Dewatering, Desalting, and Distillation in Petroleum Refining

Feedstock evaluation, equipment, and process options for dewatering, desalting, and distillation are discussed, including next-generation processes and developments.

Format: Hardback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 20 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Evaluation of Feedstocks:

Feedstock evaluation is a critical step in the oil and gas industry, as it determines the suitability of a particular source of raw material for conversion into valuable products. It involves assessing the elemental, chemical, and fractional composition of the feedstock, which can have significant impacts on the equipment and components used in the processing.

The elemental composition of a feedstock refers to the percentage of each element present in it. Elements such as carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, and nitrogen are the primary components of crude oil and natural gas. The chemical composition, on the other hand, includes the presence of various compounds such as alkanes, aromatics, and sulfur compounds. These compounds can affect the properties of the feedstock, including its viscosity, boiling point, and combustion characteristics.

The fractional composition of a feedstock refers to the distribution of different hydrocarbon types within it. Hydrocarbons are classified into three main groups: aliphatic, aromatic, and paraffinic. Aliphatic hydrocarbons have straight chains of carbon atoms, while aromatic hydrocarbons have rings of carbon atoms. Paraffinic hydrocarbons have a mixture of both aliphatic and aromatic structures.

The effects of elemental, chemical, and fractional composition on equipment and components can vary depending on the specific processing method being used. For example, if a feedstock contains high levels of sulfur, it may require specialized equipment to remove sulfur compounds before further processing. Similarly, if a feedstock has a high boiling point, it may require specialized heat exchangers to maintain the desired processing temperature.

In terms of equipment and components, the choice of material can have a significant impact on the performance and longevity of the processing system. For example, if a feedstock contains corrosive compounds, it may be necessary to use materials that are resistant to corrosion, such as stainless steel or titanium. Similarly, if a feedstock has a high temperature requirement, it may be necessary to use materials that can withstand high temperatures, such as Inconel or Hastelloy.

The process options and parameters involved in dewatering, desalting, and distillation are critical in oil and gas processing. Dewatering is the process of removing water from a feedstock, which is necessary before further processing. Desalting is the process of removing salt and other minerals from a feedstock, which is important in areas where water is scarce. Distillation is the process of separating different hydrocarbon types from a feedstock, which is used to produce various products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.

Next-generation processes and developments in oil and gas processing are constantly evolving to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. One such development is the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics to optimize processing operations. These technologies can help identify potential issues and improve process efficiency by analyzing large amounts of data and making informed decisions.

Another development is the use of renewable energy sources to power oil and gas processing plants. This can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can provide a reliable and cost-effective source of energy for oil and gas processing plants.

In conclusion, feedstock evaluation is a critical step in the oil and gas industry, as it determines the suitability of a particular source of raw material for conversion into valuable products. The elemental, chemical, and fractional composition of a feedstock can have significant impacts on the equipment and components used in the processing. The choice of material can have a significant impact on the performance and longevity of the processing system. Next-generation processes and developments in oil and gas processing are constantly evolving to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.

Weight: 657g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032027340