Research on crude oil stabilization processes by comparing flashing under pressure with fractionation
Author of the article:LIN Mingzhen1, FAN Wenbin1, LIU Kun1, HE Man1, MA Yechao2, LIU Haiyan3
Author's Workplace：1. College of Oil and Gas Engineering, Shandong Institute of Petroleum and Chemical Technology, Dongying, Shandong, 257061, China; 2. China CAMC Engineering Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100031, China; 3. Sinopec Petroleum Engineering Corporation, Dongying, Shandong, 257026, China
Key Words：Flashing under pressure; Fractionation; Saturated vapor pressure; Energy consumption per unit product; Functional formula
Abstract：In order to further clarify the differences between two crude oil stabilization processes, namely flashing under pressure and fractionation, the two processes were simulated using HYSYS simulation software based on a specific project. The saturated vapor pressure of the stabilized crude oil, the quality content of C4 and components below C4 in the stabilized crude oil and energy consumption per unit product with heating temperature were calculated. The results show that the saturated vapor pressure of stabilised crude oil decreases with the increase of the heating temperature, and happens with both processes. However the decreasing trend of saturated vapor pressure of stabilised crude oil is more obvious under fractionation process. With the same temperature, the quality content of C4 and components below C4 in the stabilized crude oil under positive pressure flash process is much higher, and the rate of change is relatively slower. With the rising of heating temperature, the energy consumption per unit product of stabilised crude oil increases linearly under the two process conditions, and the difference is not obvious. However, the energy consumption per unit product of light hydrocarbon in both processes reduces. Compared with fractionation stabilization process, the energy consumption per unit product of light hydrocarbon under flashing under pressure process is much lower than that under fractionation. Finally, empirical formulae for the variation of indicator parameters with heating temperature were proposed, and the influencing factors on extent of crude oil stabilization were analyzed. The research results can provide reference for the selection and design of crude oil stabilization process in the future.