Investigations into Optimization Models of Crude Oil Distillation Column in the Context of Feed Stock and Market Value

Abstract

This paper proposes optimization models of crude oil distillation column for both limited and unlimited feed stock and market value of known products prices. The feed to the crude distillation column was assumed to be crude oil containing naphtha gas, kerosene, petrol and diesel as the light-light key, light key, heavy key and heavy-heavy key respectively. The models determined maximum concentrations of heavy key in the distillate   ] and feed flow rate ( F )that would give maximum profit with minimum purity sales specification constraints of light key in the distillate and heavy key in the bottom as stated above. The feed loading was limited by the reboiler capacity. However, there is need to simulate the optimization models for an existing crude oil distillation column of a refinery in order to validate the models.

A comprehensive analysis of the simulation, optimization, corrosion and design aspects of crude distillation units

“…These models apply to both limited and unlimited feedstocks. The effort put into refining crude oil impressive [34].…”

Analysis of the effect of feed composition and thermal conditions on distillation plant performance using a computer model

“…Because of heat duties in these two units, use of heat integrated columns within the plant was suggested (Manzo et al, 2012). The feed flow rate can be can be limited due to capacity of reboiler, when the liquid cannot be vaporized as required (Popoola et al, 2012). Strategies used for minimizing energy in continuous distillation such as vapor recompression and heat integration are of great importance (Khan et al, 2012;Jana et al, 2013;Asiedu et al, 2014).…”

“…The analysis presented in this paper is based on the mass balance relationships (for molar flow rates of the distillate and bottoms), loci of the point of intersection between the operating lines and the q-line on the y-x diagram, minimum reflux, number of stages required, energy balances (made across reboiler and condenser to establish steam and cooling water requirements), boil-up ratio, etc., as x F was increased from 0.2 to 0.45 kmol/kmol. The performance of a given distillation column depends on many factors, for example, thermal condition of the feed, internal liquid and vapor flow rates, tray design (Popoola et al, 2012;Patil and Patil, 2016), etc. The performance indices were separated in three classes: distillation parameters, energy saving (Nakaiwa et al, 2000;Soave and Feliu, 2002;Pribic et al, 2006) and money (costs and revenues).…”