ATMOSPHERIC AND VACUUM DISTILLATION IN CRUDE OIL REFINING: TECHNOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND PROCESS OPTIMIZATION

This article examines atmospheric and vacuum distillation as the principal separation stages in primary crude oil refining. The discussion covers crude preparation, heat recovery, furnace operation, fractionation, side stripping, vacuum generation, product routing, energy efficiency, process control, equipment reliability, industrial safety, and environmental management. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between crude properties and operating conditions, because density, sulfur content, salt concentration, water content, boiling-range distribution, and residue stability directly influence product quality and unit performance. The study uses a theoretical and technological analysis based on established refinery engineering literature. It concludes that stable product cut points, effective heat integration, minimized pressure drop, controlled residence time, corrosion prevention, and data-driven operation are essential for improving the efficiency and reliability of atmospheric-vacuum distillation complexes.