Impact of Blending Basrah and Kirkuk Light Oils on Refining Processes

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Chemical Engineering, Iranshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iranshahr, Iran

2 Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, P.O.Box 98164-161, Zahedan, Iran.

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effects of mixing Basrah and Kirkuk light oil and simulate the process using Aspen Plus software. Crude oil blending has gained significant attention recently due to its potential for optimizing oil properties and enhancing refinery efficiency. In this research, a comprehensive analysis is conducted on the physical and chemical characteristics of the resulting mixture. The study begins with a detailed review of the properties and composition of Basrah and Kirkuk light oil, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. This involves analyzing the impact of blending on key parameters, such as viscosity, density, sulfur content, and API gravity. Subsequently, the Aspen Plus software models the mixing process, considering temperature, pressure, and flow rates. By employing various simulation techniques, the behavior of the mixture under different operating conditions is thoroughly examined. As distillation progresses to approximately 90%, the API gravity of the oil drops by about 10 degrees. To process more than 60% of this oil, a vacuum and superheated steam system is necessary to break down the remaining heavy molecules. When refiners blend crude oils, a higher yield product (about 3%) can be produced from the atmospheric and vacuum distillation units. The findings can assist refinery operators and engineers in making informed decisions regarding crude oil blending strategies, ultimately leading to enhanced operational efficiency and improved product quality.

Keywords

References

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Chemical Process Design
Volume 3, Issue 1
June 2024
Pages 16-26

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