This course presents the basic aspects of current petroleum refining technology and economics in a systematic manner. The physical and chemical properties of petroleum and petroleum products are described, along with major modern refining processes. Data for determination of product yields, investment, and operating costs are presented for all major refining processes. Similar data also are given for supporting processes, such as hydrogen generation and elemental sulfur recovery. Ecological problems of petroleum refining operations are described in general terms.
Reaction chemistry is described in basic terms with reference to desirable thermodynamic conditions.
The investment, operating cost and utility data given herein are typical average 1982 data. As such, this information is suitable for approximating the economics of various refining configurations. The information is not sufficiently accurate for definitive comparisons of competing processes. The yield data for reaction processes have been extended to allow complete material balances to be made from physical properties. In so far as possible, data for catalytic reactions represent average yields from competing proprietary catalysts and processes.