Crude Distillation Operations

Topic I: Introduction to Crude Distillation – Describe the general purpose of crude distillation. – Describe the purposes of the two major steps in crude distillation. – Identify equipment typically used in crude distillation. Topic II: Heating and Desalting – List and describe the basic steps of desalting. – Explain how crude is heated both before and after desalting. – Describe the operation of a typical desalter. – Identify process variables and factors that affect desalter operation. Topic III: Crude Distillation – Describe the operation of a flash drum and a pre-fractionator. – Describe the operation of an atmospheric distillation tower and its associated equipment. – Describe the operation of a vacuum distillation tower and its associated equipment. Topic IV: Process Variables – Describe process variables that are important to the operation of a charge heater. – Describe process variables that are important to the operation of an atmospheric tower. – Describe process variables that are important to the operation of a vacuum tower. Topic V: Maintaining Process Specifications – Define the following terms: cut point initial boiling point final boiling point boiling point percentage and target temperature range. – Describe how adjustments can be made to maintain process specifications. Topic VI: Abnormal Conditions – Describe the following abnormal conditions: flooding dry trays and upset trays; and explain how they can be detected and corrected.