Course Overview
This 5-day expert-led program equips process engineers, production chemists, and field operators with advanced knowledge of crude oil treatment processes, equipment, and troubleshooting techniques. Participants will gain hands-on experience with emulsion breaking, desalting, stabilization, and quality control for both onshore and offshore production facilities.
Course Objectives
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Analyze crude oil properties (BS&W, salt content, RVP)
- Design and optimize treatment trains (separators, desalters, treaters)
- Select and dose emulsion breakers/demulsifiers
- Troubleshoot common operational issues (rag layers, off-spec crude)
- Implement water quality control for disposal/reinjection
- Apply process safety principles to crude handling
- Utilize digital monitoring tools for process optimization
- Meet pipeline/export specifications (0.5% BS&W, 10 PTB salt)
Who Should Attend
This course is essential for:
- Production Engineers
- Process Engineers
- Field Operations Supervisors
- Production Chemists
- Facility Engineers
- Wellhead Operators
- Pipeline Quality Controllers
Course Modules
Module 1: Crude Oil Fundamentals
- Chemistry of crude oil emulsions
- Impact of production methods on crude quality
- Key specifications (BS&W, salt, RVP, TAN)
- Sample analysis techniques
Module 2: Separation Technology
- Gravity separator design (API, FWKO)
- Electrostatic treaters (AC/DC)
- Three-phase separator optimization
- Interface level control
Module 3: Desalting Processes
- Single vs. two-stage desalters
- Wash water optimization
- Electrostatic grid maintenance
- Troubleshooting high salt content
Module 4: Chemical Treatment
- Demulsifier selection and testing (bottle tests)
- Injection system design
- Chemical compatibility issues
- Environmental regulations
Module 5: Stabilization & Sweetening
- Vapor recovery systems
- H₂S removal techniques
- Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) control
- Storage tank emissions management
Module 6: Produced Water Treatment
- Hydrocyclone operation
- Flotation units
- Water quality for reinjection
- Environmental discharge limits
Module 7: Digital Optimization
- Online BS&W monitors
- Predictive maintenance for treaters
- Chemical dosage algorithms
- Digital twin applications