Optimization results of the ELOU-AVT unit at the Atyrau Oil Refinery

Background: Increasing the depth of oil refining and improving the quality of commercial petroleum products are directly related to the efficiency of primary processing, particularly atmospheric oil distillation. This problem is extremely relevant for the modern oil and gas industradoy, since primary crude oil processing units operating in Kazakhstan were constructed during the Soviet period and therefore require modernization. Aim: Development and experimental evaluation of technological methods for intensifying atmospheric and vacuum crude oil distillation at the ELOU-AVT unit of the Atyrau Refinery, aimed at reducing the content of light fractions in fuel oil and increasing the yield of valuable distillate products. Materials and methods: To study the fractional composition of fuel oil, the ARN laboratory setup was used. Data from analytical control of ELOU-AVT products and material balance calculations are presented. Diagrams illustrating the yield of light petroleum products were constructed to visualize the obtained results. Results: Based on laboratory research, it was found that the content of light petroleum products in fuel oil exceeded the norm. To increase the yield of vacuum gas oil, raise the coke residue of the tar, and reduce the output of fuel oil at the ELOU-AVT unit, technological measures were implemented to increase the supply of live steam to the bottom of the atmospheric column and reduce its consumption in the vacuum column. During the experimental and design phase, the content of light petroleum products in fuel oil was reduced from 7% to 5.5%. The coke residue of tar increased from 10.199% to 10.619%. An increase in the yield of gasoline, jet fuel, vacuum gas oil, and vacuum diesel fuel was recorded. Conclusion: The calculations and analysis carried out confirm the feasibility of investing in the development of a modernized autonomous oil platform that has improved ice resistance and meets all safety requirements for operation in the North Caspian Sea.