Atmospheric Crude Distillation - Equipment State-of-the-Art

Atmospheric crude distillation is the first processing step in the oil refinery. Overall distillation performance sets feed rates and properties to downstream units. Improved separation increases refinery profits and flexibility.

This paper provides an overview of the state-of-the art on atmospheric crude distillation equipment. The major focus is on towers with trays. However, some comments are included on specific situations where packing may be preferred.

Specific topics covered include:

• Service requirements – vapor and liquid rates
• Service requirements – physical properties and tray operating regions
• Heat transfer versus fractionating services
• Conventional versus high-capacity trays
• Tray spacing versus capacity
• Blowing in wash trays
• Mechanical reliability
• Stripping trays and fouling