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Hydrocracker and Base Oil Process - Basic

17 – 21 Feb. 2025Abu Dhabi10 – 14 Nov. 2025Dubai17 – 21 Nov. 2025Abu Dhabi


Course Objectives:

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Fundamentals of Hydrocracking and Base Oil Production

  • Understand the role of hydrocracking in refining and its importance in producing high-value products.
  • Learn about the differences between mild hydrocracking and deep hydrocracking.
  • Recognize the importance of base oil production and its applications in lubricants and specialty oils.

2. Overview of Hydrocracking Process

  • Understand the chemistry of hydrocracking, including:
    • Hydrocracking of heavy fractions into lighter products.
    • Hydrogenation and saturation of aromatics.
    • Hydroisomerization and selective cracking for base oil production.
  • Identify the key process variables (temperature, pressure, catalyst type, and hydrogen partial pressure).

3. Equipment in Hydrocracker and Base Oil Units

  • Learn about the main equipment in hydrocracking and base oil processing:
    • Hydrocracker Reactor System (Fixed-bed, ebullated-bed reactors).
    • Hydrogen Supply and Recycle System.
    • Fractionation and Separation Units.
    • Catalyst Handling and Regeneration Systems.
  • Understand the importance of catalyst selection and the impact of catalyst deactivation.

4. Base Oil Production Process Overview

  • Learn about the different types of base oils (Group I, II, III, and synthetic).
  • Understand the key steps in base oil processing:
    • Hydrotreating for Saturation and Purity.
    • Dewaxing for Pour Point Control.
    • Hydrofinishing for Final Product Quality.
  • Recognize quality parameters such as viscosity index, sulfur content, and oxidation stability.

5. Safety, Environmental Considerations, and Best Practices

  • Identify potential hazards in hydrocracking operations, including high-pressure hydrogen risks.
  • Understand best practices for process safety, emergency shutdowns, and leak prevention.
  • Learn about emissions control, catalyst waste management, and environmental regulations.

6. Basic Troubleshooting and Process Optimization

  • Recognize common operational issues such as catalyst deactivation, high coke formation, and pressure drop.
  • Learn basic troubleshooting techniques for temperature imbalances and feedstock variability.
  • Implement strategies for maximizing base oil yield and improving energy efficiency.

 

Target Audience

This course is designed for entry-level professionals and operators involved in hydrocracking and base oil processing, including:

1. Engineers & Technical Personnel

  • Process Engineers
  • Chemical Engineers
  • Mechanical Engineers

2. Operations & Maintenance Teams

  • Hydrocracker Unit Operators
  • Base Oil Processing Operators
  • Maintenance Engineers