Petroleum Refining Economics

This course covers the methodologies used in performing economic studies of petroleum refining. Process technologies found in refineries are described and discussed. Example economics problems are performed by the attendees on their computers individually and in groups of attendees. Questions are discussed and Key Learning Points are listed by each group at the end of each day. The problems are worked using spreadsheet models of hypothetical existing and proposed new refineries. Each model is designed to be used as a device for illustrating the manner in which LP models are used in performing economics studies and evaluations. Capacity limitations or constraints associated with a particular refinery are used to evaluate such issues as crude oil selection, crude pricing comparisons, and as the basis for a potential debottlenecking project. Alternative process selection is evaluated, and many more kinds of typical studies.