Simulation of Nigerian Crude Oil Types for Modular Refinery (Topping Plant) Operations

Abstract

This research study focused on the need to curb scarcity and importation of petroleum finished products in oil - producing nation Nigeria through the operation of conventional modular refineries in conjunction with major refineries operating efficiently. Hence, the study focused on the suitability and operations of conventional modular refinery process es by considering twenty different types of Nigerian crude oil for crude oil assay analysis and classifica tion using Aspen Hysys. The crude oil assay results categorized the twenty Nigerian crude oil types as light and medium sweet crude, while based on recovery volume percent at a true boiling point of 370 ℃ , the twenty crude oil types were categorized into Group A (crude oil with recovery volume above 80%), Group B (crude oil with recovery volume between 70% and 79%) and Group C (crude oil with recovery volume below 70%) respectively. Besides, light and medium sweet oil types were simulated in a conventional modular refinery (topping plant) at different numbers of column tray s (25, 29, 35, 40 and 48) to determine their product yield. Based on product yield and equipment costs at different number s of tray columns, a modular refinery with twenty-nine column trays was applied in this study. Thus, twenty Nigerian crude oil types were simulated in a conventional modular refinery of 30,000 barrel per day capacity and twenty-nine column trays respectively to evaluate their product yield and tray compositions.