Plant-simulation optimization of an atmospheric distillation
\nunit: kerosene side-draw tuning to increase gasoil while meeting
\nspecifications
\nAhmed Qasim1 \u00b7 Hayder A. Alhameedi2 \u00b7 Shahd Ammar Hatem3 \u00b7 Hameed Hussein Alwan4 \u00b7 Paul C. Ani5<\/p>\n
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Abstract
\nDiesel (straight-run gasoil, SRGO) is pivotal to global energy systems, and any increase in throughput must preserve
\nspecification compliance. This plant\u2013model case study at the Diwaniyah Refinery evaluates a no-CAPEX lever: reducing
\nthe atmospheric kerosene side-draw while holding other product draws at plant averages. In controlled plant trials,
\nthe side-draw was reduced from 5 to 1 m3\/h; SRGO increased by approximately 44 percent, from 9 to 13 m3\/h. Quality
\noutcomes were as follows: sulfur decreased from 15,100 to 10,000 ppm, with the \u2264 10,000 ppm limit met only at 1 m3\/h;
\nflash point decreased from 85 to 70 \u00b0C yet remained at or above 60 \u00b0C across all tests; cetane number remained at or
\nabove 50 (minimum 50.2); diesel index improved from 48.23 to 56.16\u201356.98, meeting the \u2265 55 threshold at 2\u20131 m3\/h;
\nand kinematic viscosity decreased from 1.8 to 1.4 cSt, always within the \u2264 5.6 cSt limit. Aspen Hysys simulation program
\nwas used to evaluate scenarios for increasing SRGO and maintaining its specifications. Following laboratory validation,
\nthe simulation model showed good agreement with plant data, reproducing the observed operational trends. In addition,
\nMinitab program was used to develop simple empirical models over the 1\u20135 m3\/h range to quantify the effect of kerosene
\nside-draw on SRGO yield and other specifications, and to select an operating point (1 m3\/h) that maximizes SRGO while
\nmaintaining specification compliance. The results provide actionable guidance for refineries seeking higher diesel output
\nwhile respecting quality specification<\/p>\n
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