Optimization of Refinery Process Yields

Introduction:

The Refinery Yield Optimization and Process Improvement training course offers a comprehensive examination of refining process optimization, from crude oil feed to finished products. Participants will explore feedstock logistics, preparation, operating conditions, catalysts, processing yields, product properties, and refining economics.

Objectives:

By the end of this Refinery Yield Optimization and Process Improvement course, participants will be able to:

• Appreciate the challenges in refining operations and the concepts of yield optimization.
• Identify key drivers in the petroleum refining industry that promote maximizing refinery yield through process optimization.
• Develop a thorough understanding of transforming petroleum into marketable products with a focus on yield improvement.
• Apply knowledge to scheduling and optimization of refinery processes.
• Evaluate and demonstrate the impact of different feedstocks on product quality and variety.

Training Methodology:

• Interactive lectures
• Case studies
• Hands-on simulations
• Group discussions
• Real-life scenarios
• Problem-solving workshops
• Technical presentations

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Crude Oil Yields and Refinery Technology

• Understanding crude oil sources and properties
• Performing complete crude oil properties analysis
• Knowledge of crude oil products turnover and refinery yield
• Detailed product specification considerations
• Focus on gasoline, kerosene/jet fuel, and fuel oil/diesel fuels
• Petrochemical intake and regional development impacts
• Complexity of refinery operations
• General refinery circuit and process interrelationships

Unit 2: Petroleum Refinery Processes

• Crude oil processing fundamentals
• Desalting methods and techniques to increase yield
• Atmospheric distillation and capacity increase strategies
• Vacuum fractionation
• Processing heavy oils, coking methods, and strategies
• Delayed coking, fluid coking, and flexi coking overview
• Insights into visbreaking processes

Unit 3: Process for Motor Fuel Production

• Detailed study of fluid catalytic cracking
• Hydrocracking process
• Cat cracking analysis
• Isomerization and yield improvement
• Importance of alkylation
• Assessment of hydrotreaters
• Analytical study of catalytic reforming

Unit 4: Supporting Operations

• Blending methods for product specifications
• Hydrogen production insights
• Implementation of gas plants in the refinery
• Acid gas treatment and its necessity
• Sulfur recovery plants and processing efficiency

Unit 5: Refinery Economics

• Methods of residue reduction
• Asphalt and residual fuel as refinery end-products
• Comprehensive billing strategies for processes
• Strategic economic evaluation and its effect on process yield