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Sarah Zayan

Welcome to the Advanced Refinery Process Modeling Using Aspen HYSYS. This comprehensive program is designed for professionals and students seeking to deepen their understanding of refinery process simulation and optimization using one of the industry’s leading software tools, Aspen HYSYS.

In this course, participants will engage in hands-on simulation exercises that cover a wide range of essential refinery processes. The curriculum includes the following key modules:

Read more

Welcome to the Advanced Refinery Process Modeling Using Aspen HYSYS. This comprehensive program is designed for professionals and students seeking to deepen their understanding of refinery process simulation and optimization using one of the industry’s leading software tools, Aspen HYSYS.

In this course, participants will engage in hands-on simulation exercises that cover a wide range of essential refinery processes. The curriculum includes the following key modules:

  1. Petroleum Assay Simulation:

    • Learn how to utilize fluid packages and explore various methods to input petroleum assay data, including manual entry, extraction from the assay library, and stream analysis.

  2. Atmospheric Distillation:

    • Gain insights into the operation of atmospheric distillation columns, including the design and function of refluxed absorbers. Participants will also examine side operations such as pump-arounds and side strippers, as well as the determination of cut points and trim energy optimization.

  3. Vacuum Distillation:

    • Delve into vacuum distillation processes, focusing on column design, side operations, and the principles of heat integration to enhance efficiency.

  4. Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC):

    • Explore the FCC template, including feed, lump model, catalyst selection, and operational conditions. This module emphasizes the importance of accurate modeling for optimizing catalyst performance and refinery yields.

  5. Hydrocracking Process Simulation:

    • Introduce the hydrocracking (HCR) template and engage in simulations that illustrate the hydrocracking process. Participants will learn about calibration techniques to ensure model accuracy and reliability.

Throughout the course, participants will engage in practical exercises and case studies that reinforce theoretical concepts and enhance software proficiency. By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the skills necessary to model complex refinery processes effectively, optimize operations, and contribute to the overall efficiency and sustainability of refinery systems.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Atmospheric crude column simulation
  • Vacuum tower simulation
  • Aspen hysys software
  • Atmospheric crude column optimization
  • Oil refinery simulation

Syllabus

Petroleum Assay Data
Fluid Package
Add Petroleum Assay Manually
Petroleum Assay plots
Read more

Distillation Column, Inlet, Outlet, Degree of Freedom, Converge

Atmospheric Gas Oil Side Stripper and Pump Around

Diesel Side Stripper and Pump Around

Kerosene Side Stripper and Pump Around

Controlling the quality of Naphtha and Kerosene instead of the quantity produced.

Controlling Diesel and AGO quality by setting a cut point instead of fixing the flow rate

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides hands-on experience with Aspen HYSYS, a leading software in the oil and gas industry, which is essential for process modeling and simulation
Covers key refinery processes like atmospheric and vacuum distillation, FCC, and hydrocracking, which are fundamental to understanding refinery operations
Focuses on optimizing refinery operations and enhancing efficiency, which are critical for sustainability and economic performance in the petroleum industry
Requires familiarity with Aspen HYSYS software, which may necessitate additional training for individuals without prior experience using this specific tool
Emphasizes specific templates and models within Aspen HYSYS, so learners should ensure they have access to the relevant version of the software to follow along

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Reviews summary

Advanced refinery process modeling with hysys

According to learners, this course provides a practical and in-depth understanding of advanced refinery processes using Aspen HYSYS. Many found the hands-on simulation exercises covering topics like atmospheric and vacuum distillation, FCC, and hydrocracking particularly valuable. While the content is highly relevant for industry professionals and students, some reviewers noted challenges, particularly regarding software access and installation, which can require significant effort. Overall, students appreciate gaining real-world modeling skills, though a few mentioned needing prior HYSYS familiarity or finding certain sections less detailed than others.
Prior knowledge is helpful but not strictly required.
"Having some prior familiarity with HYSYS makes it easier to jump into the advanced topics."
"A basic understanding of refinery processes is beneficial to get the most out of the simulations."
"While it starts assuming little, prior HYSYS use really speeds up the learning curve."
Software access is necessary and can be challenging.
"Accessing and installing Aspen HYSYS is required, and it wasn't straightforward for everyone."
"Be prepared to handle the software setup; it's a significant part of the course's practicality but also a potential hurdle."
"You need a working HYSYS license to follow along effectively."
Highly relevant for industry careers.
"This course directly applies to tasks I encounter in my chemical engineering job."
"Excellent resource for professionals looking to deepen their refinery modeling expertise with HYSYS."
"Provides skills that are valuable and sought after in the refining industry."
Detailed coverage of essential refinery processes.
"The modules on atmospheric/vacuum distillation and FCC were particularly well-explained and practical."
"I appreciated the detailed breakdown of simulating different refinery units like Hydrocracking."
"Good coverage of key processes crucial for any refining engineer using HYSYS."
Excellent for gaining hands-on HYSYS proficiency.
"The hands-on simulations were excellent for building my HYSYS skills on refinery processes."
"This course is very practical; I can now confidently model refinery units in HYSYS."
"Learned a lot about using Aspen HYSYS for real-world refinery problems. Highly recommend."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Advanced Refinery Process Modeling Using Aspen HYSYS with these activities:
Review Thermodynamics Principles
Reinforce your understanding of thermodynamics, which is fundamental to understanding distillation and reactor processes in refinery modeling.
Browse courses on Chemical Thermodynamics
Show steps
  • Review key concepts like enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy.
  • Work through example problems related to phase equilibrium and chemical reactions.
Read 'Petroleum Refining: Technology and Economics'
Gain a deeper understanding of refinery processes and their economic implications, complementing the Aspen HYSYS modeling skills learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to distillation, cracking, and hydrotreating processes.
  • Take notes on key process parameters and economic factors.
Simulate a Simple Distillation Column
Practice building and simulating a basic distillation column in Aspen HYSYS to reinforce your understanding of column operation and parameter adjustments.
Show steps
  • Create a new simulation case in Aspen HYSYS.
  • Define the feed stream composition and properties.
  • Set up a simple distillation column with appropriate specifications.
  • Run the simulation and analyze the results.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Study 'Refinery Engineering: Integrated Process Modeling and Optimization'
Learn advanced modeling and optimization techniques to enhance your ability to improve refinery performance using Aspen HYSYS.
Show steps
  • Focus on chapters related to optimization algorithms and process integration.
  • Apply the techniques learned to your Aspen HYSYS models.
Create a Process Flow Diagram
Visualize a refinery process by creating a detailed process flow diagram (PFD), which will help you understand the interconnections between different units.
Show steps
  • Choose a refinery process, such as FCC or hydrocracking.
  • Research the process and identify the key equipment and streams.
  • Create a PFD using a drawing tool or software.
  • Label all equipment and streams clearly.
Explore Advanced Aspen HYSYS Features
Deepen your understanding of Aspen HYSYS by exploring advanced features such as user-defined unit operations or custom property models.
Show steps
  • Identify an advanced feature of Aspen HYSYS that interests you.
  • Find tutorials or documentation on how to use the feature.
  • Implement the feature in a simulation case.
  • Document your learning experience and any challenges encountered.
Optimize an Existing Refinery Model
Apply your knowledge to optimize an existing refinery model in Aspen HYSYS, focusing on energy efficiency or product yield.
Show steps
  • Obtain or create a baseline refinery model in Aspen HYSYS.
  • Identify potential areas for optimization, such as heat integration or process parameters.
  • Implement changes and run simulations to evaluate the impact.
  • Document your optimization strategy and results.

Career center

Learners who complete Advanced Refinery Process Modeling Using Aspen HYSYS will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Process Engineer
A process engineer optimizes industrial processes, and this course directly supports that goal within the oil and gas sector. Process engineers design, implement, control, and optimize chemical, physical, and biological processes. The course's focus on refinery process modeling using Aspen HYSYS helps process engineers analyze and improve the efficiency of refining operations. It helps engineers evaluate different scenarios and make data driven decisions to improve yields, reduce energy consumption, and improve the sustainability of operations. Learning to simulate petroleum assays, atmospheric and vacuum distillation will significantly enhance the capabilities of a process engineer.
Simulation Engineer
A simulation engineer develops and uses computer models to simulate physical systems or processes. This course on Aspen HYSYS allows a simulation engineer to specialize in refinery processes. Simulation engineers use software tools to create virtual representations of real world systems. This course helps simulation engineers learn how to accurately model refinery operations, predict performance under different conditions, and optimize process parameters. Proficiency in Aspen HYSYS will give a simulation engineer the ability to create models that can guide engineering decisions thus improving the efficiency and reliability of refinery operations.
Refinery Operator
A refinery operator oversees the day to day operations of a petroleum refinery. This course helps those refinery operators who want greater insight into the processes they oversee. Operators need to understand distillation processes, fluid catalytic cracking, and hydrocracking. Simulation skills help operators fine tune process variables for optimal performance and to respond effectively to changing conditions. Hands on experience using Aspen HYSYS, as provided by this course, can further elevate a refinery operator's understanding of operations and their ability to troubleshoot issues.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineering principles are essential to oil and gas refining, and this course helps chemical engineers deepen their understanding of refinery specific process modeling. Chemical engineers are involved in the design, development, and optimization of chemical processes and plants. Chemical engineers can leverage this course to become proficient in simulating refinery processes using Aspen HYSYS. The course's coverage of petroleum assay simulation, distillation columns, fluid catalytic cracking, and hydrocracking processes provides a solid foundation for chemical engineers working in the refining industry.
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers work on the extraction, production, and transportation of oil and natural gas. While this course focuses on refining processes, it enhances a petroleum engineer's understanding of the entire hydrocarbon value chain. Petroleum engineers can leverage this course's modules on petroleum assay simulation, distillation processes, and fluid catalytic cracking to gain insights into how the composition of crude oil affects refining operations. This may be useful for making decisions related to production and transportation of crude oil.
Process Safety Engineer
A process safety engineer focuses on safety systems in industrial facilities, and this course may hone their skills in the context of oil and gas refining. The job of a process safety engineer is to identify, assess, and mitigate hazards associated with process operations. Process safety engineers may find value in the course's coverage of refinery unit operations such as distillation, fluid catalytic cracking, and hydrocracking. Learning how to model and simulate refinery processes using Aspen HYSYS helps process safety engineers understand the potential consequences of process deviations and implement safety measures to prevent accidents.
Refinery Manager
Refinery managers are responsible for the overall operation of a refinery. While they might not perform detailed simulations themselves, an understanding of refinery processes is essential for a refinery manager. This course helps managers understand refinery operations, optimize processes, and make informed decisions. A refinery manager will better understand the implications of decisions regarding petroleum assays, distillation processes, fluid catalytic cracking, and hydrocracking. Because this course emphasizes sustainability, it may help a refinery manager stay at the leading edge of their field.
Sustainability Manager
A sustainability manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to reduce the environmental impact of refinery operations. This course, with its emphasis on understanding and optimizing refinery systems, may be useful for sustainability managers. They will be able to use information about distillation columns and fluid catalytic cracking to identify areas for improvement and cost savings. Given the focus on sustainability, the course provides a solid foundation for sustainability managers seeking to improve the environmental performance of refineries.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers work to protect the environment and human health through the design of solutions to environmental problems. This course may be useful to environmental engineers working in or with the oil and gas industry. Environmental engineers may find value in the course's coverage of key refinery processes. By understanding how these processes work and how they can be optimized, environmental engineers can develop strategies to reduce emissions, minimize waste, and improve the environmental performance of refineries.
Energy Analyst
Energy analysts study energy markets, assess trends, and advise organizations on energy strategies. This course may be useful to energy analysts seeking to gain a deeper understanding of processes within the oil and gas industry. An energy analyst will benefit from the course's modules on petroleum assays, distillation, fluid catalytic cracking, and hydrocracking. This may enable an energy analyst to evaluate different energy scenarios, assess the economic viability of refinery projects, and make informed recommendations to stakeholders.
Plant Operator
A plant operator monitors and controls equipment in an industrial plant. This course may build a foundation in the principles of refining. A plant operator might find value in the course's coverage of atmospheric and vacuum distillation columns, fluid catalytic cracking, and hydrocracking processes. By learning how these processes work and the various parameters that affect their performance, a plant operator can improve operational efficiency and ensure safe and reliable plant operation.
Data Scientist
Data scientists analyze large datasets to extract meaningful insights and develop predictive models. While this course does not directly focus on data science, exposure to Aspen HYSYS may allow a data scientist to apply machine learning techniques to refinery data. Data scientists will learn how to use simulation software to generate data for training machine learning models. Furthermore, a data scientist will understand the relationships between different process variables and how they can be used to optimize refinery operations.
Control Systems Engineer
Control systems engineers design and implement control systems for industrial processes. This course may helps control systems engineers understand the dynamics of refinery processes and how to design effective control strategies. Control systems engineers may use their understanding of atmospheric and vacuum distillation columns, fluid catalytic cracking, and hydrocracking processes to design and optimize control loops. Using simulation results, control systems engineers can develop and test control algorithms.
Sales Engineer
Sales engineers sell complex technical products or services to businesses. This course may aid those sales engineers who work with oil refineries. This course could help a sales engineer better understand the technical aspects of refinery processes and the challenges faced by refinery operators. Sales engineers may use their understanding of petroleum assays, distillation processes, fluid catalytic cracking, and hydrocracking to tailor their sales pitches to the specific needs of their customers and demonstrate the value of their products or services.
Technical Writer
Technical writers create technical documentation such as manuals, reports, and white papers. While this course does not directly train technical writers, those who take the course will gain knowledge about oil refinement. If a technical writer had to write about oil refining or specifically about simulations using Aspen HYSYS, then the course will prove useful. The course may provide valuable insights into the terminology, concepts, and processes used in the refining industry, enabling them to create accurate and informative documentation.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Advanced Refinery Process Modeling Using Aspen HYSYS.
Provides a comprehensive overview of petroleum refining processes, technologies, and economic considerations. It valuable resource for understanding the practical aspects of refinery operations. It offers detailed insights into the processes covered in the course, such as distillation, cracking, and hydrotreating. This book is commonly used as a textbook in petroleum engineering programs.
Focuses on integrated process modeling and optimization techniques specifically for refinery engineering. It provides advanced methods for improving refinery performance. It is particularly useful for understanding how to apply modeling tools like Aspen HYSYS to solve real-world refinery problems. This book serves as a valuable reference for advanced students and practicing engineers.

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