EN 8694 – Downstream Processing

Instructor: Dr. Kelly Hawboldt, EN3073,

Course Outline

For this course should have a good understanding of principles of fluid flow, heat transfer and yes…thermodynamics.

  1. Introduction to Petroleum Processing and Unit Operations
  1. Natural Gas Processing

Overview, equipment, dehydration, hydrocarbon treatment, sulphur recovery, environmental protection

  1. Crude Oil Refining

Overview, assays, crude oil processing, catalytic cracking, hydrotreatment, thermal treatment, products, introduction to upgrading, environmental protection

  1. Introduction to Petrochemicals
  1. Prospects

Alternative fuels, low sulphur diesel, hydrogen energy

Grading Scheme:

Midterm25%

Project25%

Final50%

The project will require you to work in groups of two. Attached is a list of projects.

Problem sets will be given with solutions posted. Although these are not marked I highly recommend you do them as they reflect the exam questions.

No text required

Reference Texts And Websites:

Catalytic Processing In Petroleum Refining / Esber I. Shaheen, 1983

Modern Petroleum Technology

Petroleum Refining In Nontechnical Language / William L. Leffler

The Chemistry And Technology Of Petroleum / James G. Speight.

Handbook Of Petroleum Refining Processes / Robert A. Meyers

The Chemistry And Technology Of Petroleum / James G. Speight

Gas Processing : Environmental Aspects And Methods / James G. Speight.

Gas Conditioning And Processing / John M. Campbell

- oil properties database

- Society of Petroleum Engineers

gpsa.gasprocessors.com – Gas Processor

- Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers

- U.S. Department of Energy

- National Energy Board (Canada)

Projects

All projects involve a critical review and future of a petroleum process. The choice of processes is outlined below:

  1. Removal of low levels of hydrogen sulphide from natural gas (e.g. Sable Island)
  2. Removal of high levels of hydrogen sulphide and recovery of sulphur.
  3. Separation of liquids (propane/butanes) from natural gas.
  4. Separation of ethane from natural gas.
  5. Dehydration of natural gas.
  6. Bitumen processing.
  7. Catalytic cracking.
  8. Hydrocracker.
  9. Hydrotreaters
  10. Coking processes
  11. Hydrogen production and recovery in refineries.
  12. Energy recovery in refineries.

The report should be between 15-20 double-spaced pages and have the following format:

1) Abstract

2) Introduction

Introduction to the process and its significance.

3) Scientific Discussion

A review of the literature available on the process with at least five recent references and also;

  • Clear explanation of the process, feedstock properties, process variables, and product specs
  • Important design parameters
  • Historical reason for the development of the process
  • Recent trends and challenges in process development and future perspective

4) Conclusions

5) References

References should be cited properly in the body of the report