Refining of Unconventional and Heavy Oil

As the sources and production of conventional oils are in decline, production and use of heavy and unconventional oils, including bitumen and shale oil are increasing. This is the first chapter of the second part of the book related to refining technologies. In particular, we are focusing on refining technologies that convert unconventional and heavy oils into the products that are in demand. Configuration of refinery units to meet changing market demand and environmental/economical constraints is presented. The focus would be to maximize light and midstream products to increase refining margins while minimizing the environmental pollutants. Due to the value of aromatics in production of petrochemicals, a greater emphasis is given to configuration of the cracking units. The chapter is divided into two parts: Part I- Refining of heavy and extra heavy oils and Part II- Refining of shale oil.