Title: Techno-economic assessment of heavy crude oil desalting plant

Authors: Ibrahim Alhajri; Mohamed Elsholkami

Addresses: Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Technological Studies, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), P.O. Box 42325, Shuwaikh 70654, Kuwait ' Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada

Abstract: Electrostatic desalting is the industrial standard method for removing salt from crude oil. In this study a techno-economic analysis of a crude oil desalting plant is presented. A complete process simulation was conducted using Aspen HYSYS in parallel with a simulation in Microsoft Excel in order to account for salt concentrations. An economic assessment of the proposed design was performed to within ±30%. Subsequent cost-benefit analysis indicated an approximate internal rate of return (IRR) of over 400%, due to reduced corrosion and fouling in downstream equipment, heat integration, and wastewater minimisation. Varying the density of crude oil in the process simulation indicated that the ability to use heavier crude oils would result in higher economic savings. Given the high IRR and trends indicating a market low in light crudes, companies that have the ability to process heavier and less expensive crudes will be strategically positioned for the future. [Received: July 23, 2013; Accepted: October 2, 2013]

Keywords: heavy crude oil; electrostatic desalting; technoeconomic assessment; cost-benefit analysis; desalting plants; salt removal; electrostatic desalting; process simulation; internal rate of return; IRR; reduced corrosion; fouling; heat integration; wastewater minimisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOGCT.2014.065815

International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology, 2014 Vol.8 No.3, pp.275 - 290

Received: 28 Jul 2013
Accepted: 02 Oct 2013

Published online: 29 Nov 2014 *

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