NMR Application – Atmospheric Crude Oil Distillation
In the past, refiners would manage the transition from one crude to another by manual adjustment of various controlled variables for a given time, thus relying upon prior crude transition experience in order to minimize process upset.
By using NMR-enhanced control and process optimization, however, the refiner can follow the transition from one crude to another in real-time and proactively adjust parameters as needed to maintain maximized profit. The result can be dramatic savings per crude transition, since the typical 4-to-8 hour upset due to a transition is essentially eliminated.
Process Control and Optimization software in combination with process NMR can maintain unit operation at optimum between crude transitions. Atmospheric tower overhead and sidecut product draw stream quality measurements provided by the process NMR are used in the process control model to monitor process operation performance and supply control feedback information. Common advanced control targets include:
- Maximizing unit throughput up to equipment constraints
- Maintaining product quality while maximizing yield of most valuable products
- Optimized preheat train, pumparound, and fired heater operation
Including crude transition compensation and unit optimization, overall benefit can reach $0.12/bbl feed.
Application Details of Crude Unit Rundown Analysis By Process NMR
For further details on crude distillation use the following links:
The Distillation GroupDistillation Introduction
Amospheric Crude Unit Listings
For more information on this topic please contact: John Edwards