Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

The large availability and economic cost of heavy crude both directly from oil wells and as by-products of crude oil processing calls for methods for its utilization. Delayed coking is one method used for processing and utilization of heavy crude; it is deployed as a unit in refineries. An evaluation of heavy residual oil processing units has been done for Nigerian refineries. Process flow schemes of three Nigerian refinery complexes were carefully analyzed and the yields of coke, gas and liquid products were predicted from the study. The study revealed that Nigeria’s refineries were in need of such processes like Delayed coking which is seen to have a lot of advantages in technological, economical and environmental perspectives. The developmental trend in the conceptual planning of the existing refineries in Nigeria is light fuel orientation. The product slates of existing refineries are lacking in heavy products of secondary origin. The uses of Delayed Coking Plant (DCP) and its products in contemporary downstream processing had also been highlighted. Nigeria’s emerging metallurgical and electrodes manufacturing industries stand to gain in DCP products, particularly petroleum coke, while the economy will be protected as cash flight through coke import shall be minimized with an introduction of DCP into Nigeria’s refining configuration. Keywords.Delayed coking, petroleum coke, residuum, Nigeria’s refinery, flexibility