INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE
Effective production planning and scheduling are vital to the operational success and profitability of modern petroleum refineries. This specialized training course is designed to address the challenges and complexities most faced by refinery personnel involved in planning and scheduling activities. Through in-depth discussions, real-world case studies, and hands-on exercises, participants will learn how to improve operational efficiency, minimize errors, and maximize profitability through smarter planning decisions.
The training course incorporates both foundational knowledge and advanced techniques, using industry-relevant tools such as Microsoft Excel and proprietary linear programming software for scheduling optimization. Participants will explore the integration of planning processes with crude selection, blending operations, and product delivery—ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and refinery capacity constraints.
This Production Planning & Scheduling in Petroleum Refineries training course will also provide valuable insights into evolving industry practices, new technologies, and performance optimization strategies, making it ideal for both new and experienced refinery professionals.
This KC Academy Production Planning & Scheduling in Petroleum Refineries training course will highlight:
- The fundamentals and strategic impact of planning and scheduling in refinery operations
- Techniques for optimizing crude selection and improving yield profitability
- Blending methodologies using Excel and linear programming tools
- How production scheduling improves process fluid yield and operational performance
- Emerging technologies and industry-standard software for planning and scheduling
- Key considerations in reducing errors and improving planning accuracy
COURSE DETAILS
Objectives
By the end of this Production Planning & Scheduling in Petroleum Refineries training course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the key differences and interdependencies between planning and scheduling
- Apply industry-standard tools for crude and product scheduling
- Evaluate and implement scheduling optimization strategies for improved profitability
- Use practical techniques for blending and refining optimization
- Make informed decisions using software-based simulations and Excel-based models
- Gain foundational knowledge of petroleum refining operations and scheduling processes
Training Methodology
This Production Planning & Scheduling in Petroleum Refineries training course will be conducted with formal lectures, active participation and instructor led discussions. Short videos along with computer software and simulations, used by production planning and scheduling personnel, will ensure a thorough understanding of the topics introduced. Case studies will be provided to illustrate the application of planning and scheduling and will be re-enforced with practical exercises and ample opportunities for deliberation and sharing of experiences.
Organisational Impact
Organizations that invest in this training course will benefit through:
- Enhanced staff competency in refinery production planning and scheduling
- Improved integration of planning tools with operational goals
- Increased profitability through optimized crude selection and blending strategies
- Reduced scheduling errors and operational inefficiencies
- Exposure to leading-edge technologies and global best practices in refinery planning
Personal Impact
Participants will gain:
- A solid foundation in the principles of production planning and scheduling
- Practical tools for applying planning, scheduling, and blending techniques
- Increased technical confidence in making data-driven decisions
- Skills to identify and resolve scheduling-related challenges in refinery operations
- Broader understanding of refinery processes and how planning impacts profitability
Who should Attend?
All professionals involved in Production, Planning and Scheduling and anyone that wants to update themselves on the methods used in this important field and learn how to implement error free methods for the benefit of their organizations. Process Engineers and Technologists engaged in planning and scheduling activities and who are required to understand and discuss issues related to their industry.
- Operations Personnel including Shift Supervisors
- Marketers and Refinery Planners
- Blending Professionals
- Refining Technologists
- Other Engineers who would like a further understanding of the complex refining processes and their impact on refinery planning and scheduling
- Accountants, Marketers and other professions who would like understand the complexities and terminology of Production Planning & Scheduling in Petroleum Refineries
DAILY AGENDA
Day 1: Application of Planning and Scheduling
- Overview of Planning and Scheduling in Oil Refineries
- Refinery Complexity
- Refinery Configuration
- Integrated Refineries
- Choice of Crude
- Crude Oil Scheduling
- Capacity Utilization of Crudes & Operational Efficiency
- Workshop - Cut-point Optimization
Day 2: Improving Product Movements and Releasing Tankages
- Crude Assay
- Intermediate Feed Characteristics
- Yields and Properties
- Different Process Units
- Storage Tanks
- Custody Transfer / Measurements
- Class Exercises: Using Excel - Yield Optimization
Day 3: Product Blending Rules
- Product Specifications
- New Trends in Fuel Production
- Environmental Issues
- Crude Oil Pricing Regimes
- Product Netback
Day 4: Refinery Flow Sheets
- Refinery Flow-sheets
- Simplified Material Balance
- Product Inventory Control
- Product Quality Control
- Fixed Composition Blend
- Capacity Control / Constraints
- Availability of Feedstock / Control
Day 5: Refinery Planning and Scheduling
- Petroleum Product Movement and Product Exchange
- Marginal Depot Supply and Movements
- Crude Selection Strategies
- Linear Programming and Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management for Refining
- Refinery Planning and Scheduling
- Discussion and Summary
Certificate
- On successful completion of this training course, KC Academy Certificate will be awarded to the delegates.