Crude Distillation Operations

Topic I: Introduction to Crude Distillation • Describe the general purpose of crude distillation. • Describe the purposes of the two major steps in crude distillation. • Identify equipment typically used in crude distillation. Topic II: Heating and Desalting • List and describe the basic steps of desalting. • Explain how crude is heated both before and after desalting. • Describe the operation of a typical desalter. • Identify process variables and factors that affect desalter operation. Topic III: Crude Distillation • Describe the operation of a flash drum and a pre-fractionator. • Describe the operation of an atmospheric distillation tower and its associated equipment. • Describe the operation of a vacuum distillation tower and its associated equipment. Topic IV: Process Variables • Describe process variables that are important to the operation of a charge heater. • Describe process variables that are important to the operation of an atmospheric tower. • Describe process variables that are important to the operation of a vacuum tower. Topic V: Maintaining Process Specifications • Define the following terms: cut point, initial boiling point, final boiling point, boiling point percentage, and target temperature range. • Describe how adjustments can be made to maintain process specifications. Topic VI: Abnormal Conditions • Describe the following abnormal conditions: flooding, dry trays, and upset trays; and explain how they can be detected and corrected.