Techno-economic assessment of heavy crude oil desalting plant

Techno-economic assessment of heavy crude oil desalting plant

Type	Journal Article
Author	Ibrahim Alhajri
Author	Mohamed Elsholkami
Author	Shuwaikh, Kuwait Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Technological Studies, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET)
URL	http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJOGCT.2014.065815
Volume	8
Issue	3
Pages	275-290
Publication	International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology
Date	January 1, 2014
Abstract	The standard method for removing salt from crude oil is electrostatic desalting. Authors offer a techno-economic analysis of a crude oil desalting plant. They performed a complete process simulation using Aspen HYSYS in parallel with a simulation in Microsoft Excel in order to account for salt concentrations. They conducted an economic assessment of the proposed design to within ±30%. Subsequent cost-benefit analysis indicated an approximate internal rate of return (IRR) of over 400%, due to reduced corrosion and fouling in downstream equipment, heat integration, and wastewater minimisation. Varying the density of crude oil in the process simulation indicated that the ability to use heavier crude oils would result in higher economic savings. Given the high IRR and trends indicating a market low in light crudes, companies that have the ability to process heavier and less expensive crudes will be strategically positioned for the future.