Pideya Learning Academy

Combustion and Heat Transfer Techniques in Refinery Operations

Upcoming Schedules

  • Live Online Training
  • Classroom Training

Date Venue Duration Fee (USD)
24 Feb - 28 Feb 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
10 Mar - 14 Mar 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
21 Apr - 25 Apr 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
09 Jun - 13 Jun 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
11 Aug - 15 Aug 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
15 Sep - 19 Sep 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
13 Oct - 17 Oct 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
24 Nov - 28 Nov 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750

Course Overview

In the highly complex and energy-intensive environment of modern refineries, optimizing thermal systems is no longer optional—it is essential. The Combustion and Heat Transfer Techniques in Refinery Operations course by Pideya Learning Academy is expertly designed to equip professionals with a deep understanding of thermal energy dynamics and combustion systems that underpin the efficiency, sustainability, and safety of refinery processes. This immersive training provides a detailed exploration of the scientific principles and engineering strategies required to manage heat and combustion processes more effectively across refinery units.
Across global refining operations, combustion systems are responsible for a significant portion of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the refining industry contributes roughly 6% of total industrial CO₂ emissions worldwide, with combustion processes being a primary contributor. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that up to 20% of energy input in industrial settings is lost as waste heat, often due to suboptimal heat transfer systems and poor combustion control. These inefficiencies not only escalate operating costs but also hinder compliance with tightening emissions regulations.
This course offers a well-structured curriculum that delves into the interrelationship between combustion and heat transfer mechanisms. Participants will gain insights into the operation of burners, flame dynamics, fuel-air mixtures, and heat exchanger optimization, as well as emissions control techniques and thermal safety protocols. By understanding the parameters that influence combustion stability and thermal efficiency—such as flue gas composition, excess air control, and material thermal conductivity—participants will be empowered to develop effective strategies that enhance performance and reduce energy losses.
Key learning experiences throughout the training include an analytical breakdown of emerging combustion technologies and how they integrate into refinery operations to improve energy usage. Participants will evaluate common sources of heat loss and discover industry-approved methods for recovering thermal energy. A focused review of emissions control strategies—such as low-NOx burner configurations and optimized air-to-fuel ratios—will allow learners to connect combustion design with environmental objectives. Moreover, practical design and operation principles of heat exchangers will be covered in depth to help identify fouling, scaling, and flow imbalances that compromise efficiency.
Participants will also benefit from engaging case studies that demonstrate the impact of combustion tuning and heat recovery solutions in real-world scenarios. In addition, this course covers relevant regulatory frameworks and evolving energy policies that influence refinery operations, ensuring that learners are well-prepared to align their efforts with both organizational goals and global sustainability standards. Lastly, enhanced safety practices will be discussed in relation to high-temperature equipment and potential ignition hazards, enabling professionals to contribute to a safer refinery environment.
Throughout the course, learners will:
Explore advanced combustion technologies and their application in modern refinery systems.
Identify and address thermal inefficiencies using proven energy recovery strategies.
Learn to reduce emissions through improved combustion control and optimized fuel usage.
Evaluate heat exchanger design and maintenance considerations for improved performance.
Gain insights from industry case studies focused on energy optimization success stories.
Understand regulatory compliance issues impacting refinery combustion and heat transfer.
Strengthen process safety by recognizing and mitigating high-temperature operational risks.
By the end of the Combustion and Heat Transfer Techniques in Refinery Operations course, participants will possess a robust framework for driving performance improvements in energy utilization, environmental stewardship, and thermal system safety. This training by Pideya Learning Academy serves as a vital resource for technical professionals aiming to lead the transition to more efficient and compliant refinery operations in today’s competitive and sustainability-driven industry.

Course Objectives

After completing this Pideya Learning Academy training, the participants will learn to:
Understand the core principles of combustion and heat transfer in refinery applications.
Evaluate combustion system performance and identify opportunities for energy optimization.
Apply thermal analysis methods to improve heat exchanger reliability and efficiency.
Interpret flue gas compositions and control excess air for emission reduction.
Analyze fuel properties and burner designs to maximize combustion output.
Recognize and mitigate fire and explosion risks associated with thermal systems.
Integrate energy efficiency strategies to reduce operational costs and emissions.
Align refinery operations with global energy policies and environmental regulations.

Personal Benefits

Participants will gain the ability to:
Master technical concepts related to combustion and heat transfer
Develop competency in identifying and solving performance issues
Increase awareness of environmental impact and operational risks
Advance career prospects with specialized thermal system knowledge
Stay updated on global best practices in refinery energy management

Organisational Benefits

Organizations that enroll their teams in this course will benefit through:
Improved refinery efficiency and reduced fuel consumption
Enhanced compliance with environmental and safety regulations
Lower maintenance costs through better thermal system management
Strengthened in-house capability for evaluating and upgrading combustion systems
Reduced emissions and improved corporate sustainability reporting
Informed decision-making in equipment selection and retrofit planning

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for:
Refinery engineers and plant operators
Maintenance and reliability engineers
Process and energy efficiency specialists
Safety and environmental compliance professionals
Technical consultants in the oil and gas sector
Engineering managers and plant supervisors

Course Outline

Module 1: Core Principles of Industrial Combustion
Fundamentals of combustion chemistry Classification and calorific value of fuels Stoichiometric calculations and excess air Thermochemical processes in combustion Flame dynamics and ignition temperatures Energy balance and combustion heat losses
Module 2: Thermal Transport Phenomena in Refining Systems
Modes of heat transfer: conduction, convection, radiation Heat transfer coefficients and influencing factors Application of thermal conductivity in industrial materials Calculation of heat flux and temperature gradients Role of thermal insulation in process efficiency Enhancement techniques in thermal systems
Module 3: Industrial Boilers and Thermal Equipment Design
Boiler configurations and their refinery applications Burner configurations and combustion chambers Operational parameters and thermal regulation Fuel handling and combustion air systems Thermal efficiency auditing and control Equipment integrity and operational safety
Module 4: Process Heater Engineering and Energy Management
Fired heater types and configuration Radiant and convection section optimization Combustion air preheating techniques Burner maintenance and flame monitoring Fuel-air ratio adjustment techniques Safety interlocks and shutdown protocols
Module 5: Heat Exchanger Engineering and System Performance
Shell-and-tube, plate, and air-cooled exchanger types Thermal design considerations and selection criteria Causes and consequences of fouling Efficiency monitoring and cleaning procedures Failure detection and troubleshooting Enhancing thermal performance and uptime
Module 6: Advanced Combustion Regulation Systems
Key metrics for combustion performance Automated control systems and smart sensors Techniques for minimizing NOx, CO, and SOx emissions Feedback control loops and data logging Role of control logic in burner modulation Integration of smart technologies and IoT
Module 7: Strategic Energy Management in Refining Operations
Energy benchmarking and audits Heat integration and recovery pathways Impact of operational changes on energy consumption Utility cost optimization strategies Key indicators for energy performance tracking Real-world examples of process energy savings
Module 8: Thermal Risk Mitigation and Safety Protocols
Combustion-related hazard identification Explosion prevention and incident analysis Thermal protection standards and equipment Human thermal stress mitigation strategies Fire detection and suppression technologies Compliance with OSHA, API, and local safety codes
Module 9: Operational Reliability and Maintenance Engineering
Predictive and condition-based maintenance methods Vibration and thermal analysis in combustion equipment Lubrication and cooling system checks Downtime planning for turnarounds Equipment lifecycle extension strategies Monitoring tools for system diagnostics
Module 10: Innovations in Heat and Combustion Technologies
High-efficiency low-emission burners Integration of AI and machine learning in heat management Advanced materials in heat transfer applications Micro-combustion and lean-burn systems Digital twin and simulation technologies Sustainable design trends in refinery energy systems
Module 11: Environmental Governance and Sustainability Measures
Global emission limits and local compliance frameworks Emissions monitoring and verification Low-carbon combustion alternatives Waste heat utilization and carbon offset strategies Environmental reporting frameworks (GHG Protocol, ISO 14001) Continuous improvement in sustainable operations
Module 12: Combustion System Troubleshooting and Optimization
Root cause analysis in thermal systems System imbalances and performance deviations Pressure, temperature, and flow diagnostics Software tools for operational optimization Field-based performance enhancement Case-based learning and incident review

Have Any Question?

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