Technical Specification: Crude Distillation Unit

1. Introduction:

The following technical specification outlines the requirements for a Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) for
the purpose of separating crude oil into various components based on their boiling points. The CDU
is a critical component of petroleum refining operations and is responsible for producing different
fractions such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and various feedstocks for downstream processing.

2. Capacity:

The CDU shall have a processing capacity of [insert desired capacity] barrels per day (BPD). This
capacity can be adjusted based on the specific refining needs.

3. Feedstock:

The CDU shall be designed to process a wide range of crude oil feedstocks, including various API
gravity ranges and sulfur contents. It should handle crude oil with a maximum sulfur content of
[insert maximum sulfur content] weight percent and API gravity ranging from [insert minimum API
gravity] to [insert maximum API gravity]. The unit should be capable of handling both sweet and sour
crudes.

4. Fractionation:

The CDU shall be capable of fractionating the crude oil into the following major product streams:

a. Light naphtha (C5 and lighter)

b. Heavy naphtha (C6 to 180°C)

c. Kerosene (180 to 250°C)

d. Diesel (250 to 350°C)

e. Atmospheric residue (above 350°C)

5. Process Conditions:

The CDU shall operate under the following process conditions:

a. Operating pressure: [insert operating pressure] bar (gauge)

b. Operating temperature range: [insert operating temperature range]°C

c. Heat duty: [insert heat duty] BTU/hr (or other applicable units)

6. Equipment:
The CDU shall consist of the following key equipment:

a. Preheaters: To heat the crude oil before entering the distillation column.

b. Distillation Column: Designed to separate the crude oil into different boiling point ranges.

c. Heat Exchangers: For heat recovery purposes within the unit.

d. Condensers: To condense the vaporized products into liquid form.

e. Reboilers: For heating the bottom product of the column for re-vaporization.

f. Fractionation Towers: To separate and collect the various product streams.

g. Pumps and Compressors: For product handling and pressure control.

7. Safety Considerations:

The CDU shall comply with all applicable safety standards and regulations. It should include safety
features such as pressure relief valves, emergency shutdown systems, fire detection and suppression
systems, and appropriate material selection for hazardous areas.

8. Control System:

The CDU shall have a robust control system that includes process control instrumentation,
distributed control systems (DCS), and advanced process control strategies to ensure safe and
efficient operation of the unit. The control system should provide real-time monitoring, alarms, and
interlocks for process variables.

9. Environmental Considerations:

The CDU shall include measures to minimize environmental impacts, such as the installation of
suitable emissions control systems, vapor recovery units, and wastewater treatment facilities. It
should comply with applicable environmental regulations and standards.

10. Documentation and Training:

The supplier shall provide comprehensive documentation, including process flow diagrams,
equipment datasheets, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and operation and
maintenance manuals. Additionally, the supplier shall provide training to the operating personnel on
the CDU's operation, maintenance, and safety procedures.

11. Project Timeline:

The supplier shall provide an estimated timeline for the design, procurement, construction, and
commissioning of the CDU. The timeline should consider factors such as equipment fabrication, site
preparation, civil works, and other project-specific considerations.