Understanding the Impact of Wax and Asphaltene Formation
The precipitation of waxes and asphaltenes in crude oil can significantly impact operations in the oil industry. Issues can arise in upstream operations such as chokes, separators, and wellhead facilities losing performance. Additionally, fouling and hydraulic problems can occur in oil processing plants and refineries. To address these challenges, Yokogawa's KBC Petro-SIM offers a robust solution using Multiflash®, a modern thermodynamic engine. This software rigorously models waxes and asphaltenes in oil, accurately predicting the conditions favorable to the deposition of these components.
Utilizing Petro-SIM for Process Optimization
Engineers can leverage the capabilities of Multiflash and Petro-SIM to inspect different parts of a processing facility and identify potential locations or equipment prone to wax and asphaltene deposition issues. By obtaining precise information from the software, corrective actions can be taken during operations or applied in process design to optimize performance. Petro-SIM also facilitates the analysis of deasphalting processes of heavy petroleum cuts, commonly found in petroleum refining plants.
Key Topics Covered in the Webinar
The webinar discusses common issues caused by asphaltenes and waxes deposition, the modeling of these components in Multiflash, and the thermodynamic setup in Petro-SIM. Two case studies are presented: one on asphaltenes and waxes in an FPSO facility and another on asphaltenes tracking and removal in a refinery. Furthermore, the webinar explores future developments in Petro-SIM, providing insights into upcoming enhancements and features.