Distillation Technology

This course will provide understanding, raise awareness of design aspects and provide guidance to refinery staff on optimal operation of their distillation units.

Day 1

• Introduction and basics: distillation basics and theory
  • Modelling of vapour-liquid equilibria, Raoul’s law, partial pressure
  • Column modelling, tray efficiency, rate based models
  • Setting of operating conditions: pressure & temperature limits, operating window
• Distillation equipment, types, features and limitations
  • Distillation trays, valves and downcomers. Random and structure packing.
  • Inlet and outlet devices, distributors and draw-off trays.
• Exercise 1
• Crude Distillation Units
  • Types and line-ups, operation, monitoring and optimisation
  • Product specifications: Flash point, cloud points, distillation (initial/final) boiling points

Day 2

• Miscellaneous equipment (vacuum sets, liquid ring pumps, drums & accumulators)
• Vacuum Distillation Units
  • Types and line-ups, operation, monitoring and optimization, Maxwell-Bonnell Temperature
  • Product specifications: Cloud Points, Conradson Carbon Residue
• Exercise 2
• Troubleshooting
  • Jet flooding, foaming, entrainment, downcomer limitations
  • Column turndown

Day 3

• Others distillation units
  • Stabilizers, LPG splitters, stripper-dryer columns
• Process control schemes
• Exercise 3
• Distillation Open Clinic