HAZOP ANALYSIS OF AN ATMOSPHERIC PETROLEUM DISTILLATION UNIT AND SIMILARITY IN SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL (SAF) PRODUCTION PROCESSES

Abstract

The production of petroleum products stands out worldwide, among the production processes of non-renewable energies, as the best known worldwide. In this work, an atmospheric distillation column that processed 100,000 barrels/day (662.5 m3/h) of crude oil was simulated using the CHEMCAD® software. From this procedure, the Process Flow Diagram (PFD) and the Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (PI&D) were obtained for the unit, corresponding to its automation. Subsequently, a HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study) analysis was conducted in order to identify risks in the unit that, although not dangerous, could compromise its ability to achieve its productivity. The main risks of the process were related to fires, explosions and environmental contamination from leaks and ruptures in pipes, pumps, heat exchangers, the column itself, among other equipment. The HAZOP analysis was able, through the use of the guide words, to identify the possible operational risks arising from deviations in the operating intentions, such as the possibility of fires, explosions, environmental contamination and its consequences. It was possible to identify the risks that are associated with the selection of materials, the mechanical design of the equipment and the specifications of the accessories. Therefore, the study carried out is an important survey to reduce possible failures in the oil industry. And, this study being a deepening of the distillation processes for petroleum products. It is understood that its deepening, as a result of the development of new renewable products, especially sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), due to being similar purification processes, employ the same methodology to identify possible failures in production.