Description
Atmospheric Residue of the Persian Gulf Star Refinery
(Atmospheric Residue)
The atmospheric residue is one of the important by-products in the crude oil refining process, playing a vital role in the production chain of heavy refinery products and downstream industries. This material, obtained from the bottom section of the atmospheric distillation column, contains heavy and high-boiling petroleum molecules, which is why it has a higher boiling point compared to other fractions.
At the modern and advanced Persian Gulf Star Refinery, the world’s largest gas condensate refinery, this atmospheric residue is produced with uniform quality and controlled physical and chemical properties. These characteristics make it a suitable feedstock for many conversion industries and important industrial applications.
Technical Specifications of Atmospheric Residue
The density of this material is approximately 849.7 kg/m³. Its initial boiling point is 190°C and the final boiling point reaches up to 408°C. This wide temperature range indicates the presence of heavy and diverse compounds. Its kinematic viscosity at 50°C is 5.1264 cSt, and its flash point is recorded at 92°C, which provides greater safety in storage and transportation compared to many other heavy materials. Additionally, the sulfur content of this material is reported as 2216 mg/kg, which is significant in selecting its industrial applications.
Industrial Applications of Atmospheric Residue
✅ Feedstock for Vacuum Distillation Unit:
The atmospheric residue is directly used as feedstock for the vacuum distillation unit. In this process, under reduced pressure, cuts such as vacuum gas oil and vacuum bottom are produced, which are important raw materials for lubricants, chemical industries, and bitumen.
✅ Fuel for Furnaces and Steam Boilers:
Due to its high density and heating value, this material is used as fuel in many industrial units. Its use in boilers and large industrial furnaces reduces fuel costs and provides stable energy supply on an industrial scale.
✅ Feedstock for Visbreaking and Thermal Cracking Units:
In these units, the large molecules in the residue are broken down under high heat into lighter compounds like diesel, naphtha, and light gases. This process enhances refinery efficiency and economic productivity.
✅ Production of Bitumen and Asphalt Materials:
Given the heavy nature of the residue, it is used directly or blended with vacuum bottom to produce bitumen. The resulting bitumen is utilized in road construction, insulation, and waterproof coatings.
✅ Energy Source for Thermal Power Plants:
In some countries, atmospheric residue is used as a fuel source in thermal power plants or large industrial consumers. Its use as a substitute for more expensive fuels such as diesel can be highly economical.
✅ Application in Heavy Chemical Industries:
Some chemical industries seeking heavy hydrocarbons or aromatic compounds use atmospheric residue as a base feedstock. After processing, it can be converted into products like resins, paint raw materials, or even fuel additives.
✅ Source for Recovery of Specialty Compounds:
In advanced refining processes, the residue serves as a source for extracting special compounds such as asphaltenes and resins. These compounds can be supplied to niche industrial markets with high added value.
Summary
The atmospheric residue from the Persian Gulf Star Refinery, as a valuable base material in the production chain of heavy petroleum products, has extensive applications in various industries. The production quality, uniform composition, and controlled standards at the Persian Gulf Star Refinery make this product an ideal choice for domestic industries and export markets.
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