AM-12-54 Challenges with Synthetic Crude Processing ‐ Enabled with Increased Hydrotreating Performance

Description:

This case study and presentation outlines how HRLP and Criterion worked together to evaluate and understand the impacts associated with processing these opportunity crudes on this hydroprocessing unit. At HRLP, a process team reviews and manages the site-wide operations of the hydrotreating systems. The focus of this team, comprised of refinery technical, operations and planning staff together with Criterion, was primarily concerned with understanding potential feedstock variables and their potential impact on the hydroprocessing units operations. In addition, they were tasked with optimizing each unit’s operation to balance cycle life and processing requirements. In the review and optimization of Unit 631, the team fully restored and exceeded the original operational cycle, further enabling the continued processing of high margin feeds. Operational experience continued to be gained through both on-going operations and unit test-runs. These results demonstrated an enhanced flexibility in producing ULSD or Jet Fuel. This enhanced unit capability now provides for increased facility operational flexibility and improved product margins.