AM-14-43 Tracking and Auditing the Impact of New Crudes on Refinery Operability and Profitability

Description:

The last several years have seen refiners looking to process new crude slates in their facilities, whether it be light tight oils (LTOs) or opportunity crudes. Use of these crudes may be due to availability of new crude sources or completion of minor and major plant modifications that allow for processing alternate crudes. A significant undertaking in terms of manpower, analysis, and capital is involved in evaluating the new crudes and completing projects for handling these new sources. Unfortunately, less effort is often spent understanding the resulting effects of the new crudes on the facility once they are being processed than is spent on understanding their relative value. This paper examines options and makes recommendations for tracking and mitigating the short- term impact of alternate crude slates on the refinery. Furthermore, methodologies and practices will be suggested to assess and manage the long-term physical impact of new crudes on the plant, from both process and mechanical perspectives. That understanding is key to incorporating the lessons and key findings into the regular business processes. Case examples are utilized to illustrate the application of these techniques.