(42a) Automation Strategies for Crude Feedstock Optimization

It used to be that refineries could count on a fairly consistent feedstock. That is no longer the case with shale oil and other discounted opportunity crudes contributing to the crude diet for most refineries. The processing of these crudes has resulted in a number of challenges for refineries including asset deterioration, bottlenecks and slowdowns. This paper examines the measurement and control technologies and strategies that are available to enable refineries to avoid problems and maximize profits while successfully processing opportunity crudes. The technologies discussed allow the user to quickly and effectively characterize the crude, adjust feedstock blending, monitor for asset deterioration including both corrosion and exchanger fouling and optimize chemical injection and desalter operations, including remote monitoring with IIoT strategies. Examples of effectively utilizing automation will be provided from refineries that process several opportunity crude oils.