CFD Simulation Analysis for Refinery Plot Plan Design Verification

With increased computational capability, simulation of refinery scale physical processes have been made possible. In this presentation, we will discuss few selected works from our recent plot plan design verification based on the results of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation analysis. The examples shall include heat effect study due to relative position of Heaters and Coolers, Sulphur dust dispersion in Sulphur Handling Facilities, and water droplet spill from Cooling Tower. In all of these cases, CFD simulation quantified the effect of one unit on the adjacent unit due to their relative position and helped assist either in the justification of the layout design or design modification. A general guideline on the relative positioning of key processing unit as relevant to a modern refinery and petrochemical complex will also be proposed.