COURSE OVERVIEW:

Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) Operations for Field and Terminal Processing is a technical program focused on the primary separation of crude oil into its value-added fractions before refinery delivery or export. In field and terminal environments, distillation is often used to stabilize crude, recover valuable light ends, and meet strict vapor pressure specifications for transport. This course provides a deep dive into the thermodynamics of fractional distillation and the mechanical operation of the towers, heaters, and condensers that make up a CDU.

The scope of this training encompasses the entire process flow of a distillation unit, from the pre-heat train and atmospheric tower to the vacuum systems used for heavier residues. Participants will learn how to control product quality by adjusting reflux ratios, stripping steam, and tray temperatures. The curriculum emphasizes the practical side of operations, including the management of "off-spec" products, the optimization of energy consumption in fired heaters, and the handling of various crude slates with differing chemical compositions.

Coverage also includes the critical aspects of CDU troubleshooting and safety management. Attendees will learn to identify signs of tray flooding, foaming, and fouling, which can severely impact throughput and efficiency. The course addresses the unique challenges of terminal operations, such as managing large-volume batches and ensuring that the final products meet international custody transfer standards. By the end of this course, operators and engineers will be able to maximize the reliability and performance of distillation assets in field and midstream settings.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Explain the physical principles of fractional distillation and vapor-liquid equilibrium.
• Identify the key components and layout of an Atmospheric Distillation Unit (ADU).
• Analyze the function of internal tower hardware including trays and packing.
• Control product specifications like Boiling Point, Flash Point, and Reid Vapor Pressure.
• Optimize the operation of Fired Heaters and the Crude Pre-heat Train.
• Manage the use of stripping steam to enhance the separation of light components.
• Regulate reflux rates to achieve the desired fractionation sharpness.
• Operate Vacuum Distillation Units (VDU) for heavy oil and residue processing.
• Troubleshooting common tower issues such as flooding, weeping, and foaming.
• Identify fouling and corrosion mechanisms within distillation equipment.
• Execute safe start-up and shutdown procedures for distillation units.
• Analyze the impact of crude oil blending on CDU performance and stability.
• Implement energy-saving strategies in terminal distillation operations.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Process Engineers, CDU Operators, Terminal Supervisors, and Refinery Technicians involved in the primary processing of crude oil.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.