Planning and Scheduling in Oil Refineries
Introduction :
Planning and scheduling are critical components for the efficient operation of oil refineries, ensuring optimal resource utilization and meeting market demands. This training course provides professionals with essential knowledge and practical tools for planning and scheduling refinery operations effectively. It introduces advanced scheduling software, capacity estimation techniques, logistics integration, and the alignment of production schedules with strategic goals. Participants will explore real-world scenarios to develop agile plans that respond to supply chain changes and emergencies. The course is tailored for refinery engineers, planners, and managers aiming to optimize throughput, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency in a dynamic energy sector.
Objectives :
- Understand the role of planning and scheduling in refinery operations.
- Apply modern tools to improve operational scheduling.
- Estimate production capacities and future demand.
- Design flexible operating schedules based on input variability.
- Integrate planning with production, marketing, and inventory.
- Manage priorities and resources during emergencies.
- Reduce costs resulting from poor planning.
- Use specialized software for refinery scheduling.
Target Audience :
- Engineers working in oil refineries.
- Operations supervisors and coordinators.
- Refinery production and unit managers.
- Technical and logistics planners.
- Professionals improving operational performance.
- Administrative staff in energy sectors.
- Consultants in planning and scheduling fields.
Content Outlines :
Module 1 – Introduction to Refinery Planning
- Concept of planning in refineries
- Lifecycle of a refinery plan
- Types of operational plans
- Levels of planning short, mid, long-term
- Cost-saving through proper planning
- Challenges in refinery planning
Module 2 – Fundamentals of Scheduling
- Scheduling principles and approaches
- Types of operational schedules
- Scheduling software applications
- Coordination between process units
- Daily and weekly scheduling
- Market-driven scheduling flexibility
Module 3 – Tools and Techniques for Planning
- Modern software tools
- Production data analysis
- Simulation and forecasting models
- Supply chain analysis
- Decision-making tools
- Economic evaluation of plans
Module 4 – Integration of Scheduling and Production
- Linking plans to actual operations
- Setting production priorities
- Coordination across processing units
- Emergency rescheduling methods
- Automation and execution control
- Feedback loops for continuous improvement
Module 5 – Strategic Refinery Planning
- Difference between operational and strategic planning
- Key factors in strategic decisions
- Production feasibility studies
- Risk and uncertainty analysis
- Market demand forecasting
- Integration with corporate strategies