REF 202
From Crude to Profit: Crude Oil Selection and Refining Strategy
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COURSE SCHEDULE
| Code | Date | Location | price (€)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| REF 202 | 9-10 July 2026 | Online | 3990 |
| REF 202 | 20 - 21 Aug 2026 | Online | 3990 |
| REF 202 | 19-21 Oct 2026 | Zagreb | 4400 |
| REF 202 | 14-18 Dec 2026 | Istanbul | 4400 |
* Prices are subject to VAT and local terms. Ph.D. students, groups (≥ 3 persons) and early bird registrants (8 weeks in advance) are entitled to a DISCOUNT!
COURSE OVERVIEW
The global crude oil market is complex and constantly evolving, with fluctuating demand, diverse crude grades, and economic pressures shaping refining decisions. Understanding market dynamics, crude quality, and processing constraints is essential for maximising refinery performance and profitability.
This course provides a complete roadmap for refining professionals to evaluate and strategically select crude oils that optimise operations and financial outcomes. Participants will explore crude markets, chemistry, assays, blending, compatibility, and refinery economics, and gain hands-on experience through practical case studies. By the end of the course, professionals will have the tools to turn crude oil data into actionable strategies, improve refinery efficiency, and enhance profitability.
COURSE OUTLINE
5 days
Day 1: Crude Oil Market and Selection Fundamentals
o Overview of the global crude oil market, demand, and supply trends
o Crude oil value chain and cost of production analysis
o Benchmark or marker crudes and the OPEC crude basket
o Introduction to opportunity crudes and environmental considerations
o Basics of crude oil chemistry, classification, and composition
o Key elements of the crude oil selection process and feedstock flexibility
o Initial criteria for evaluating crude selection strategy
Day 2: Crude Chemistry, Assays, and Stability
o Hydrocarbon types, metals, and elements in crude oils
o Combustion, molecular rearrangement, and crude classification
o Importance of crude oil assay: data generation and interpretation
o Crude oil stability fundamentals and asphaltene behaviour
o SARA analysis and predicting asphaltene destabilisation
o Laboratory testing methods for crude stability
o Impact of crude stability on refinery processing
Day 3: Fuel Additives and Motor Gasoline Blending
o Principles of crude compatibility and blend stability
o Crude contaminants and their effects on refinery operations
o Blending strategies: ratios, “lookalike” crudes, and crude switching
o Crude compatibility matrices and master tables of evaluated crudes
o Laboratory and practical approaches for testing blends
o Case studies: additives and stabilisers in crude blends
o Managing feedstock changes and operational flexibility
Day 4: Refinery Processing and Opportunity Crude Handling
o Overview of refinery processes and operational principles
o Refinery treatment, blending, and performance optimisation
o Processing of opportunity crudes and resid upgrading options
o Delayed coking, solvent deasphalting, visbreaking, and hydrocracking
o Resid hydrotreating and resid fluid catalytic cracking
o Integrating crude evaluation and processing strategy
o Practical exercises: mapping crude characteristics to refinery units
Day 5: Economic Evaluation and Strategic Decision-Making
o Key elements of refining economics and profitability analysis
o Crack spreads, gross refinery margin, and financial planning
o Planning, scheduling, and crude segregation strategies
o Integrating crude evaluation, blending, and processing decisions
o Stakeholder management and operational change process
o Capstone case study: from crude assay to refinery profit decision
o Wrap-up: essential steps for strategic crude selection and refinery optimization
INSTRUCTOR
PetroTeach Instructor
Instructor holds a degree in Chemical Engineering, a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, and a Business School Diploma.
She is a senior industry professional with over 25 years of operational and leadership experience in the downstream oil and gas sector. She is a recognised expert in conventional fuels, biofuels, and alternative fuels, with deep expertise in crude oil selection, refinery product formulation, and fuel quality management.
Her professional experience spans the development and optimisation of product portfolios, fuel specification strategy, quality roadmapping, and international benchmarking of petroleum products. She has extensive experience in supporting strategic decisions related to fuel quality, market requirements, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
She has also held long-term leadership roles in laboratory management, overseeing complex analytical laboratories and driving operational excellence through financial management, performance benchmarking, efficiency improvements, and the implementation of total quality management systems.
FAQ
DESIGNED FOR
This course is designed for professionals who are responsible for or involved in crude oil evaluation, selection, and refinery operations, including:
o Refinery planners, feedstock managers, and operations engineers
o Crude oil traders and procurement specialists
o Process engineers and technical staff in refinery operations
o Refinery economists and commercial analysts
o Professionals involved in blending, compatibility testing, and crude assay interpretation
o Managers and decision-makers seeking a strategic understanding of crude oil selection and refinery profitability
It is suitable for both new professionals seeking a structured understanding of crude selection and experienced staff aiming to optimise refinery feedstock strategy
COURSE LEVEL
o Basic, Intermediate, and Advance
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
o Navigate the global crude oil market and make informed decisions on supply and demand trends.
o Evaluate crude oil characteristics to determine processing suitability and refinery performance impact.
o Select and prioritise opportunity crudes for maximum operational efficiency.
o Interpret crude assays and design blending strategies that optimise refinery feedstock.
o Assess crude stability and compatibility to prevent processing challenges and enhance reliability.
o Analyse the economic impact of crude choices, including refinery margins and profitability.
o Apply practical strategies and case studies to make smarter, profit-driven crude selection decisions.
REGISTER
Registration is now OPEN!
* Prices are subject to VAT and local terms. Ph.D. students, groups (≥ 3 persons) and early bird registrants (8 weeks in advance) are entitled to a DISCOUNT!
For more details and registration please send email to: register@petro-teach.com
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