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A topic from the subject of Distillation in Chemistry.

  • 10 months ago
  • 3 min read

## Vacuum Distillation in Petroleum Refining

Introduction
Vacuum distillation is a specialized distillation technique used in petroleum refining to separate high-boiling point components that cannot be vaporized under atmospheric pressure. By reducing the pressure within the distillation column, the boiling points of the components are lowered, allowing for their effective separation.
Basic Concepts
Vapor pressure:The pressure exerted by a vapor when in equilibrium with its liquid phase at a given temperature. Boiling point: The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the external pressure.
Vacuum:* A space with a pressure below atmospheric pressure, typically achieved using vacuum pumps.
Equipment and Techniques
Vacuum distillation column:A vertical column equipped with trays or packing to promote contact between the vapor and liquid phases. Vacuum pumps: Create and maintain a reduced pressure within the column.
Feed preheater:Heats the crude oil to a temperature appropriate for vaporization. Condenser: Cools and condenses the vaporized components.
Types of Experiments
Batch distillation:A single charge of crude oil is processed in a vacuum column. Continuous distillation: Crude oil is continuously fed into the column while distillates and residues are removed.
Data Analysis
Vapor pressure curves:Plot the vapor pressure of each component as a function of temperature. Boiling point determination: Extrapolate the vapor pressure curves to atmospheric pressure to determine the boiling points at ambient conditions.
Distillation profiles:* Plot the boiling range distribution of the distillates to optimize the separation process.
Applications
Production of heavy oil cuts:Vacuum distillation allows for the separation of heavy vacuum gas oil (VGO), heavy vacuum distillate (HVD), and vacuum residue. Lubricant base oil production: Neutral oils and base stocks for lubricants are extracted from VGO through further processing.
Asphalt production:* Vacuum residue is used as a feedstock for asphalt production.
Conclusion
Vacuum distillation is a key process in petroleum refining, enabling the efficient separation of high-boiling point components. By understanding the basic concepts, equipment, and techniques involved, engineers can optimize the process to meet specific product requirements for fuel, lubricant, and asphalt production.
Vacuum Distillation in Petroleum Refining
Overview

Vacuum distillation is a key separation process in petroleum refining, used to separate high-boiling components from crude oil.


Key Points

  • Purpose: To separate heavy fractions from crude oil into various products, such as vacuum gas oil and residuum.
  • Process:

    1. Crude oil is heated under vacuum conditions.
    2. Volatile components vaporize and are condensed.
    3. Non-volatile components remain as residuum.

  • Advantages:

    • Minimizes thermal cracking of heavy fractions.
    • Produces higher quality products with improved thermal stability.

  • Challenges:

    • High energy consumption due to vacuum requirements.
    • Potential for coking and fouling of equipment.


Main Concepts

Vapor Pressure: Under vacuum, the boiling point of the feedstock is reduced, allowing heavier components to vaporize at lower temperatures.


Fractionation: Different components in the feedstock have different vapor pressures, enabling their separation based on boiling ranges.


Equipment: Vacuum distillation columns are designed to handle high temperatures, low pressures, and large volumes of feedstock.


Vacuum Distillation in Petroleum Refining
Experiment
Materials

  • Vacuum distillation apparatus
  • Crude oil
  • Thermometer
  • Condenser
  • Vacuum pump

Procedure

  1. Assemble the vacuum distillation apparatus.
  2. Charge the still with crude oil.
  3. Connect the vacuum pump to the still.
  4. Start the vacuum pump and apply heat to the still.
  5. Monitor the temperature of the distillate using a thermometer.
  6. Collect the distillate in a condenser.
  7. Stop the distillation when the desired products have been collected.

Key Procedures

  • Apply a vacuum to the still
  • Heat the still
  • Collect the distillate
  • Separate the distillate into different products

Significance

Vacuum distillation is a critical process in petroleum refining. It is used to separate crude oil into different fractions, which can then be used to produce a variety of products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and heating oil. Vacuum distillation helps to improve the efficiency of the refining process and produce higher-quality products.


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