Optimizing Refinery Process Yields

Introduction:

This training program on refinery yield enhancement and process improvement aims to systematically address the challenges associated with maximizing process yields from crude oil feedstock to finished products. It covers key refining factors such as feedstock management, processing, operational parameters, catalysts, processing efficiencies, product characteristics, and refining margins.

The course emphasizes practical aspects of refinery operations, including terminology and economic considerations, with a focus on yield management and process improvement strategies.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand how resource availability and yield optimizers enhance refining processes.
• Identify key factors in the petroleum refining sector related to yield enhancement through process optimization.
• Comprehend the processes involved in transforming petroleum into usable products with an emphasis on yield and process improvement.
• Utilize resources for effective scheduling and optimization of plant activities.
• Analyze the impact of different feedstocks on product quality and scope.

Training Methodology:

• Interactive presentations
• Case exercises
• Brainstorming
• Role-playing games
• Process mapping
• Analytical problem-solving
• Business cases

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Crude Petroleum and Refining Process

• Origin and composition of crude oil
• Cutting-edge assay methodologies
• Identification of crude oil products and estimation of refinery output
• Detailed product specifications
• Feedstocks for petrochemical processes
• Complexity of refinery operations
• Interaction of various refinery processes

Unit 2: Oil Refinery Processing

• Overview of crude oil processing
• Atmospheric distillation principles and yield extension
• Differences between atmospheric and vacuum distillation
• Processing methods for heavy oils, coking, and firing techniques
• Booklets on dirty coking, fluid, and flexi operations
• Visbreaking of heavy liquid crude hypoxides

Unit 3: Technology of Manufacturing Motor Fuels

• Fluid catalytic cracking technology
• Hydrocracking operations
• Testing cat cracking technology
• Isomerization and yield augmentation
• Alkylation and its importance
• Hydrotreating processes
• Analytical perspective on catalytic reforming

Unit 4: Supporting Operations

• Product blending techniques for specification requirements
• Hydrogen manufacturing insights for process improvement
• Development of refinery gas processing units
• Acid gas treatment and its relevance
• Sulfur recovery unit and processing yield

Unit 5: Refinery Economics

• Residue reduction techniques
• Asphalt and bottom fuels as refinery by-products
• Costing procedures for ESTES construction works
• Strategic economic analysis and its impact on process yield