Petroleum distillation analysis is a critical technical method in the oil refining industry. Its core function lies in simulating the distillation process of crude oil and refined products to accurately analyze boiling point distribution characteristics, thereby providing scientific basis for production control, quality inspection, and process optimization. Below is a systematic elaboration of its specific functions:

1. Feedstock Evaluation and Fraction Separation

· Crude Oil Property Determination
By analyzing initial boiling points, final boiling points, and yield data at various temperature segments, it determines crude oil types (light/heavy), sulfur content, and metal impurity levels, guiding subsequent processing plans. For example, high-sulfur crude requires desulfurization units.

· Optimized Fraction Cutting
Adjusts fractionation tower operating parameters based on market demands to maximize yields of high-value products like gasoline and aviation kerosene. In atmospheric and vacuum distillation, precise separation of key fractions such as naphtha (50–200°C) and diesel (250–350°C) is achieved.

2. Product Quality Control

· Key Index Verification

§ Gasoline: A dry point ≤205°C ensures engine combustion efficiency;

§ Diesel: 95% recovery temperature ≤365°C prevents carbon deposits;

§ Lubricants: Narrow distillation range guarantees viscosity-temperature performance.

· Environmental Compliance Testing
Identifies excessive light hydrocarbons (C4–C12) to avoid VOC emission risks; monitors heavy metal residues in residual oil to meet IMO 2020’s ≤0.5% sulfur limit for marine fuels.

3. Process Equipment Efficiency Monitoring

· Fractionation Tower Diagnosis
Abnormal distillation curves (e.g., sudden spikes/drops) indicate tray blockages or reflux ratio imbalances, triggering cleaning or parameter resets. One refinery detected heat exchanger leakage via online distillation data, avoiding daily losses exceeding $1 million from unplanned shutdowns.

· Energy Management
Compares design vs. actual energy consumption to optimize heater temperature gradients. Case studies show AI-driven dynamic adjustments reduced annual steam costs by ~8%.

4. R&D and Technological Innovation Support

· New Formula Development
In modified asphalt R&D, vacuum distillation measures softening point changes post-polymer (SBS) modification, screening optimal blending ratios (typically 4–6%).

· Alternative Feedstock Feasibility Studies
Evaluates compatibility of bio-crude or coal tar co-processing with traditional crude, predicting distillation shifts’ impact on FCC feed.

5. Trade Handover and Economic Accounting

· Fairness in Measurement
Third-party arbitration per ASTM D86 standards eliminates disputes over cargo loss due to density conversion errors. After adopting automated systems, one Middle Eastern port reduced settlement conflicts by 70%.

6. Early Fault Warning and Safety Production

· Coking Tendency Prediction
Monitors vacuum residue carbon value (>15%), prompting filter cartridge replacement before heater tube overheating and bursts.

· Hazardous Component Alerts
Rapid detection of light component enrichment zones (e.g., C3+ >30vol% in LPG pipelines) activates emergency pressure relief to prevent explosions.

Conclusion: Petroleum distillation analysis transcends mere quality control—it serves as a decision-making hub spanning exploration, extraction, refining, and sales. With Industry 4.0 integration, its role is shifting from passive detection to proactive optimization, becoming a core driver for refining enterprises’ quality improvement and efficiency enhancement.