Atmospheric Distillation Unit

Atmospheric Distillation Unit

The Atmospheric Distillation Unit (ADU) serves as the initial stage in the refining process of crude oil. This unit plays a crucial role in separating crude oil into its various hydrocarbon components, which are then utilized across a wide range of industrial applications. Following the initial steps of desalting and heating, the crude oil is directed to the ADU.

Within the ADU, the primary objective is to perform the separation of crude oil into different fractions or "cuts" based on their boiling points. This process involves heating the crude oil to its boiling point and then allowing it to condense at different stages within the distillation column. The various fractions obtained from this process include fuel gases, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), naptha, kerosene, diesel, and fuel oil.

The distillation column of the ADU is designed to operate at atmospheric pressure, with the highest pressure exerted at the bottom of the column. As the crude oil moves up the column, the pressure gradually decreases, allowing for the separation of different hydrocarbon fractions based on their boiling points. The heavier hydrocarbons, which do not vaporize at atmospheric pressure, collect at the bottom of the column as residue.