Refining Basics

Topic I: What Is Crude Oil? – Define the following terms: crude oil specific gravity API gravity paraffinic crude and asphaltic crude. – Explain the difference between a sweet crude and a sour crude. Topic II: Hydrocarbons – Define the term hydrocarbon. – Given the name of a hydrocarbon state the number and the arrangement of carbon atoms. – Define the following terms: paraffin olefin naphthene and aromatic. Topic III: Crude Oil Distillation – Explain the function of a crude oil distillation unit. – List from lightest to heaviest typical fractions from a crude oil distillation unit. Topic IV: Gases SR Gasoline Naphtha and Kerosene Processing – Explain how gases SR gasoline naphtha and kerosene from the crude unit are typically processed in a refinery. – List typical products from a gas plant a catalytic reformer and the processing of kerosene. Topic V: Gas Oils Processing – Explain how gas oils are typically processed in a refinery. – List typical products from a fluid catalytic cracker unit an isomerization unit and an alkylation unit. Topic VI: Residuum Processing – Explain how residuum is typically processed in a refinery. – List typical products from a vacuum unit a deasphalting unit and a coking unit. Topic VII: Motor Fuel Blending – Define in general terms the concept of octane rating. – Describe how motor fuels are blended. – Explain the effects of vapor pressure on motor fuel blending.