Optimization of blending operation for the Iraqi oils

Abstract

This research was carried out to optimize the blending process for Iraqi oil. Physical and chemical properties of three different Iraqi crude oils were obtained through analytical analysis of oil samples. A unique petroleum assay for each crude oil was used to identify the various boiling point, density, viscosity and sulphur content of fractions that we can obtain through the atmospheric distillation of crude. Petroleum assays were manually imported to Aspen HYSYS to simulate the behaviour for each crude oil. A trial of more than 60 different blending scenarios was simulated and blends' results were tested for API gravity and sulphur content variation. Aspen HYSYS was also used to simulate shortcut distillation for each blend and the possible API gravity and sulphur content of distillation fractions.