Estimation of residual operability and energy efficiency optimization of oil purification column

This paper examines the process of oil distillation in upstream oil and gas facilities, along with the main equipment involved. A vertical column, a key component of the stabilization system that has been in operation for almost 20 years, was tested. The column was temporarily taken out of service t...

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Main Authors: Marko S. Jaric, Sanja Z. Petronic, Ivana V. Vasovic Maksimovic, Nedzad R. Rudonja, Martina M. Balac, Marko D. Ristic
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-10-01
Series:Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25010937
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author Marko S. Jaric
Sanja Z. Petronic
Ivana V. Vasovic Maksimovic
Nedzad R. Rudonja
Martina M. Balac
Marko D. Ristic
author_facet Marko S. Jaric
Sanja Z. Petronic
Ivana V. Vasovic Maksimovic
Nedzad R. Rudonja
Martina M. Balac
Marko D. Ristic
author_sort Marko S. Jaric
collection DOAJ
description This paper examines the process of oil distillation in upstream oil and gas facilities, along with the main equipment involved. A vertical column, a key component of the stabilization system that has been in operation for almost 20 years, was tested. The column was temporarily taken out of service to conduct a detailed, non-destructive inspection. Due to its long-term operation, aging, and exposure to corrosive environments—especially oil corrosion—it represents high-risk equipment with potential environmental and financial consequences in the event of failure. This study aims to determine the optimal operating mode to improve output product quality. Ultrasonic thickness testing (UTT) was performed, revealing wall thinning in critical areas. The maximum calculated corrosion rate was 0.0722 mm/year, and the remaining service life was estimated at 26 years. Based on the risk-based inspection (RBI) analysis, the column falls into the high-risk category, emphasizing the importance of optimized inspection planning. An RBI analysis was conducted using API 581 methodology, classifying the column as high-risk equipment with potential financial consequences exceeding €2.7 million per year. In parallel, four different operating regimes were tested to optimize energy utilization and product quality. The optimal regime achieved a heat transfer of 100.07 MW, minimal CO2 and H2O concentrations, and maximum recovery of C3–C5 hydrocarbons. This paper highlights the importance of condition monitoring, targeted inspection strategies, and energy optimization in extending equipment life and reducing operational risks. This approach enhances reliability and cost-effectiveness in oil and gas facilities while prioritizing environmental protection.
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spelling doaj-art-da55c1019f6744239ddc66fbf002f8fe2025-08-20T04:02:26ZengElsevierCase Studies in Thermal Engineering2214-157X2025-10-017410683310.1016/j.csite.2025.106833Estimation of residual operability and energy efficiency optimization of oil purification columnMarko S. Jaric0Sanja Z. Petronic1Ivana V. Vasovic Maksimovic2Nedzad R. Rudonja3Martina M. Balac4Marko D. Ristic5Innovation Centre of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering-University of Belgrade, Kraljice Marije 16, Belgrade, SerbiaInstitute of General and Physical Chemistry Belgrade, Studentski trg 12/V, Belgrade, Serbia; Corresponding author.Research and Development Institute Lola, Kneza Viseslava 70a, Belgrade, SerbiaUniversity of Belgrade, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Kraljice Marije 16, Belgrade, SerbiaUniversity of Belgrade, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Kraljice Marije 16, Belgrade, SerbiaInstitute Mihailo Pupin, University of Belgrade, Volgina 15, 11000, Belgrade, SerbiaThis paper examines the process of oil distillation in upstream oil and gas facilities, along with the main equipment involved. A vertical column, a key component of the stabilization system that has been in operation for almost 20 years, was tested. The column was temporarily taken out of service to conduct a detailed, non-destructive inspection. Due to its long-term operation, aging, and exposure to corrosive environments—especially oil corrosion—it represents high-risk equipment with potential environmental and financial consequences in the event of failure. This study aims to determine the optimal operating mode to improve output product quality. Ultrasonic thickness testing (UTT) was performed, revealing wall thinning in critical areas. The maximum calculated corrosion rate was 0.0722 mm/year, and the remaining service life was estimated at 26 years. Based on the risk-based inspection (RBI) analysis, the column falls into the high-risk category, emphasizing the importance of optimized inspection planning. An RBI analysis was conducted using API 581 methodology, classifying the column as high-risk equipment with potential financial consequences exceeding €2.7 million per year. In parallel, four different operating regimes were tested to optimize energy utilization and product quality. The optimal regime achieved a heat transfer of 100.07 MW, minimal CO2 and H2O concentrations, and maximum recovery of C3–C5 hydrocarbons. This paper highlights the importance of condition monitoring, targeted inspection strategies, and energy optimization in extending equipment life and reducing operational risks. This approach enhances reliability and cost-effectiveness in oil and gas facilities while prioritizing environmental protection.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25010937Oil columnRisk based inspectionCorrosion rateEnergy efficiency
spellingShingle Marko S. Jaric
Sanja Z. Petronic
Ivana V. Vasovic Maksimovic
Nedzad R. Rudonja
Martina M. Balac
Marko D. Ristic
Estimation of residual operability and energy efficiency optimization of oil purification column
Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
Oil column
Risk based inspection
Corrosion rate
Energy efficiency
title Estimation of residual operability and energy efficiency optimization of oil purification column
title_full Estimation of residual operability and energy efficiency optimization of oil purification column
title_fullStr Estimation of residual operability and energy efficiency optimization of oil purification column
title_full_unstemmed Estimation of residual operability and energy efficiency optimization of oil purification column
title_short Estimation of residual operability and energy efficiency optimization of oil purification column
title_sort estimation of residual operability and energy efficiency optimization of oil purification column
topic Oil column
Risk based inspection
Corrosion rate
Energy efficiency
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25010937
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AT nedzadrrudonja estimationofresidualoperabilityandenergyefficiencyoptimizationofoilpurificationcolumn
AT martinambalac estimationofresidualoperabilityandenergyefficiencyoptimizationofoilpurificationcolumn
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