DIFFERENT TERMS & ABBREVIATIONS USED IN OIL & GAS INDUSTRY (REFINERIES) & IN PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY INCLUDING MOST COMMONLY USED CHEMICAL INDUSTRY TERMS.
A
ABSOLUTE PRESSURE
Pressure measured with respect to zero pressure, as distinct from pressure measured with respect to some standard pressure such as atmospheric pressure. Thus, 2 Bar gauge (i.e. atmospheric) is equivalent to 3 Bar absolute. (Atmospheric pressure being 1 bar absolute).
ABSOLUTE TEMPERATURE
A temperature at which zero is a condition absolutely free of heat and equivalent to -459oF or –273oC. To convert temperature on Fahrenheit or centigrade scales to degrees absolute, add 459 or 273 respectively.
ABSORPTION PROCESS
A separation process, a weak chemical reaction, by which certain components of a gas are condensed in an absorption liquid (lean oil) with which the gas is brought into contact. The absorption liquid with the absorbed components is called fat oil. The fat oil leaves the bottom of the absorber and is separated from the absorbed components in a following fractionator (Regenerator) whence the fresh lean oil is returned to the absorber. For example, Adip and Sulfinol Processes for H2S + CO2 removal.
ACCELERATOR
1. A substance that hastens a reaction, usually by acting as a catalyst, as in the vulcanization of rubber.
2. Any of several automobile attachments for increasing the speed at will, especially a foot-operated throttle.
ACCUMULATOR
A vessel for the temporary storage of a gas or liquid; usually used for collecting sufficient material for a continuous charge to some refining process.
ACETYLENE C2H2
A highly unsaturated hydrocarbon gas usually made by the action of water on calcium carbide and by pyrolysis of natural gas. It is largely used in industry for cutting and welding metals. Several important intermediates have been synthesised from acetylene but a cheaper route via ethylene has now been developed for many of them.
ACID
A member of an important and fundamental category of chemical substances characterised by having an available reactive hydrogen and requiring an alkali to neutralise them. Acid solutions usually have a sour, biting and tart taste, like vinegar.
ADDITIVE
A substance added to a product in order to improve its properties.
ADIP
Shell trade name for aqueous DIPA solution.
ADIP TREATING
A process for removal of hydrogen sulphide from hydrocarbon gases and LPG by a specific regenerable solvent.
Carbon dioxide and, to a certain extent, carbonyl sulphide can be removed at the same time. The solvent employed is an aqueous DIPA solution.
ADSORPTION PROCESS
A fractionation process based on the fact that certain highly porous materials preferentially adsorb certain types of molecules on their surface, e.g. PSA units.
AEROBIC
Existing in the presence of oxygen.
AEROMETER
An instrument for ascertaining the weight or density of air or other gases.
AGGREGATE
As applied to non-bituminous materials, the inert material, such as sand, gravel, or broken stone, with which cementing material is mixed to form a mortar or concrete.
AIR-BLOWN ASPHALT
Asphalt produced by blowing air through residual oils or similar mineral oil products at moderately elevated temperatures.
AIR HEAT EXCHANGER
A heat exchanger in which air is used as the cooling medium.
AIR SWEETENING
In this process sour gasoline fractions are sweetened by dissolving air in the hydrocarbon phase followed by contacting with a strong NaOH aqueous solution. The reaction products formed are disulphides which dissolve in the sweetened gasoline and water remaining in the aqueous phase.
ALCOHOLS
A class of organic compounds containing oxygen (as a hydroxyl), of which ethyl alcohol (the alcohol of potable spirits and wines) is the best known. They can react with acids to form esters. They are largely used as solvents.
ALGAE
Plants of the group comprising practically all seaweed’s and allied freshwater or nonaquatic forms, such as pond scum’s, stoneworts, etc.
ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
Hydrocarbons in which the carbon atoms are arranged in open chains, which may be branched. The term includes paraffins and olefins and provides a distinction from aromatics and naphthenes which have at least some of their carbon atoms arranged in closed rings.
ALKALI
In chemistry, any substance having marked basic properties. In its restricted and common sense, the term is applied only to hydroxides of ammonium, lithium, potassium, and sodium. They are soluble in water, they have the power of neutralising acids and forming salts with them and of turning red litmus blue. In a more general sense, the term is also applied to the hydroxides of the so-called alkaline earth metals - barium, calcium, and strontium.
ALKALI TEST
A test to determine the presence or absence of free alkali in finished oils after chemical purification.
ALKALINE
Having the properties of an alkali; opposite to acidic.
ALKALINITY
The amount of free alkali in any substance.
ALKYLATION
A reaction in which a straight-chain or branched-chain hydrocarbons group, which is called an alkyl group or radical, is united with either an aromatic molecule or a branched-chain hydrocarbon. Used for detergent or petroleum manufacture. Usually catalysed by Hydrofluoric or Sulphuric acid.
ALLOY
A substance composed of two or more metals, or of a metal and a nonmetal, intimately united, usually by being fused together and dissolved in each other when molten.
AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE
An association incorporated in the United States, having as its object the study of the arts and sciences connected with the petroleum industry in all its branches and the fostering of foreign and domestic trade in American petroleum products.
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING MATERIALS
An association incorporated in the United States for promoting knowledge of the properties of engineering materials and for standardising specifications and methods of testing.
AMINE
Hydrocarbon with attached Ammonia group having absorbent properties, making it useful in treatment processes (ADIP, SULFINOL).
AMMONIA NH3
Ammonia is manufactured by the direct combination of hydrogen and nitrogen under pressure over a catalyst. Anhydrous ammonia is mainly used for the manufacture of nitrogenous fertilisers, but is used at NZRC for pH control in various processes. A colourless, gaseous compound, NH3 is of extremely pungent smell and taste and is very soluble in water.
ANAEROBIC
Existing in an oxygen free condition.
ANALYSIS
The process of determining the composition of a substance by chemical or physical methods.
ANHYDROUS
Free of water.
ANILINE POINT
The minimum temperature for complete miscibility of equal volumes of the chemical aniline and a petroleum product. In conjunction with API gravity the aniline point may be used to calculate the net heat of combustion of aviation fuels or the diesel index of diesel fuels. The lower temperature at which an oil product is completely miscible with aniline in a 1:1 volumetric ratio.
ANNEALING
Heating and slowly cooling to increase the ductility or remove internal stresses, as of metal or glass.
ANTIFOAM AGENT
An additive used for controlling foam. Antifoam agents are used in some lubricating oils. At NZRC, used as additives in ADIP, Sulphinol and BDU Units.
ANTI‑KNOCK
An adjective signifying resistance to detonation (pinking) in spark‑ignited internal combustion engines. Anti‑knock value is measured in terms of octane number of gasoline engines and of cetane number for diesel fuels.
ANTI‑KNOCK AGENT
A chemical compound such as tetramethyl‑lead which, when added in small amounts to the fuel charge of an internal‑combustion engine, tends to lessen knocking.
ANTIOXIDANT
A chemical added to gasoline, lubricating oil, etc. to inhibit oxidation.
ANTI‑STATIC ADDITIVE
An additive for reducing static properties, notably in Kerosene.
API GRAVITY
In the USA an arbitrary scale known as the API degree is used for reporting the gravity of a petroleum product. The degree API is related to the specific gravity scale (15°C/15°C) by the formula:
141.5
Degree API = Sp. Gr. 15°C/15°C ‑ 131.5
AROMATIC BLEND
A mixture made by the addition of a component or stock essentially aromatic in nature to impart to the mixture some property of the aromatic.
AROMATICS
A group of hydrocarbons characterised by their having at least one ring structure of six carbon atoms, each of the latter having one valency outside the ring. If these valencies are occupied by hydrogen atoms, hydrocarbon radicals, or inorganic groups one speaks of condensed aromatics. These hydrocarbons are called aromatics because many of their derivatives have an aromatic odour. They are of relatively high specific gravity and possess good solvent properties. Certain aromatics have valuable anti‑knock characteristics. Typical aromatics are: benzene, toluene, xylene, phenol (all mono‑aromatics) and naphthalene (a di‑aromatic). Aromatics can cause smoke and freeze point problems in Kerosene.
ASH
The solid residue left when combustible material is thoroughly burned.
ASH CONTENT
The percent by weight of residue left after combustion of a sample of a fuel oil or other petroleum oil.
ASPHALT
This term may have several meanings:
1. It refers to a mixture of bitumen and mineral aggregate, as prepared for the construction of roads or for other purposes.
2. In the United States it refers to the product which is known as bitumen elsewhere. Black to dark‑brown solid or semisolid cementitious material which gradually liquefies when heated and in which the predominating constituents are bitumens. These occur in the solid or semisolid form in nature: are obtainable by refining petroleum; or are combinations with one another or with petroleum or derivatives thereof.
3. At NZRC ‑ very heavy fuel oil produced as bottom product from BDU (short residue with DAO removed).
ASPHALTENES
Polyaromatic constituents of asphaltic bitumen characterised by being insoluble in aromatic‑free low‑boiling petroleum spirit, but soluble in carbon disulphide.
ASPHALTIC BASE CRUDE OILS
Crude oils which contain little or no paraffin wax but usually contain asphaltic matter. Now often referred to as naphthene base crude oils.
ASPHALTIC BITUMEN
The full name for bitumen adopted by the Permanent International Association of Road Congresses.
ASPIRATOR
An apparatus which serves to create a partial vacuum through pumping a jet of water, steam, or some other fluid or gas past an orifice opening out of the chamber in which the vacuum is to be produced.
ASSOCIATED NATURAL GAS
Natural gas associated with oil accumulations by being dissolved in the oil under the reservoir temperatures and pressures (solution gas) and often also be forming a gas cap of free gas above the oil (gas cap gas).
ASTM DISTILLATION
Any distillation made in accordance with an ASTM distillation procedure; and, especially, a distillation test made on such products as gasoline and kerosene to determine the initial and final boiling points and the boiling range.
ASTM GUM TEST
1. An analytical method for determining the amount of existing gum in a gasoline by evaporating a sample from a glass dish on an elevated temperature bath with the aid of circulating air.
2. Any gum test carried out in accordance with an ASTM gum test procedure.
ASTM MELTING POINT
The temperature at which wax first shows a minimum rate of temperature change, also known as the English melting point.
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
1. The pressure of air.
2. More specifically, the pressure of the air at sea level.
3. As a standard, the pressure at which the mercury barometer stands at 760mm, or 30in. (equivalent to approx. 14.7 psi).
ATOM
The smallest complete particle of an element which can be obtained, yet retain all physical and chemical properties of the element. According to present theory, the atom consists of a nucleus of neutrons and positively charged protons, surrounded by negatively charged particles called electrons.
ATOMISE\
To divide a liquid into extremely minute droplets, either by impact with a jet of steam or compressed air, or by passing through some mechanical device.
ATTEMPERATOR\
See Desuperheater.
ATTRITION\
The act of wearing out by rubbing or grinding, or the state of being so worn or ground. Granular catalysts or absorbents may suffer such attrition as a result of movement.
AUTO IGNITION POINT
The temperature at which the vapour given off by a sample will ignite in air without any ignition source.
AVERAGE BOILING POINT
Unless otherwise indicated, the sum of the ASTM distillation temperatures in steps of 10°C from the 10‑percent point to the 90‑percent point, inclusive, divided by 9. Sometimes half the initial and half the maximum distillation temperatures are also added, and the sum then divided by 10.
AVGAS
High octane aviation gasoline for piston type engine. Not made by NZRC.
AVIATION GASOLINE
Any of the special grades of gasoline suitable for use in certain aeroplane engines. Not made by NZRC.
AVTAG
Wide range aviation turbine fuel, gasoline type, about identical to the JP 4 type fuel. Not made by NZRC.
AVTUR
Kerosene type aviation turbine fuel, (Jet A1).
AZEOTROPE
Two (or more) components are said to form an azeotrope if there is a mixture of those components which has no boiling range but whose boiling point and dew point are the same.
AZEOTROPIC DISTILLATION
A distillation process characterised by the fact that the relative position of the components boiling points is influenced by the addition of a compound which selectively forms an azeotrope with one or a group of the components. The added compound is called the azeotrope former. E.g. furfural, used in the extraction of aromatics, forms an azeotrope with water.
B
BACK PRESSURE
1. The pressure on the outlet or downstream side of a flowing system.
2. In an engine, the pressure which acts adversely against the piston, causing loss of power.
BAFFLE
A partial restriction, generally a plate, located so as to change direction, guide the flow, or promote mixing within the equipment in which it is installed.
BALANCED DRAUGHT
A method of furnace air control using both forced and induced draught fans.
BAR OVER
To manually or mechanically rotate a compressor or turbine to ensure free movement or enable even heating/cooling.
BAROMETER
An instrument employed to determine atmospheric pressure.
BAROMETRIC CONDENSER
A device for condensing steam by direct contact with water. It produces a partial vacuum in refinery equipment such as a vacuum distillation unit.
BAROMETRIC LEG
Water filled tube for sealing vacuum systems. (See also Liquid Seal).
BARREL
A standard measure of crude oil quantities; equivalent to 35 imperial gallons, 42 US gallons or 159 litres.
BASIC SEDIMENT AND WATER
The heavy material which collects in the bottom of storage tanks, usually composed of oil, water, and foreign matter. Also called bottoms, bottom settlings, etc. It is measured in all incoming feedstocks.
BATCH
Any quantity of material handled or considered as a unit in processing.
BATCH PROCESS
Any process in which a quantity of material is handled or considered as a unit. Such processes involve intermittent, as contrasted to continuous operation.
BATTERY
A series of individual items of refinery equipment operated as a unit.
BATTERY LIMITS
A term used when a unit or a battery is to be built in a refinery by an outside contractor or construction company. It specifies the area within which the contractor shall supply all services, and defines the limits beyond which this shall be done by the refinery. Also defines plant interface limits.
BEARING
A support for holding a shaft in its correct position. Examples: journal bearings to confine radial motion, thrust bearings to control axial movement, and "rolling element" bearings which are used in both services.
BENZENE C6H6
The parent compound of the aromatic hydrocarbon series. It is used in the manufacture of a large number of chemicals including phenol, styrene, detergent alkylate and insecticides and is a major component of platformate.
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD)
Important water test that shows the amount of bio-degradable matter in the water. Amount of oxygen required by aerobic organisms for breakdown of organic matter in water over a 5 day period.
BIODEGRADATION
Degradation of solid materials by bacterial consumption.
BIOTREATER
Process for biological degradation of effluent water.
BITUMEN
A non‑crystalline solid or semi‑solid cementitious material derived from petroleum, consisting essential of compounds composed predominantly of hydrogen and carbon with some oxygen and sulphur, it gradually softens when heated. Bitumen’s are black or brown in colour. They may occur naturally or may be made as end products from the distillation of, or as extracts from, selected petroleum oils.
BLACK PRODUCTS
Fuel oils, bitumen’s and residues.
BLANK ‑ See Spade
BLEEDING
Divert or release a small portion of the material contained in a line or vessel, usually by opening a valve slightly.
BLEND
Any mixture prepared for a special purpose, e.g. the products of a refinery are blended to suit market requirements.
BLENDED FUEL OIL
A mixture of residual and distillate fuel oils.
BLENDING
Mixing of the various components in the preparation of a product of required properties.
BLENDING STOCK
Any of the stocks used to make commercial gasoline. These include: straight‑run gasoline, cracked gasoline, and synfuel among others.
BLENDING VALUE (ANTI‑KNOCK)
Some anti‑knock blending agents possess the property of apparently increasing the rated octane number of certain gasoline base stocks to a higher octane number than their own value in terms of octane numbers. This property is known as the blending value.
BLOCK VALVE
A valve used for isolation of equipment.
BLOCKED OPERATION
The use of a single process unit alternately in more than one operation.
BLOWBACK
A system in which a liquid or a gas is continuously bled through the lead lines of an instrument meter into the main line. This prevents the main line fluid from coming in contact with the meter body, thus eliminating vaporisation, corrosion or plugging.
BLOW‑BY
In internal‑combustion engines, the escape of combustion gases or unburned fuel from the combustion chamber past the pistons and rings into the crankcase during the power stroke or the compression stroke.
BLOWDOWN
The act of flushing or clearing a piece of pressurised equipment by blowing to a drain (or similar). Term is often used by Boilermen, continuos blowdown indicating blowdown from the Steam Drum or Scum level, and Intermittent Blowdown from the bottom header of a boiler.
BLOWER
Usually an enclosed fan used in a forced/induced/balanced draught furnace to provide the combustion air.
BLOWN BITUMEN
A type of bitumen prepared by the oxidation of short residues, normally by blowing air at an elevated temperature.
BLUE SMOKE
A blue exhaust smoke from a diesel engine, indicating that only a part of the fuel is being burned; also called cold smoke.
BOILING POINT (AT A GIVEN PRESSURE)
The temperature at which a liquid, contained in a closed vessel under a given pressure, will form a first bubble of vapour on the addition of heat. Further heating of the liquid at its boiling point results in evaporation of part or all of the liquid.
BOILING RANGE
Petroleum products (which are mixtures of many compounds, each having a different boiling point) do not have a simple boiling point but have a boiling range instead, i.e. the temperature range from boiling point to dew point.
BOMB
A small pressure vessel, such as used for taking samples of HP gases and LPG.
BOND
1. Chemically, a unit link between atoms. In graphic chemical formulas, it is often represented by a short line or dash.
2. Electrically, a common grounding system e.g. Bonding wires used between fuel tanker and petrol station ground tanks or airport delivery systems and aircraft.
BOOSTER STATION
An auxiliary station consisting of suitable storage tanks, motive power and pumps for pumping oil through pipelines.
BOTTLED GAS
Ordinarily, butane or propane, or butane‑propane mixtures, liquefied and bottled under pressure for domestic use.
BOTTOMS
The bottom product from a distillation of petroleum; also the liquid layer left in a tank or similar container after draining to the level of the pump suction.
BOX‑IN
To isolate a piece of equipment, usually by block valves.
BOX‑UP
The act of closing up a piece of refinery equipment following construction, maintenance, inspection etc.
BRAKE HORSEPOWER
That horsepower delivered by an engine to a brake or dynamometer. It is less than the indicated horsepower by the amount lost in transmission bearings, gear teeth, belts, etc.
BREAKER POINT
The point of contact actuated by a cam to break the primary circuit in the ignition system and thereby cause a current surge in the secondary circuit which produces the spark.
BREATHING
When a storage tank containing volatile products is heated by solar radiation, some of the liquid contents evaporate. The excess vapour thus formed is blown out to the atmosphere. On cooling, the less volatile components of the vapour contents condense and a slight vacuum is created, causing air from outside to be sucked into the tank. This double action is referred to as "breathing" of the tank. The movement of gas (oil vapours or air) in and out of the vent lines of storage tanks as a result of alternate heating and cooling.
BRINE
Water which is nearly saturated with salts.
BRITISH THERMAL UNIT (BTU)
The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1lb of water through 1°F. 1.000 Btu = 252 kcal.
BRITOLITE
A drying solvent used by BP. Manufactured from hydrocracked Naphtha and Tops.
BUFFER
1. A vessel for temporary storage of liquid (buffer drum).
2. A chemical used to maintain another within set limits of (e.g.) pH.
A device to polish the floor.
An old Navel name for a person in-charge of the deck of a Ship.
BUG COUNT
Microscopic estimation of active bacteria in a sample.
BULK CRUSHING STRENGTH
Test to determine the mechanical strength of a catalyst.
BULK DENSITY
The weight of solid particles which can be held by a container of known dimensions compared to the weight of water which can be held by the same container.
BUND WALL
See Fire Wall.
BUNKER FUEL
Any fuel oil or diesel fuel taken into the bunkers of ships.
BURNING OIL
An illuminating oil, such as kerosene, mineral seal oil, etc. suitable for burning in a wick lamp.
BUTANE C4H10
Commercial butane is a mixture of two gaseous paraffins, normal butane and isobutane. When blended into gasoline in small quantities it improves volatility and octane number. Butane can be stored under pressure as a liquid at atmospheric temperatures ("bottled gas") and it is widely used for cooking and domestic heating. Used at NZRC in the reformer and BDU.
BUTANE DE‑ASPHALTING
A solvent extraction process whereby a short residue is split into components having low (D.A.O.) and high (Asphalt) asphaltic content by contact with liquid butane.
BYPRODUCT
A secondary or additional product not of primary importance. (e.g. Sulphur).
C
C1,C2,C3,C4,C5
A common way of representing fractions containing a preponderance of hydrocarbons of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 carbon atoms, respectively, without reference to hydrocarbon type.
CALIBRATION
The determination of fixed reference points on the scale of any instrument by comparison with a known standard and the subsequent subdivision or graduation of the scale to enable measurements in definite units to be made with it. Also the process of measuring or calculating the volumetric contents or capacity of a receptable.
CALMING SECTION TRAYS
Fractionating trays characterised by the presence of calming sections on a tray of the grid, sieve or valve variety (hence the names: c.s. gridtray, c.s. sieve tray and c.s. valve tray). Calming sections are actually downcomers, carefully designed and distributed over the tray area so as to ensure the best distribution of liquid.
CALORIE
The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water through 1C (from 14.5 to 15.5C). In calculations the k calorie, equal to 1,000 calories is often used. 1,000 kilocalories = 3,968 Btu.
CALORIFIC VALUE
The calorific value of a combustible material is the quantity of heat produced by complete combustion of unit weight of the material. The units in which the calorific value is usually given are (a) calories per gram and (b) British Thermal Units per pound. The systems may be converted by the relationship:
1 calorie per gram = 1.8 Btu per lb.
CANDLEPOWER
The illuminating power of a standard candle employed as a unit for determining the illuminating quality of kerosene and other illuminants. One international candle or one American candle equals 1.11 Hefner candles.
CAPILLARITY
That physical action by which the surface of a liquid, where it is in contact with a nonhorizontal solid surface (as in vertical capillary tube), is elevated above or depressed below the level of the liquid. Its magnitude is determined by the interfacial tensions involved.
CARBON
A nonmetallic element existing in diamonds, graphite, and numerous amorphous forms; combined as carbon dioxide, carbonates, and in all living things. Carbon is unique in forming an almost infinite number of compounds (it is present in all organic compounds).
CARBON (FIXED CARBON)
In the case of coal, coke, and bituminous materials, the solid residue other than ash contained by destructive distillation.
CARBON DEPOSIT
Engine deposits containing soot from over‑rich fuel mixtures and the carbon residue and tars from decomposed lubricating oil. Road dust, metal particles, gum and tarry substances also form a part of such deposits.
CARBON DIOXIDE
A heavy, colourless gas, CO2, which will not support combustion. Dissolved in water, it forms carbonic acid. It is exhaled by lung‑possessing animals as a waste gas, but is inhaled by certain plants which absorb its carbon and release its oxygen as a waste gas.
CARBON MONOXIDE
A colourless, odourless gas, CO; a product resulting from the incomplete combustion of carbon. It is very poisonous.
CARBURETTOR
A device for metering the correct mixture of air and gasoline to an internal‑combustion engine.
CARRYOVER
Relatively nonvolatile contaminating material which is carried over by the overhead effluent from a fractionating column, absorber, or reaction vessel. It may be carried as liquid droplets or finely divided solids suspended in a gas, a vapour, or a discrete liquid.
CASCADE TRAY
A fractionating device consisting of a series of parallel troughs arranged in stair‑step fashion. Liquid from the tray above enters the uppermost trough. Liquid thrown from this trough by vapour rising from the tray below impinges against a plate and a perforated baffle. Liquid passing through the baffle enters the next lower of the troughs.
CATALYSIS
The alteration of the rate of a chemical reaction by the presence of a "foreign" substance (catalyst) that remains unchanged at the end of the reaction.
CATALYST
In technology this word means a substance added to a system of reactants which will accelerate the desired reactions, while emerging virtually unaltered from the process. The catalyst allows the reaction to take place at a temperature at which the uncatalyzed reaction would proceed too slowly for practical purposes. Used extensively in secondary processes.
CATALYST POISON
Generally, coverage of the catalyst surface with nonreactants. If a large fraction of the catalyst surface is covered selectively by any one strongly adsorbed chemical, the catalytic reaction will be drastically reduced in rate. This circumstance is called poisoning, and self‑poisoning can result when one reactant or product is much more strongly adsorbed than another reactant. May be reversible, but can destroy entire catalyst inventory.
CATALYTIC PROCESS
Any process which employs catalysis. Examples : Hydrocracking, Platforming and hydrotreating.
CATALYTIC REFORMING
Process of changing the molecular structure of the components of straight‑run gasoline or of a gasoline fraction by subjecting the gasoline to thermal treatment in the presence of a catalyst (for example platinum). By this process the anti‑knock performance of the gasoline is improved.
CATHODIC PROTECTION
Method of protecting tanks, ships, pipelines and jetties against corrosion. By reversing the electric current which flows away from a corroding metal, a corrosion process can be arrested.
CAUSTIC SODA
The name used in industry for sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on account of its property of corroding the skin. It is strongly alkaline. Used extensively in water treatment or pH control in process units.
CENTRIGRADE (CELSIUS) SCALE
A thermometer scale on which the interval between the freezing point and boiling point of water is divided into 100 parts or degrees centigrade, so that 0C corresponds to 32F and 100C to 212F. Also called Celsius after Anders Celsius who first described it.
CENTIPOISE, CENTISTOKES
A Centipoise (cP) is 1/100th of a poise (P) which is the fundamental unit of dynamic viscosity in the centimetre‑gram‑second system of units. The viscosity of water at 20C is approximately 1 cP. The centistokes (cS) is 1/100th of a stoke (S) which is the fundamental unit of Kinematic viscosity in that system. The two c viscosity’s are related by the density, i.e. number of centistokes = number of Centipoise divided by liquid density (in g/cm3).
CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR
A machine in which pressure is built up by means of rotating fans or blades.
CENTRIFUGAL PUMP
A pump that derives its pressure increase from the centrifugal force generated when the impeller throws the liquid outwards at high speed.
CENTRIFUGE
A whirling instrument for separating liquids and solids or liquids of different specific gravity by use of centrifugal force.
CERAMIC BALLS
Balls of chemically inert ceramic, used as filler and support in reactors etc.
CETANE NUMBER
The cetane number of a diesel fuel is a number equal to the percentage by volume of cetane in a mixture with alph‑methyl‑naphthalene having the same ignition quality as the fuel under test.
CFR ENGINE
A standard single‑cylinder variable compression engine developed by the Co‑operative Fuel Research Council, to determine the anti‑knock value of motor gasoline’s or the ignition quality of diesel fuels.
CHANNELING
Non uniform flow of process fluid through (e.g.) a reactor bed.
CHARACTERISATION
Identifying a feed or product by its properties e.g. distillation,
carbon: hydrogen ration, density etc.
CHAR VALUE
In the 24 hours kerosene burning test the amount of char formed on the wick under prescribed conditions is measured and reported as mg/kg.
CHECK VALVE (NON RETURN VALVE)
An automatic valve which permits fluids to pass in one direction but closes when the fluids attempt to pass in the opposite direction.
CHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (COD)
Total amount of oxygen needed for oxidation of all organic matter in water to CO2 and H2O.
CHLORINATION
A chemical reaction in which chlorine reacts with hydrocarbon and one or more of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by atoms of chlorine, or chlorine reacts with an unsaturated hydrocarbon and two chlorine atoms (one molecule) are added to the double bond.
CHROMOMETER ‑ See Colorimeter
CLADDING
A homogeneous bonded or resistance‑welded metallic liner applied to a base metal such as carbon steel. Used in lines, vessels, and heat exchanger equipment to reduce corrosion and increase service life. Also called clad lining.
CLAUS PROCESS
Process for the manufacture of sulphur from H2S, comprising oxidation of part of the H2S to SO2 in a thermal reaction stage, followed by catalytic reaction of the remaining H2S with the SO2 formed to give sulphur.
CLEAR GASOLINE
A gasoline which is free from anti‑knock additives such as tetraethyl‑lead. In making comparative engine tests between leaded and unleaded fuels, the clear, unleaded gasoline is sometimes referred to as straight gasoline base, base fuel, or as gasoline "neat".
CLOUD POINT
The temperature at which a fuel, when cooled, begins to congeal and present a cloudy appearance owing to the formation of minute crystals of wax.
COAGULATION
The precipitation from solution or suspension of fine particles which tend to unite in clots or curds.
COALESCER
A vessel packed with steelwool, glasswool, polypropylene wool or felt used to remove fine droplets of treating liquids or water from a petroleum product.
COASTAL TANKER Ltd‑ (CTL)
A Company responsible for coastal tanker movements in NZ
COEFFICIENT OF EXPANSION
The ratio of the increase of length, area, or volume of a body for a given rise in temperature (usually 1F) to the original length, area, or volume of the body.
COFFERDAMS
The empty spaces fore and aft in a tanker, which traverse the whole breadth of the vessel and isolate the cargo tanks from the rest of the ship (fire protection).
COKE
Hard carbon deposit, usually formed by the unintentional thermal cracking of heavy residues.
COKE DRUM
A vessel in which coke is formed or collected and which can be cut off from the process for cleaning.
COLD FILTER PLUGGING POINT
The highest temperature at which a fuel ceases to flow through a test filter.
COLORIMETER
An instrument for determining the colour of oil product by measuring the percentage transmission of monochromatic light through the liquid.
COMBINED FEED RATIO (CFR)
The ratio of the 2nd to 1st stage feed on the Hydrocracker.
COMBUSTION
The process of burning; rapid oxidation caused by the union of the oxygen of the air with a material.
COMBUSTION CHAMBER
The space in which the process of burning takes place e.g. in a jet engine.
COMPATABILITY
Ability of additives or products to mix together without separation or reaction.
COMPOUND
A substance formed by the combination of two or more ingredients in definite proportions by weight, and possessing physical and chemical properties entirely different from those of the ingredients. e.g. table salt, paint.
COMPRESSION
In general, the act of increasing the pressure on gas or vapour. It is usually attended by a reduction in volume.
COMPRESSION IGNITION
The combustion which takes place when fuels are injected in a fine spray into the hot compressed air (500C) in the cylinder of a diesel (compression ignition) engine. The heating of the air is due to its rapid compression by the piston.
COMPRESSION RATIO
The ratio of the cylinder volume when the piston of an engine is at the crank end of the cylinder, to the volume when the piston is at the head end.
COMPRESSOR
A device which draws in air or other gases, compresses it and discharges it at a high pressure.
CONDENSATE
Liquid hydrocarbons which are sometimes produced together with natural gas. In general: the liquid that is formed when a vapour cools.
CONDENSATION (PHYSICAL)
The transfer of a material from the vapour phase into the liquid phase, for example by the withdrawal of heat.
CONDENSER
A special type of heat exchanger for the removal of heat from e.g. the top of a fractionating column.
CONDENSER BOX
A large box‑shaped structure in which the condenser, which may consist of coils or tubes, is submerged in a heat‑absorbing medium, usually water.
CONDUCTIVITY
A materials ability to conduct an electrical charge. Important in water treatment (as an indication of impurities) and some hydrocarbons (static risk).
CONGEAL
To change from a liquid to a semi‑solid or solid state.
CONTINUOUS CATALYST REGENERATOR
see Fluid bed operation.
CONTINUOUS DISTILLATION
An operation in which the steps of charging, heating, vapourisation, fractionation, and collection of products are performed continuously rather than in a batchwise manner. The unit employed is known as a continuous still.
CONTROL LOOP
Combination of control signal, feedback signal and instrumental response that characterises an automatic control system.
CONTROLLER
The actual control instrument is the controller. However, the word is often used in reference to the control valve that acts on the process.
CONVECTION
The flow of heat through liquid or gas by actual mixing of the fluids (physical turbulence).
CONVECTION SECTION
That portion of the furnace in which tubes receive heat by convection from the flue gases (contrast with radiant section).
CONVENTIONAL PRODUCTS
Petroleum products which are manufactured from crude oil by physical separation processes. (See primary processes).
CONVERSION PROCESSES
Manufacturing processes which involve a change in the structure of the hydrocarbons (See secondary processes).
COOLER
A heat exchanger whose primary purpose is to reduce the temperature of one of the passing fluids.
COOLING TOWER
A unit or structure, for the purpose of cooling by evaporation.
COPPER STRIP CORROSION
A qualitative method of determining the corrosivity of a product by its effect on a small strip of polished copper suspended or placed in the product. One of the kerosene quality tests.
CORRECTED ENERGY & LOSS (CEL)
Yardstick used for monitoring refinery efficiencies.
CORROSION
The gradual eating away of metallic surfaces as the result of chemical action such as oxidation. It is caused by corrosive agents such as acids.
COUNTERCURRENT FLOW
A system in which one fluid flows in one direction and another fluid flows in the opposite direction e.g. in a heat exchanger, in which the direction of flow of the cold oil is opposite to that of the hot oil.
CRACKING
Process whereby the large molecules of the heavier oils are converted into smaller molecules of the gasoline type. When this is brought about by heat alone, the process is known as thermal cracking. If a catalyst is also used the process is referred to as catalytic cracking (in speech generally abbreviated to cat. cracking) or Hydrocracking if the process is conducted over special catalysts in a hydrogen atmosphere ‑ other processes include visbreaking and hycon.
CREDITORS
Accounts payable.
CREEP
Change in the micro structure of a metal. The continuous stretching which occurs when metal is under stress or pressure, especially apparent when at high temperatures.
CRITERIA REFERENCED INSTRUCTION
Method of instruction based on meeting specific criteria.
CRITICAL PRESSURE
The pressure necessary to condense a gas at the critical temperature.
CRITICAL TEMPERATURE
The maximum temperature at which a gas can be liquefied by pressure (critical pressure); above this temperature the gas cannot be liquefied, no matter what pressure is applied.
CRITICAL VELOCITY
The rate of flow in a pipe at which streamline flow changes into turbulent flow.
CRUDE NAPHTHA
Light distillate made in the fractionation of crude oil.
CRUDE OIL TYPES
See appropriate sub‑heading for description.
‑ Paraffin‑base crude oils
‑ Asphaltic‑base crude oils
‑ Mixed‑base crude oils
CRUDE WAX
Crude wax, also called petroleum wax or slack wax, is an unrefined mixture of high‑melting hydrocarbons, mainly of the normal straight‑chain type, still containing a fairly high percentage of oil. It is obtained by filtration (as such, or after addition of a solvent) from high boiling distillates or residual oils. Slack wax is primarily obtained as by‑product in the manufacture of lubricating oils. The crude wax made from distillate oils is refined to make a range of microcrystalline waxes.
CRYSTALISATION
A fractionation process based on the difference in freezing point of the various constituents of the mixture to be fractionated. The process is, for example, used in the separation of paraffins from lube oil (de‑waxing).
CUSTODY TRANSFER TANKS
Tanks which receive products from external sources or deliver products to external sources
CURRENT RATE
Current Assets
Current Liabilities
CUT
Refinery term for a fraction obtained direct from a fractionation unit. Several cuts can be blended for the manufacture of a certain product.
CUT POINT
(Between two process streams). The boiling point at atmospheric pressure of the component distributed in equal percentage in both process streams.
CYCLISATION
A reaction, for example, platinum‑catalysed, by which a straight‑chain paraffin hydrocarbon is converted into a naphthene and then into an aromatic: i.e. The process of changing an open‑chain hydrocarbon structure to a closed ring, e.g. hexane to benzene. Accompanied by production of Hydrogen.
CYCLONE SEPARATOR
A conical vessel provided with a tangential inlet for a gas stream containing finely divided solids or liquid droplets, normally designed with a centrally located overhead gas withdrawal line. Powdered solids or coagulated liquids are separated by centrifugal force and pass downward along the incline (conical) to a centrally located outlet. In catalytic cracking, a pipe, known as a dip leg, is connected to this bottom outlet and serves to convey the solids back to the catalyst bed.
D
DAMPER
Usually a flap or shutter to control air flow in a furnace (may be in the supply and/or the flue ducting).
DEACTIVATION
Reduction in catalyst activity by poisoning or coating of catalyst particles by contaminants, or by a change in the physical structure of the catalyst particles.
DEADWEIGHT
The amount of cargo, stores and fuel which a vessel carries when loaded to the appropriate draught allowed by law. The difference between deadweight and displacement is the actual weight of the vessel.
DEARATOR
Device for the steam stripping of 02 and other gases from boiler feed water.
DEBTORS
Accounts receivable.
DECOMPOSITION
The breaking up of compounds into smaller chemical forms through the application of heat, change in other physical conditions, or introduction of other chemical bodies.
DEFERRED TAXATION
Provision for tax payable in the future, but deferred in the current year because of timing differences between the Company's accounts and the accounts required by the Inland Revenue Department.
DEHYDRATION
The removal of water from crude oil, from gas produced in association with oil, or from gas from gas‑condensate wells.
DEHYDROCYCLISATION
Any process involving both dehydrogenation and cyclisation reactions.
DEHYDROGENATION
A reaction process in which hydrogen atoms are eliminated from a molecule.
DEIONIZED WATER
Water that has had all the free ions removed by ion‑exchange, also called demineralised water.
DEISOLATION
The opposite of isolation i.e. To energise a piece of equipment.
DEMISTER
Any device used to stop passage of liquid droplets e.g. a demister section in a vacuum column is to stop the asphaltenes from the residue getting into the waxy distillate.
DEMULSIFIER
An additive used to prevent the formation of an emulsion ‑ applicable in crude/water emulsions in desalter.
DEMURRAGE
Amount payable to ship owner for failure to load or discharge ship within time allowed.
DENITRIFICATION
Removal of nitrogen compounds on feedstock by hydrogenation. N2 + 3H2 = 2NH3.
DENSE BED LOADING
Catalyst loading system of "raining" the catalyst onto the bed which achieves a higher loaded density than "sock" loading.
DEOXYGENATION
Removal of oxygen on feedstock by hydrogenation. 02 + 2H2 = 2H20.
DESALTING
A process to remove inorganic salts and other impurities from crude oil by mixing with water followed by settling in an electrostatic field.
DESULPHURISATION ‑ See Hydrodesulphurisation
The removal of sulphur or sulphur compounds from a charge stock.
DESUPERHEATER
Equipment used to reduce the temperature of superheated steam.
DETERGENCY
The ability of a substance to clean and to wash away undesirable substance. Detergents may be either oil‑soluble or water‑soluble. Soap and synthetic detergents help to wet, disperse, and de-flocculate solid particles. Oil‑soluble detergents are used in motor oils to disperse, loosen, and remove carbon, dirt, etc. from interior surfaces of internal‑combustion engines.
DETERGENT OIL
A lubricating oil possessing special sludge‑dispersing properties for use in internal‑combustion engines. These properties are usually conferred on the oil by the incorporation of special additives. Detergent oils hold sludge particles in suspension and thus promote engine cleanliness.
DETONATION
Detonation or knocking is the sharp metallic sound emitting from the cylinders of spark‑ignition engines under certain conditions. It occurs when conditions in a cylinder are such that self‑ignition of an unburnt mixture of fuel and air takes place. It reduces power output.
DEW POINT (at a given pressure)
The temperature at which a vapour, contained in a closed vessel under the given pressure, will form a first drop of liquid on the subtraction of heat. Further cooling of the vapour at its dew point results in condensation of part or all of the vapour as liquid. The dew point of a normal gasoline is approximately the same as the temperature at which 70% by volume distils over in the ASTM‑distillation test. The dew point of a pure compound is the same as its boiling point.
DEWAXING
The process of removing paraffin wax from lubricating oils.
DIESEL ENGINE
As internal‑combustion engine in which air drawn in by the suction stroke is so highly compressed that the heat generated ignites the fuel, which is automatically sprayed into the cylinder under high pressure.
DIESEL FUEL
A general term covering oils used as fuel in diesel and other compression ignition engines.
DIESEL INDEX
A measure of the ignition quality of a diesel fuel; the index is calculated from a formula involving the gravity of the fuel and its aniline point (API gravity times the aniline point (determining by ASTM D611‑47T) divided by 100).
DIFLUOROETHANE
A catalyst promoter used on the Hydrocracker.
DILUENT
A liquid used to dilute or thin out another liquid.
DIPPING
A process for measuring the height of a liquid in a storage tank. This is usually done by lowering a weighted graduated steel tape through the tank roof and noting the level at which the oil surface cuts the tape when the weight gently touches the tank bottom (see Ullage).
DISTILLATE
The liquid obtained by condensing the vapour given off by a boiling liquid. Also the top product taken off a fractionating column; and in its broadest sense: any fraction other than the bottom product of the fractionator.
DISTILLATION (fractional)
A fractionation process based on the difference in boiling point of the various constituents of the mixture to be fractionated. It is carried out by evaporation and condensation in contact with reflux. When applied to the separation of gasoline, kerosene, etc., from a crude oil, to leave a residual fuel oil or asphaltic bitumen, the process is frequently called topping. Distillation is normally carried out in such a way as to avoid decomposition (cracking); in the case of the higher boiling distillates, such as long residue, this is accomplished by carrying out the distillation under vacuum (which requires a lower temperature).
DISTILLATION CURVE
Curve made by plotting the percentage of gasoline (or other petroleum product) distilled versus the temperature.
DISTILLATION LOSS
The difference, in a laboratory distillation, between the volume of liquid originally introduced into the distilling flask and the sum of the residue and the condensate recovered.
DISTRIBUTOR (LIQUID/GAS)
A device for distributing a 2 phase flow correctly within a vessel, i.e. encouraging separation.
DISULPHIDE
A compound containing a ‑S‑S‑ linkage. Such compounds are colourless liquids completely miscible with hydrocarbons and insoluble in water. The lower members, when pure, possess a nauseating sweet odour which is particularly clinging and penetrating. Although disulphides are normal constituents of the lighter distillates, they are also formed as a result of the oxidation of mercaptans. Sour distillates become sweetened in this way.
DIVIDEND COVER
Net profit after tax and before extraordinary items
Dividend for year
DIVIDEND YIELD
Market Price of Shares (cents)
Dividend Paid (cents)
DOCTOR SOLUTION
A solution (sodium plumbite) made from lead oxide and sodium hydroxide, used to treat gasoline or other light petroleum distillates to remove mercaptan sulphur. The "doctor test" is used for the detection of sulphur compounds in light petroleum distillates which react with sodium plumbite.
DOCTOR TREATMENT
A process of sweetening sour gasoline’s ‑ by conversion of the mercaptans ‑ by means of a solution of lead oxide in caustic soda, together with sulphur. Not used at NZRC.
DOLPHIN
Separate pile in jetty system ‑ used for mooring.
DOWNCOMER
A means of conveying liquid from one tray to the next below in a trayed column.
DOWNSTREAM
Towards the later end of the process e.g. final blending, product tankage. In the business sense ‑ Marketing of finished products, filling stations etc.
DRAW OFF
A connection which allows liquid to flow from the bottom of a vessel or to remove the contents from a draw off tray.
DRY GAS
Natural gas which does not contain liquid hydrocarbons at storage pressure. Also often used for a petroleum gas consisting of no other compounds than inert gases (e.g. hydrogen, nitrogen, etc) and the light hydrocarbons methane, ethane, ethene, propane, propene (sometimes also: hydrogen sulphide).
DUAL PURPOSE KEROSENE
An export grade Kero that meets both premium and Avtur specifications.
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