MSc Petroleum Downstream Technology
Factfile
| Typical Entry Requirements | A good first degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent. Practitioners with suitable qualifications and relevant experience in engineering, science or technology are also welcome to apply. |
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| Programme length | Minimum recommended time for completion of the MSc is three years, (based on four modules per year plus a research project in the third year). The maximum time for completion is six years |
| Start date | October |
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| Fees | Fees for this programme can be found on our fee rates 2010/2011 page. |
| Download course brochure |
Petroleum and Renewable Energy Systems Engineering - Postgraduate Programmes 2010 |
| Contact details |
For general enquiriesT: 0800 980 3200 or +44 (0)1483 681681 For admissions enquiries
T: +44 (0)1483 682357 |
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There is no doubt that people are going to be dependent on oil-based transport fuels and chemical products for the foreseeable future. Those employed in this industry are challenged with an ever-increasing need to improve the efficiency of their processes.
Refining capacity for the upgrading of heavy oil is set to increase over the coming years, with many new units planned or under construction. The petrochemical industry as a whole is facing a major demographic challenge, as the average age of those with engineering expertise is increasing. As a result of these factors there is a growing shortage of fresh engineers with relevant skills in this business area.
This programme aims to address this problem by supplying modules that are highly relevant to the effective operation and management of refineries and downstream petrochemical plant.
As well as possessing excellent technical skills, the modern downstream engineer requires economic and business skills, augmented by skills in leadership and management. This MSc addresses all three skill sets.
The programme has been specifically tailored to provide individuals with the skills needed to operate as an effective leader and decision maker in the petrochemical refining and downstream processing industries. Challenges to be met by the industry include increased adaptability to feedstock quality variation, improvements to operational efficiency and compliance with ever-tightening product quality specifications, emissions constraints and safety legislation.
The great strength of the programme stems from the synergistic collaboration between KBC and the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Surrey. KBC is a well established independent consultancy and provider of services to the refining and petrochemical industry with many years of experience. Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey is renowned for its excellence in teaching and research.
This is an MSc delivered by professionals for professionals.
Module Overview
The full programme comprises eight taught modules and a research project. Each taught module will involve preparatory reading, attendance at the University for five days of tuition and a work-based assignment to be submitted for assessment post-tuition.
The research project would normally be conducted at the company and would be directly relevant to the employer’s business, whilst also meeting the University’s standards for an MSc thesis. All work-based information will remain confidential. The MSc thesis will remain confidential and unpublished for up to ten years if required.
Production Optimisation 1
This module provides participants with an understanding of oil and product market economics, the key global crude, feedstock and product flows, global supply and demand of crude and products, along with other key determinants such as transportation routes and costs, and the evolution of petroleum product quality specifications.
Production Optimisation 2
This module provides delegates with an overview of the typical technologies employed in oil refining, petrochemical production and lubricant manufacturing facilities.
Maintenance, Reliability and Safety
This module brings together effective maintenance strategies and process safety through description of predictive and preventive maintenance processes, routine maintenance scheduling best practices using a risk management approach, and major plant turnaround plan development and execution.
Energy Optimisation and Hydrocarbon Loss Minimisation
This module explores effective tools and methods to support benchmarking and optimising plant energy consumption and measuring, reporting and reducing environmental impact.
Production Information and Control
This module addresses key features of these systems, presents best practices in the definition of model-based performance monitoring systems and explores the fundamentals of advanced and multivariable control systems. Direct experience of these concepts is provided through hands-on use of process simulation.
Continuous Improvement
This module provides participants with the tool-kit and methodology to develop continuous improvement strategies and implement them within their plant.
Capital Project Development
This module explains effective capital project development processes, best practices and tools, and examines the impact of applying these on project financial returns and risk mitigation.
Leadership, Management and Human Performance
This module examines key leadership and management strategies required for safe and profitable plant operation and performance. Key skills are developed using dynamic teaching methods, including a hands-on pilot plant exercise that enables individuals to apply these best practices within a realistic operating environment.
Research Project
The research project is based on industrial implementation of any aspect of the taught modules, or a piece of conventional research on a topic allied to the programme. This will be conducted away from the University. Guidance during the project is available by contact with experienced tutors. The research project will be undertaken after completion of all the taught modules.
Programme structure
The MSc degree is awarded for the successful completion of all modules and a research project. Postgraduate Certificates can be awarded for successful completion of any four taught modules. Alternatively a Postgraduate diploma can be awarded for successful completion of all eight taught modules.
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