Petroleum Refining and Renewable Fuels

Code:

PDERPQ008

Acronym:

RPCR

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Chemical Engineering

Instance: 2021/2022 - 3T

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Doctoral Program in Refining, Petrochemical and Chemical Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
EAERPQ	8	Syllabus 2010/11	1	-	6	80	162
PDERPQ	9	Plano de estudos oficial a partir de 2009/10	1	-	6	80	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

It is intended to provide adequate information and training to enable the understanding of the integration of a particular unit into a refinery scheme and the differences between the refineries, depending on the type of processed raw materials and the expected products, according to the specifications. Emphasis should be given to processes involving the conversion of heavier fractions into medium distillates. Particular problems of security and environment related to the processes will be analysed as well as the strategies to follow for diagnosis and solution of problems occurred in the refinery units. It should also be the object of this unit course the knowledge of the main alternative sources to petroleum and its refining processes. In this context, the processes’ of synthesis of renewable fuels from several sources should be also presented.

Learning outcomes and competences

The syllabus of the curricular unit is oriented to the students for acquiring knowledge in the main processes associated to the petroleum refining and renewable fuels. Students should be familiar with the core concepts and associated main technologies. In this way, the capacity for critical analysis and the development of skills to participate actively in these subjects will be promoted clearly.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1 – Module of Petroleum Refining

Introduction: Crude Oil Refining, current refinery configurations

Fuels derived from Petroleum: Properties, characteristics and specifications

Catalytic hydroconversion

Catalytic cracking

Troubleshooting in Refineries

Production of base oils

2 - Module of Renewable Fuels

Gasification Pyrolysis

Introduction to Biorefinery

Biodiesel production

Biodiesel properties and specifications

Production of bioethanol

Supercritical technologies for the production of biofuels

Production of bio-hydrogen

Mandatory literature

S. A. Treese, P. R. Pujado, D. S. J. Jones, ; “Handbook of Petroleum Processing”, Springer, 2nd edition, 2015.
J. G. Speight ; “The Chemistry and Technology of Petroleum”, 5th edition, CRC Press, 2014.
R. Sadeghbeiji; “Fluid Catalytic Cracking Handbook: Design, operation and troubleshooting of FCC facilities” 3rd edition, Gulf professional Publishing, 2010.
H. A. M. Knoef; “Handbook of biomass gasification”, BTG - Biomass Technology Group, The Netherlands 2005.
B. Kamm, P. R. Gruber, M. Kamm; “Biorefineries – Industrial Process and Products”, 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 2006.
J. A. P. Coutinho, M. Gonçalves, M. J. Pratas, M. L. S. Batista, V. F. S. Fernandes, J. Pauly, J. L. Daridon; “Measurement and Modelling of Biodiesel Cold-Flow Properties”, Energy Fuels 24, 2667–2674, 2010.

Teaching methods and learning activities

The teaching methodologies are capable for providing students in the theoretical and practical aspects in refining of petroleum and renewable fuels. These parts are supported with the presentation of examples, corresponding to real situations, fomenting the understanding and consolidation of the syllabi.

The research and communication components are acquired through the development of the seminars and their presentation and discussion.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	60,00
Teste	40,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Frequência das aulas	40,00
Total:	40,00

Eligibility for exams

Not applicable.

Calculation formula of final grade

The presentation of the theoretical material will be carried out with the aid of pedagogical-didactic aids and some films about some contents of the curricular unit.

The themes of the seminars should be organized in order to cover various topics from more basic topics related to refineries and traditional petrochemicals to alternatives to petroleum.

Evaluation:

Classification CF1: Development of a seminar with presentation - Selection of the themes by, being the topic outside the scope of the current work area of the students that constitute the group. Presentation of the seminar during 20 min + 10 min of discussion.

Classification CF2: Exam – exam with 3 modules of refining and 3 modules of renewable fuels. Students choose 2 modules in each part, being the module Troubleshooting in refineries mandatory.

Final grade (CF): 60% CF1 + 40% CF2 (The grade of the exam must be equal to or greater than 9 - on a scale of 0-20).