What process is primarily used at the Coker Unit?

The primary process used at the Coker Unit is delayed coking. This process is designed to convert heavy residual oils and other hydrocarbons into lighter, more valuable products like gasoline, kerosene, and diesel, as well as petroleum coke, a solid carbon material that can be used in various industrial applications.

Delayed coking specifically involves heating the heavy feedstocks in a coker drum, where they undergo thermal cracking due to the high temperatures. During this process, larger, complex hydrocarbon molecules break down into smaller, more useful ones. The term "delayed" indicates that there is a lag between the initial heating of the feedstock and the actual coking reaction, allowing for optimal separation and time for crystallization of the coke.

Other processes, such as steam reforming or hydrocracking, serve different purposes in the refining sector. Steam reforming typically focuses on producing hydrogen from hydrocarbons, while hydrocracking processes heavy fractions into lighter products under high pressures and in the presence of hydrogen. Thermal cracking is a broader term that encompasses various cracking processes but is not specifically synonymous with the operation of the Coker Unit.

In summary, the delayed coking process is fundamental to the Coker Unit because it effectively transforms heavy crude components into lighter