Title: Simulation, optimisation and analysis of energy saving in crude oil distillation unit

Authors: Shankar Nalinakshan; Sivasubramanian Velmurugan; Aneesh Vasudevan; K. Arunachalam

Addresses: Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala, 673601, India ' Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala, 673601, India ' Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India ' BPCL Kochi Refinery, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Abstract: Physical distillation is the major process in crude oil refineries as of now. To ensure quality control in the final products, it is essential to ascertain the true boiling point of the crude oil and the products. The work is mainly concentrated to an industrial crude oil distillation unit. The objective of the paper is to present the simulation and optimisation of crude distillation unit (CDU) along with the analysis of energy saving, using Aspen HYSYS V8.8.2. Different crudes are taken into account, their properties and amount of distillate are analysed. The process optimisation is done in an easier manner using Aspen HYSYS rather than the conventional mathematical method, together with the advanced process control tools; make it profitable in the operation in real-time. The simulation results are validated with the actual plant results. [Received: May 20, 2017; Accepted: December 24, 2017]

Keywords: crude oil distillation; CDU; true boiling point; TBP; energy saving; aspen HYSYS simulation; TBP curve; ASTM D86; optimisation; atmospheric column; vacuum column.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOGCT.2018.093142

International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology, 2018 Vol.18 No.3/4, pp.324 - 337

Received: 20 May 2017
Accepted: 24 Dec 2017
Published online: 10 Jul 2018 *

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