Many refiners are processing larger volumes of attractively priced unconventional crudes produced from fracking operations. Contain polymers and other additives that upstream processors are often used to enhance oil recovery or address hydraulic limitations in their operations. These additives can disrupt refining unit operations such as Crude Desalters or restrict the ability of the refiner to meet key product specifications such as JFTOT or NACE Spindle Corrosion test.
Facilitator: Sam Lordo, Becht
Speakers:
Bob Falkiner, Becht
Wesley Teasdale, Halliburton Multi-Chem
Processing crudes from different sources leaves the possibility of blending incompatible mixtures. Compatibility models uses correlations to estimate the potential to create incompatible mixtures. Understanding the potential for compatibility effects without physically testing the crude provides the ability to choose the crude mix and purchase it while the market factors are favorable and the ability to safely purchase distressed cargos. The paper will discuss the basis of model correlations and the application to actual blends.
The federal government is considering levying a range of tariffs on products imported into the United States, potentially including a 25% blanket tariff on all items imported from our North American neighbors, Canada and Mexico. If such tariffs were to include crude oil and refined products, the consequences could be significant.
About 60% of the crude oil that runs through U.S. refineries is extracted right here at home. However, our refineries run on many different types of crude oil, some of which we don’t produce here or can’t economically transport. In those cases, we use imports.
There are hundreds of varieties of crude oil around the world. Different types of oil require different refining processes to make the fuels we need in the quantities we need. Many American refineries need heavier crudes than what is largely produced in the United States.
This presentation will focus on the key performance indicators (KPIs) essential for optimizing delayed coker unit operations. It will examine the influence of feed properties on coke quality and heater fouling, while highlighting strategies to improve heater performance and maximize coke drum capacity utilization. Particular emphasis will be placed on minimizing coke drum outages and optimizing cycle time management to enhance unit throughput and reliability. The discussion will also address fractionator and gas plant performance, with a focus on maximizing liquid recovery, as well as evaluating blowdown system. Collectively, these KPIs provide a comprehensive framework for driving operational excellence and improving overall coker profitability.
The intention of the presentation is to share a brief explanation of the Coker operation, how the antifoam is used to control foaming, and the results of a trial in North America using a Low Silicon Antifoam to reduce impact in Hydroprocessing Units & optimize costs.
We will include some information around the questions for the MOC process when the new innovative chemistry is selected and a helpful tool to control foam height at the switch vs true coke outage for reliability purposes.
A trial of the new chemistry was run in several refineries in LA and NA with good results: a reduction of 30-40% of Silicon content in Naphtha and Kero because of the antifoam injection during the Coking cycle. Refiners changed to the new chemistry; savings in the expense costs are expected as chemical usage was reduced vs previous formula with a good control of foaming.
During this presentation, we’ll cover why upstream and midstream use H2S scavengers and to a lesser extent, mercaptan scavenging chemistries. Then, we’ll delve into the different families of scavenger chemistries that can be used and the pros and cons of each, including potential impacts on downstream assets.
Moderator:
Graylon Williams, Nalco Energy Services
Topic 1. Low Silica Anti-foam in Coker Units
Speaker:
Adrian Azpilicueta, Nalco Water
Topic 2. H2S and Mercaptan Scavenger Contamination of Crude Oils
Speaker:
Rich Tereba, Baker Hughes
This presentation will explore the implications of EPA's CERCLA and RCRA designations for PFAS in refineries, focusing on the impact to Marathon. Veolia and Marathon will co-present mitigation strategies, from treatment and disposal to non-PFAS alternatives, with real-world examples of proactive solutions. The presentation will highlight the importance of collaboration in adapting to evolving environmental regulations and maintaining operational resilience.
Moderators:
Greg Cantley, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Sylvain Fontaine, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions
Jeff Gunnulfsen, AFPM
Speakers:
John Bigham, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Todd Kato, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions
Members of the upstream segment explore for and extract crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs). Crude oil and NGLs are used as feedstocks to produce fuels and petrochemicals, and in some cases directly as sources of energy and natural gas is used as a source of energy.
