EN 8694 – Downstream Processing
Instructor: Dr. Kelly Hawboldt, EN3073, hawboldt@engr.mun.ca
Course Outline
For this course should have a good understanding of principles of fluid flow, heat
transfer and yes…thermodynamics.
1. Introduction to Petroleum Processing and Unit Operations
2. Natural Gas Processing
Overview, equipment, dehydration, hydrocarbon treatment, sulphur recovery,
environmental protection
3. Crude Oil Refining
Overview, assays, crude oil processing, catalytic cracking, hydrotreatment,
thermal treatment, products, introduction to upgrading, environmental
protection
4. Introduction to Petrochemicals
5. Prospects
Alternative fuels, low sulphur diesel, hydrogen energy
Grading Scheme:
Midterm
25%
Project
25%
Final
50%
The project will require you to work in groups of two. Attached is a list of projects.
Problem sets will be given with solutions posted. Although these are not marked I
highly recommend you do them as they reflect the exam questions.
No text required
Reference Texts And Websites:
Catalytic Processing In Petroleum Refining / Esber I. Shaheen, 1983
Modern Petroleum Technology
Petroleum Refining In Nontechnical Language / William L. Leffler
The Chemistry And Technology Of Petroleum / James G. Speight.
Handbook Of Petroleum Refining Processes / Robert A. Meyers
The Chemistry And Technology Of Petroleum / James G. Speight
Gas Processing : Environmental Aspects And Methods / James G. Speight.
Gas Conditioning And Processing / John M. Campbell
www.etcentre.org/databases/spills_e.html - oil properties database
www.spe.org - Society of Petroleum Engineers
gpsa.gasprocessors.com – Gas Processor
www.capp.ca - Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
www.energy.gov - U.S. Department of Energy
www.neb.gc.ca/index_e.htm - National Energy Board (Canada)
Projects
All projects involve a critical review and future of a petroleum process. The
choice of processes is outlined below:
1. Removal of low levels of hydrogen sulphide from natural gas (e.g. Sable
Island)
2. Removal of high levels of hydrogen sulphide and recovery of sulphur.
3. Separation of liquids (propane/butanes) from natural gas.
4. Separation of ethane from natural gas.
5. Dehydration of natural gas.
6. Bitumen processing.
7. Catalytic cracking.
8. Hydrocracker.
9. Hydrotreaters
10. Coking processes
11. Hydrogen production and recovery in refineries.
12. Energy recovery in refineries.
The report should be between 15-20 double-spaced pages and have the
following format:
1) Abstract
2) Introduction
Introduction to the process and its significance.
3) Scientific Discussion
A review of the literature available on the process with at least five
recent references and also;
o Clear explanation of the process, feedstock properties, process
variables, and product specs
o Important design parameters
o Historical reason for the development of the process
o Recent trends and challenges in process development and future
perspective
4) Conclusions
5) References
References should be cited properly in the body of the report