Using Refinery Wide Simulation to Support Processing New Feedstocks

Introducing a new feedstock to the refinery is becoming more common in the search for greater profitability, however it can carry a high operational risk. The challenges do not stop with the feed reception tanks as the differences in chemical and physical properties can impact asset operation, equipment selections and maintenance priorities throughout the refinery.

In this webinar we will consider:

• How refinery wide simulation can be used to evaluate the challenges of introducing a new (and very different) crude into the refinery.
• How changes in boiling range, contaminants and molecular species for the crude blend affect the operations of both the separation and conversion units.
• How Process simulation, such as Petro-SIM^®, that has the range of kinetic refinery reactors models natively integrated is an essential tool to develop refinery wide models of enough process complexity.
• The benefits from digitalization of the technology and core developments in the accuracy and speed of solution.

The complete model can then be used to support operations, facilitate optimization and help with strategic (re)configuration studies. Once potential constraints and operational difficulties have been identified, we will show how simulation can be used to pinpoint strategies for relieving these constraints, whether by changing operating methodology or by capital investment. Where new equipment is required, we will highlight how Petro-SIM can be used for detailed design, showcasing how using a single simulation platform throughout the lifecycle of the project leads to improved consistency and more efficient work practices.