An Intensive 5-day Training Course
Fundamentals of Petroleum Refining – Refining Process
Principles of Petroleum Refining for Enhanced Operational and Technical Excellence
INTRODUCTION
The petroleum refining industry plays a pivotal role in transforming raw crude oil into valuable end products essential for modern life. This Fundamentals of Petroleum Refining – Refining Process training course provides a solid foundation in the principles and operations that define the petroleum refining process, focusing on the technologies and strategies involved in converting crude oil into high-value products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, and asphalt.
Participants will explore the classification of crude oil based on sulphur content and API gravity, learn about the core refining units—such as distillation, reforming, hydrocracking, coking, desulfurization, and isomerization—and understand how these processes integrate to form a fully functioning refinery. The training course also emphasizes refinery operations management, including organizational structures and economic considerations crucial to the industry's success.
By attending this Petroleum Refining Training Course, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how modern refineries operate, the chemistry and physics underlying petroleum products, and how to optimize refining processes to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
This Petroleum Refining Process Course is designed to help participants:
- Grasp the physical and chemical properties of crude oil, including its classification
- Understand the formation process and exploration of crude oil
- Recognize the range of refined petroleum products and their industrial applications
- Learn the functions and roles of major refinery units such as naphtha reformers, hydrotreaters, cokers, and catalytic crackers
- Comprehend the key steps of the refining process, from initial distillation to product finalization
- Analyze typical flow diagrams of integrated refineries
- Apply basic principles to optimize refining operations and improve process efficiency
- Gain insight into refinery economics, cost control, and operational planning
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This Petroleum Refining Process Training Course is essential for:
- Engineers and Technicians Working in the Oil and Gas Industry
- Process and Operations Personnel in Petroleum Refining Plants
- Technical Professionals Involved in Refinery Planning and Optimization
- Maintenance and HSE Staff Supporting Refinery Operations
- Project Managers Involved in Refinery Upgrades or Expansions
- Any Professional Wishing to Enhance Their Knowledge of Petroleum Refining Fundamentals
TRAINING METHODOLOGY
This Petroleum Refining Training Course employs a practical, hands-on approach supported by structured presentations, real-life case studies, and interactive exercises. Participants will explore refinery flow diagrams, engage in group discussions, and review video materials showcasing refining operations. The emphasis is on real-world application, empowering participants to apply the concepts in their own organizations.
TRAINING SUMMARY
The Fundamentals of Petroleum Refining – Refining Process training course offers a deep dive into refinery processes, unit operations, and economic drivers that shape the global oil and gas industry. From understanding the origin and composition of crude oil to interpreting process flow diagrams and refinery economics, this training course builds technical confidence, operational competence, and a strategic perspective necessary for contributing effectively in the refining sector.
Participants will emerge with the knowledge to support process optimization, communicate effectively across technical teams, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in petroleum refining operations.
TRAINING OUTLINE
Day 1: Crude Oil Basics
- Basic Terminology and Definitions
- Origin and Nature of Petroleum
- Classification of Crude Oil
- Crude Oil Composition
- Physical and Chemical Properties of Crude Oil
- Exploration and Production Methods
- Transportation Logistics
- Case Study 01: Petroleum Transportation Logistics
Day 2: Overview of Crude Refining
- Hydrocarbons Classification
- What is an Oil Refinery?
- How Does a Simple Refinery Operate?
- Oil Refinery Safety
- Oil Refinery Services
- Surface Processing of Oil and Gas
- Refinery Types and Complexity
- Hydro-Skimming, Cracking and Coking Refineries
- Case Study 02: Estimation of Reserve
Day 3: Refinery Process Operations
- Physical Separation (Atmospheric Distillation, Vacuum Distillation)
- Chemical Conversion Processes (Gasoline Production)
- Delayed Cocking
- Hydro-Treating (Fluid Catalytic Cracking)
- Hydro-Cracking (Catalytic Reformer, Isomerization, Alkylation, Blending)
- Hydrodesulphurization (Amine Treating, Sulfur Recovery, Asphalt plant)
- Optimization of Refinery Process
- Exercise – Blending Calculation
Day 4: Petro-Chemicals
- Introduction to Petro-Chemical Industry
- Olefinic Compounds (Ethylene, Propylene, Butadiene, Isobutylene)
- Aromatic Compounds (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene)
- Production and Use of Olefinic Compounds
- Production and Use of Aromatic Compounds
- Case Study: Optimization of Petrochemical Facility Operation
Day 5: Refinery Economics and Organization
- Small and Large Refinery Organization Charts
- Economics of Oil Refining (Refineries Value Drivers, Nelson’s Complexity Index, Refinery’s Gross Margin, Crack Spread Calculation, Refining Margins and Profitability
- Logistics and Transportation
- Exercise: Netback Calculations
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ACCREDITATION
EuroMaTech is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.NASBARegistry.org.
Euromatech is a Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA) approved training institute in Dubai, licensed and approved to deliver training courses in the UAE.
The KHDA is the regulatory authority in the UAE, that oversees administering, approving, supervising, and controlling the activities of various education providers in the UAE. We are proud of our commitment to ensuring quality training courses and status as a KHDA-approved training provider.
