PrintFactors that may influence the future of petroleum refining
Figure 11.7 lists four factors that may influence the future of petroleum refining, including product demand, crude supply, environmental regulations, and new technology development. It is expected that in the near future, the demand for distillate fuels will keep increasing, while the conventional crude oil slate will become heavier and more contaminated. This conflict between the trends in supply and demand that is aggravated by stricter environmental regulations on the purity of fuels can be mitigated by new and more effective technologies (processes and catalysts). Although the conventional crude oils are becoming heavier (Figure 11.8), non-conventional liquids such as synthetic crude oil from oil sands in Canada and shale gas liquid by-products are lighter than the conventional crude oils and could be used as blend components to dilute the heavy crudes. Natural gas liquids and coal-derived liquids may also be used as alternative feedstocks for refining. The diversity in crude oil supply calls out the need to plan/operate a more flexible and versatile refinery.
Future Trends in Petroleum Refining
Forces and Factors
-Demand for products
Product slate: gasoline/diesel
Overall energy demand structure
-Feedstock supply
Geopolitics & degrading quality of conv. Crude oil
Alternative feeds: shale gas liquids, oil sand, natural gas, coal
-Environmental Regulations
More strict regulations on: petroleum fuels & refinery operations
-Technology Development
New refining technologies: processes & catalysts
Other technology: fuel cell
Need for more flexible and versatile Refinery!
[1.] F. Self, E. Ekholm, and K. Bowers, Refining Overview - Petroleum, Processes and Products, AIChE, 2000, Chapter 1.