Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Fundamentals of Oil Stabilization and Sweetening

• Understand the purpose of oil stabilization in reducing vapor pressure for safe storage and transport.
• Learn about crude oil sweetening and its role in removing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and sulfur compounds.
• Identify crude oil characteristics that affect stabilization and sweetening.

2. Oil Stabilization Process and Techniques

• Learn the principles of oil stabilization, including:
• Flash vaporization
• Fractionation and distillation
• Pressure and temperature control
• Operate stabilization units to remove volatile components like methane and light hydrocarbons.
• Optimize separator settings for efficient gas-liquid separation.

3. Oil Sweetening and Sulfur Removal Techniques

• Understand the need for sweetening to reduce H₂S and minimize corrosive effects.
• Operate sweetening units using various techniques, including:
• Gas stripping methods (amine treatment, caustic washing)
• Catalytic oxidation (air or chemical oxidation)
• Scavenger injection systems (iron sponge, zinc oxide, and triazine-based scavengers)
• Monitor and adjust chemical dosages for optimal sulfur removal efficiency.

4. Equipment Used in Stabilization and Sweetening

• Identify and operate key equipment such as:
• Stabilization towers and flash drums
• Gas separators and condensate stabilizers
• Amine absorbers and contactors
• Heat exchangers, reboilers, and stripping columns
• Perform routine inspections and maintenance on oil treatment systems.

5. Safety and Hazard Management in Oil Stabilization and Sweetening

• Recognize hazards associated with H₂S exposure and volatile hydrocarbons.
• Follow safety protocols for handling sour crude oil and toxic gases.
• Implement emergency response procedures for gas leaks, fires, and chemical spills.
• Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) and gas detection systems.

6. Environmental Compliance and Emission Control

• Understand environmental regulations related to H₂S emissions and sulfur recovery.
• Implement gas flaring and vapor recovery systems to minimize emissions.
• Ensure compliance with air quality and effluent discharge standards.

7. Performance Monitoring and Process Optimization

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for stabilization and sweetening efficiency.
• Identify common process issues such as foaming, fouling, and chemical inefficiencies.
• Optimize plant operations using automation, process control, and data analysis.

8. Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Analyze real-world examples of oil stabilization and sweetening operations.
• Participate in hands-on troubleshooting and scenario-based problem-solving exercises.
• Develop strategies to enhance efficiency, safety, and compliance in oil treatment.

Target Audience

• Oil production and refining plant operators
• Field and process technicians
• Maintenance and reliability engineers
• Safety and environmental compliance officers
• Supervisors and shift leaders in oil processing