THE REFINING PROCESS

Crude Oil comprises of Carbon and Hydrogen molecules in complex chains. In addition, impurities like Sulphur, Nitrogen and Metals are also present in the Crude. They are classified as Paraffinic, Naphthenic or Aromatic Crudes depending on their composition.

The Refinery processes are classified into:

1. Primary Processing Units
2. Secondary Processing Units
3. Treating Units

Primary Processing Unit

The Crude Unit is the Primary Processing Unit in an Oil Refinery wherein Crude Oil is separated into various products depending on the relative volatility of the Hydrocarbon components.

Secondary Processing Unit

Secondary Processing Units receive feedstock from the Crude Unit and upgrade it to value added products. The main Secondary Processing Units in MRPL are:

• Hydrocracker Unit
• Continuous Catalytic Regeneration Platforming Unit
• Visbreaker Unit
• Bitumen Unit

Treating Unit

These processes add value to the products from the Refinery and thereby increase profitability. Treating Units play an important role in removing impurities like Sulphur, Nitrogen and Metals from the products thereby meeting the stipulated product specifications. The important Treating Units in MRPL are:

• LPG/Naphtha/Kerosine Merox Unit
• Diesel Hydrotreater Unit
• Sulphur Recovery Unit

Process Block Diagram