EN 8694 – Downstream Processing
Instructor: Dr. Kelly Hawboldt, EN3073, hawboldt@engr.mun.ca
MWF
12-12:50
Tutorial Th 12-12:50 (In main computer room)
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 Upgrading/Oilsands
5. Prospects
Alternative fuels, low sulphur diesel, hydrogen energy
Grading Scheme:
Midterm (Feb 14)
Project
Final
25%
30%
45%
The project will require you to work in groups of two. Attached is a list of projects.
Only one group per project so if you have a preference claim it quickly. Projects
must be selected by January 22nd and are due April 2nd. No late projects will
be accepted.
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. Sulphur recovery
3. Separation of natural gas liquids (NGLs) from natural gas
4. Mercury removal from natural gas
5. Large scale dehydration of natural gas
6. Upgrading of bitumen from oilsands
7. Catalytic cracking
8. Hydrocracking
9. Deep removal of sulphur compounds from diesel and gasoline
10. Delayed vs. fluidized coking
11. Hydrogen production technologies in refineries
12. Hydrogen recovery (different technologies)
13. Energy recovery in refineries
14. Treatment of wastewater in refineries/gas plants
The report should be between 10-20 single-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 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
Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated, in fact any plagiarism will result in
50% off the top. To avoid plagiarism see this website:
www.utoronto.ca/writing/plagsep.html