition of the facility from being driven by experience to being driven by both data and mechanism, thereby achieving more precise and efficient production processes. During the project implementation, the teams from both sides worked closely together, conducting multiple reviews of operating conditions and discussions to address various requirements. They also carried out several rounds of targeted adjustments based on the actual operating conditions of the equipment after its maintenance. Technical experts work directly on the production floor, collaborating closely with the on-site teams to accurately identify the process characteristics of various production scenarios. They continuously refine the parameters of the system models to ensure seamless integration of the system with the actual production conditions. At the same time, the Institute of Rock Mechanics conducted targeted specialized training for the operation team of Hainan’s refinery atmospheric and vacuum distillation units, providing comprehensive guidance throughout the entire process for the unit’s technical staff, with a focus on core areas such as system operation settings, real-time model calculations, and operation monitoring configurations. Verified through field application, this system exhibits high technical stability, with a model computation convergence rate of over 95%, enabling the consistent and stable generation of real-time operation optimization parameters. While strictly adhering to key product quality standards and energy consumption constraints, the system effectively increases the yield of the target product, thereby boosting the yield of light oils and the overall extraction rate of the plant.