Rev December 2016

UCSI UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
COURSE OUTLINE
Course Name
Course Code
Name(s) of Academic
Staff:
Category
Rationale for the
inclusion of the course
in the programme
(what skills the
students will acquire)

Semester / Level
Credit hour
Pre-requisite
Synopsis

Course Learning
Outcome (CLO)

Petroleum Refining Engineering

EP422
Dr. Ahmad Shamiri, Prof. Hikmat Said Al Salim, Mohd Fadhil Majnis
Core
In this course, the students will be introduced to the principles and technologies
behind crude petroleum processing. This knowledge is significant as petroleum
and its refined products are still important commodity products worldwide. The
students will acquire knowledge of crude characterizations, crude distillation
processing, heavy oil and secondary processing, fluid catalytic cracking,
hydrotreating as well as the importance of petroleum additives. Apart from that,
the student will also acquire problem analysis skills that are involved in
analysing the process designs and operating conditions based on market factors,
type of crudes and process economics.
Jan-Apr/ Year 4
3
None
This course aims to introduce the students to the principles and methods behind the
operation of petroleum refinery. The students will study about the classification of
crudes, processes that are involved in petroleum refinery and the importance of
petroleum additives and its functions in changing the final refinery products slate.
The significance of hydrotreating process for acid gas (sulphur) removal will also
be emphasized.
At the end of the course the student will be able to:
CLO1: Classify crude oil according to the API standard. (C4, PLO2)
CLO2: Outline the design and operating principles of petroleum refinery
according to various factors. (C4, PLO3)
CLO3: Describe the relationship between operating process parameters, unit
performance and product output and qualities. (C6, PLO4)
CLO4: Analyze the process design for the improvement of refinery operations.
(C4, PLO2)
CLO5: Explain the importance of petroleum additives in modifying the final
refinery product slate. (C2, PLO2)

Transferrable Skills
Delivery Method
Teaching-Learning
Assessment Strategy

Critical thinking and problem analysis

Lecture
PLO

Teaching Learning
Activities
Lecture

PLO2: Problem analysis

PLO3: Design/ Development
of Solutions
PLO4: Investigation
Assessment Methods
and Types

Type of Assessment
Written test
Assignment

Lecture
Lecture

Type of Assessment
Written test
Assignment
Written test
Assignment
Written test
Assignment

Assessment Methods

Percentage (%)

Midterm exam
Test
Final exam
Report/Oral presentation

20
10
50
20

Rev December 2016

The course has four (4) assessment components as described above.

Midterm: It will be conducted on week 7 - 8 of the semester. Total duration for
the midterm is 1.5 hour.
Test: Total duration of the test is 1 hour.
Assignments: Teamwork to investigate a petroleum refining engineering
problem which includes preparation of report and/or followed by oral
presentation in which all students are exposed to various aspects of petroleum
refining engineering and their individual knowledge is evaluated.
Final Exam: It will consist of 5 compulsory questions of 3 hours duration.
50% ruling:
Supplementary exam:
Mapping of the course
to Programme
Educational Objectives
(PEO)

Mapping of the course

to the Programme
Learning Outcomes
(PLO)

Course Learning Outcomes

PEO 1

CLO 1
CLO 2
CLO 3
CLO 4
CLO 5

Course
Learning
Outcomes
CLO 1
CLO 2
CLO 3
CLO 4
CLO 5

Assessment/CLO
Matrix

Programme Objectives
PEO 2
PEO 3

Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO)

1

10

11

12

Assessment
1.
2.
3.
4.

Content outline of the

course and the SLT per
topic

Applicable
Applicable (on the final exam only)

CLO1

Midterm
Test
Assignments
Final Exam

CLO2

CLO3

CLO4

CLO5

Independent
Learning
L
T P O

1. Introduction: Petroleum
origin, Exploration and
production of petroleum,
Types
of
crudes,
composition,
characterizations, major
products.

12

18

2. Crude Distillation: Crude

heating,
Primary
distillation,
Principles,

12

18

Face to Face

Topic/Content

TLT

Rev December 2016

Separation of cuts, Gaps /

overlaps,
Stripping,
Desalting,
Vacuum
distillation,
crude
distillation unit products.
3.Cracking:
Fluid catalytic cracking,
Principles,
Recent
developments, Feedstock
and product yields and
qualities, Catalyst and
operating
parameters.
Hydrocracking principles,
Process
requirements,
product
yields
and
qualities,
Residue
cracking Implications
and technology.
4. Hydrotreating: Sulphur
removal,
Aromatics
removal, Developments in
technology, Catalyst types
and their performance,
Effects
of
operating
parameters, Feed quality,
Regeneration.
5.Secondary Processing:
Need and significance,
Types and functions of
secondary
processing,
Catalytic reforming and
isomerization, Alkylation
and polymerization.
6.Heavy Oils Processing:
Lube oil and Wax
Processing,
Solvent
extraction,
Dewaxing,
Deasphalting, Operating
parameters, Feed and
product qualities and
yields.
Asphalt
manufacture,
Product
qualities,
Airblowing
technology,
Tankage
operations, Storage and
handling of crude /
products.
7. Petroleum Additives:
Lube & Fuel Additives:
Octane number improver
TEL, MTBE, VIimprover, Pour point
depressant, Anti-oxidant.
Total
Total Guided and
Independent Learning

Component
Lecture
Midterm
Test

12

18

12

18

12

18

12

18

12

18

42

84

126

Face to Face
42
1.5
1

Independent Learning
84
4.5
3

Rev December 2016

Assignments
Final Examination
Total
Total Student Learning
Time (SLT)
Credit Hours
References

1.
2.
3.
4.

PLO 1
PLO 2

PLO 3

PLO 4

PLO 5

PLO 6

PLO 7
PLO 8

PLO 9
PLO 10
PLO 11
PLO 12

3
47.5

6
9
106.5
154
3

Gary, J. H. & Handwerk, G. E. & Kaiser, M. J. (2007). Petroleum Refining:

Technology and Economics 5th Edition. CRC Press.
Parkash, S. (2003). Refining Processes Handbook. Gulf Professional
Publishing.
Fahim, M. A., Al-Sahhaf, T. A., & Elkilani, A. (2009). Fundamentals of
Petroleum Refining. Elsevier Science.
Speight, J. G. (2014). The Chemistry and Technology of Petroleum 5th
Edition. CRC Press.

ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE - Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering

fundamentals and an engineering specialization to the solution of complex engineering problems
PROBLEM ANALYSIS - identify, formulate, research literature and analyse complex engineering
problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, natural sciences
and engineering sciences
DESIGN/DEVELOPMENT OF SOLUTIONS - Design solutions for complex engineering
problems and design systems, components or processes that meet specified needs with appropriate
consideration for public health and safety, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations
INVESTIGATION - Conduct investigations of complex problems using research-based knowledge
and research methods including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, and
synthesis of information to provide valid conclusions
MODERN TOOL USAGE - Create, select and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern
engineering and IT tools, including prediction and modelling, to complex engineering activities, with
an understanding of the limitations
COMMUNICATION - Communicate effectively on complex engineering activities with the
engineering community and with society at large, such as being able to comprehend and write
effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear
instructions
INDIVIDUAL AND TEAMWORK - Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or
leader in diverse teams and in multi-disciplinary settings
THE ENGINEER AND SOCIETY - Apply reasoning informed by contextual knowledge to assess
societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues and the consequent responsibilities relevant to
professional engineering practice
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY - Understand the impact of professional engineering
solutions in societal and environmental contexts and demonstrate knowledge of and need for
sustainable development
ETHICS - Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms
of engineering practice
LIFE-LONG LEARNING - Recognise the need for, and have the preparation and ability to engage
in independent and life-long learning in the broadest context of technological change
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of
engineering and management principles and apply these to ones own work, as a member and leader
in a team, to manage projects and in multidisciplinary environments.