Product Blending & Quality Control: Professional 5-Day Training Course

Course Overview

This comprehensive Product Blending and Quality Control training program delivers specialized expertise for refinery and terminal professionals across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Oman, GCC countries (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain), and Africa. The course covers gasoline and diesel blending optimization, aviation fuel production, lube oil blending, quality assurance, laboratory testing, and regulatory compliance essential for producing specification-grade petroleum products that meet international standards and regional market requirements.

With the Middle East producing over 20 million barrels per day of refined products and Africa’s expanding downstream sector, this training addresses critical competencies for professionals at Saudi Aramco refineries and terminals, ADNOC Distribution, OQ (Oman Oil), KNPC, BAPCO, Dangote Refinery, EGPC, Sasol, and other operators managing product quality, blending operations, and meeting stringent Euro 5/6 specifications, ASTM standards, and GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) requirements for domestic and export markets.

Target Audience

• Blending Engineers in refineries and fuel terminals across Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Africa

• Quality Control Managers ensuring product specifications compliance

• Laboratory Technicians conducting petroleum product testing

• Operations Personnel managing blending systems and tankage

• Supply Chain Managers optimizing product movements and inventory

• Technical Supervisors overseeing product quality assurance programs

• Refinery Planners developing optimal blending strategies

• Terminal Managers at distribution facilities and export terminals

• Compliance Officers ensuring regulatory adherence across GCC and African markets

Day 1: Petroleum Product Specifications & Standards

Morning Session: Product Quality Fundamentals

• Petroleum product categories: gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, fuel oils, LPG, lubricants

• International specifications: ASTM, EN (European Norms), ISO, JIS standards

• Regional standards: GSO (GCC Standardization Organization), SASO (Saudi Standards), Oman standards

• Gasoline specifications: octane number (RON, MON), vapor pressure (RVP), sulfur content, aromatics, olefins, benzene

• Ultra-low sulfur gasoline requirements (10 ppm) for Euro 5/6 compliance in GCC markets

• Seasonal specifications: summer vs. winter gasoline grades for Saudi Arabia, UAE climates

• Premium vs. regular gasoline: RON 91, 95, 98 grades across Middle East markets

• Export specifications for African and Asian markets

Afternoon Session: Diesel, Jet Fuel & Specialty Products

• Diesel fuel specifications: cetane number, sulfur content, cold flow properties (CFPP, cloud point, pour point)

• Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD 10 ppm) for Euro 5 compliance mandatory in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman

• Automotive diesel vs. industrial diesel: different sulfur limits across GCC countries

• Aviation fuels: Jet A-1, Jet A, JP-8 specifications and critical quality parameters

• Jet fuel testing: flash point, freezing point, aromatics, smoke point, thermal stability

• Marine fuels: IMO 2020 regulations (0.5% sulfur cap), VLSFO, MGO specifications

• Fuel oils: HSFO, LSFO, viscosity, sulfur content for power generation and marine applications

• LPG specifications: propane, butane, commercial LPG for domestic and industrial use

• Case studies: Saudi Aramco product slate, ADNOC fuel specifications, Sohar Refinery products

Day 2: Gasoline Blending Technology & Optimization

Morning Session: Gasoline Blending Components

• Blending stocks: reformate, FCC gasoline, alkylate, isomerate, hydrocrackate, butanes

• Component properties: octane contribution, vapor pressure, sulfur, aromatics, olefins

• Octane blending: linear and non-linear blending behavior, octane blending values

• Reformate characteristics: high octane (95-105 RON), high aromatics

• FCC gasoline: moderate octane (90-94 RON), high olefins, sulfur challenges

• Alkylate: premium blending component (93-97 RON), zero aromatics, low RVP

• Isomerate: light naphtha upgrading (82-87 RON improvement)

• Oxygenates: MTBE, ETBE, ethanol blending in Saudi Arabia and GCC markets

• Butanes: vapor pressure management and seasonal adjustments

Afternoon Session: Gasoline Blending Optimization

• Blending calculations: volume-weighted average, molar-weighted properties

• Non-linear property blending: octane numbers, RVP, distillation curves

• Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) control: critical for hot climates (40-50°C summer temperatures in GCC)

• Meeting multiple specifications simultaneously: octane, RVP, sulfur, benzene, aromatics, olefins

• Linear programming (LP) models: optimizing blend recipes for profit maximization

• Blending optimization software: Aspen PIMS, Spiral Suite used by Saudi Aramco and ADNOC

• Seasonal blending strategies: summer (lower RVP) vs. winter (higher RVP) specifications

• Quality giveaway minimization techniques

• Online blending systems: real-time optimization and control at Saudi refineries

• Batch vs. continuous blending operations

• Practical exercises: Gasoline blending calculations and optimization scenarios

Day 3: Diesel, Jet Fuel & Specialty Product Blending

Morning Session: Diesel Fuel Blending

• Diesel blending components: straight-run diesel, FCC light cycle oil (LCO), hydrocracker diesel, coker gas oil

• Cetane number optimization: cetane improvers (2-EHN additives) used in GCC refineries

• Sulfur content management: hydrotreatment requirements for ULSD production

• Cold flow properties: CFPP (Cold Filter Plugging Point) critical for temperate regions

• Pour point depressants and flow improvers for winter diesel grades

• Cloud point management: wax crystal formation in diesel fuel

• Color and stability: meeting ASTM D975, EN 590 specifications

• Biodiesel blending: B5, B10, B20 mandates in some African countries

• Lubricity additives for ULSD meeting ISO 12156 requirements

• Regional considerations: hot climate stability in Saudi Arabia vs. cold weather performance for export markets

Afternoon Session: Aviation Fuel & Lubricant Blending

• Jet fuel blending: hydrotreatment, merox treating for mercaptan removal

• Jet A-1 critical properties: freezing point (-47°C), flash point (38°C minimum), aromatics (25% max)

• Thermal stability testing: JFTOT (Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Tester) requirements

• Additive packages: static dissipator additive (SDA), fuel system icing inhibitor (FSII), antioxidants

• Quality surveillance: contamination control, water content, particulates for aviation safety

• Major aviation fuel facilities: Saudi Aramco Aviation, ADNOC Jet Fuel, Oman Aviation

• Lubricating oil blending: base oils (Group I, II, III, IV), additive packages

• Viscosity index improvers, detergents, dispersants, anti-wear additives

• Marine lubricants: cylinder oils, system oils for shipping industry

• Automotive lubricants: SAE grades, API service categories (SN, CK-4)

• Quality control: viscosity, TBN (Total Base Number), flash point, pour point testing

Day 4: Laboratory Testing & Quality Assurance

Morning Session: Petroleum Product Testing Methods

• Physical properties testing: density/specific gravity (ASTM D4052), viscosity (ASTM D445)

• Distillation analysis: ASTM D86 for gasoline/diesel, ASTM D2887 (simulated distillation by GC)

• Octane testing: Research Octane Number (RON) by ASTM D2699, Motor Octane Number (MON) by ASTM D2700

• Cetane number: ASTM D613 (engine method), ASTM D6890 (ignition delay method)

• Vapor pressure: ASTM D5191 (mini method), ASTM D323 (Reid method)

• Sulfur analysis: ASTM D5453 (UV fluorescence) for ultra-low sulfur products

• Flash point: ASTM D93 (Pensky-Martens) for safety classification

• Pour point and cloud point: ASTM D97, ASTM D2500 for cold flow properties

• Aromatics and olefins: ASTM D1319 (FIA), ASTM D6730 (GC methods)

Afternoon Session: Quality Control Systems & Sampling

• Quality assurance programs: ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025 for testing laboratories

• Statistical process control (SPC) for product quality monitoring

• Sampling procedures: ASTM D4057, D4177 for representative sampling

• Automatic sampling systems at refineries and terminals across Saudi Arabia and GCC

• Contamination prevention: product segregation, line flushing, tank cleaning

• Cross-contamination scenarios: jet fuel in gasoline, gasoline in diesel

• Certificates of analysis (COA): preparation, data management, record retention

• Laboratory information management systems (LIMS) implementation

• Proficiency testing programs: participation in ASTM, PAI programs for lab accreditation

• Quality audits and compliance verification

• Case studies: Saudi Aramco quality systems, ADNOC laboratory practices, Sohar Refinery QC programs

• Hands-on exercises: Test method demonstrations (where facilities available)

Day 5: Blending Operations, Additives & Digital Technologies

Morning Session: Blending Operations & Infrastructure

• Blending facilities design: in-line blending, batch blending systems

• Component tankage and inventory management at refineries and terminals

• Blend headers and ratio control: flow measurement, control valves, mixing systems

• Static mixers and dynamic mixing requirements for homogeneity

• Tank farm operations: product storage, tank turnover, heel management

• Pipeline batch operations and interface management between products

• Loading operations: truck loading, rail loading, ship loading quality control

• Custody transfer measurements and reconciliation

• Terminal automation: batch controllers, preset systems, loading rack controls

• Giveaway control and inventory management

• Regional infrastructure: Yanbu, Jeddah, Ras Tanura terminals (KSA), Sohar, Duqm (Oman), Jebel Ali (UAE)

Afternoon Session: Additives & Digital Blending Technologies

• Fuel additives overview: detergents, cetane improvers, octane enhancers, antioxidants

• Deposit control additives for gasoline and diesel meeting Top Tier™ standards

• Cold flow improvers: wax crystal modifiers, pour point depressants

• Lubricity improvers for ULSD mandatory in GCC countries

• Corrosion inhibitors and demulsifiers for storage stability

• Additive injection systems: proportional dosing, batch treatment

• Dye and marker programs: taxation and product tracking across regional markets

• Real-time blending optimization: online analyzers integration (NIR, octane analyzers)

• Advanced process control (APC): model predictive control for blending units

• Digital technologies: AI-based optimization, machine learning for quality prediction

• Blockchain for supply chain: product tracking from refinery to retail in ADNOC pilots

• Internet of Things (IoT): tank level monitoring, quality sensors, predictive maintenance

• Mobile applications: laboratory data entry, quality reporting for field operations

• Future trends: Smart blending, autonomous operations, predictive quality control

• Sustainability: bio-component blending, renewable diesel integration, circular economy

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Understand petroleum product specifications and international/regional standards comprehensively

• Design and optimize blending recipes for gasoline, diesel, jet fuel to meet specifications profitably

• Conduct laboratory testing following ASTM and ISO standard methods accurately

• Implement quality control systems ensuring consistent product quality and regulatory compliance

• Operate blending facilities efficiently with proper inventory and contamination management

• Apply additive technologies to enhance product performance and meet market requirements

• Utilize digital optimization tools and advanced control systems for blending operations

• Troubleshoot quality issues and implement corrective actions effectively

• Ensure export product quality meeting international customer specifications

• Integrate sustainability practices in modern blending operations

Course Delivery & Certification

• Format: Technical lectures, laboratory demonstrations, blending simulations, calculation workshops, case studies

• Software training: Hands-on with blending optimization tools (Aspen PIMS concepts, Excel-based calculators)

• Laboratory sessions: Live demonstrations of key test methods (where facilities available)

• Materials: Comprehensive manual, ASTM/ISO standards references, specification guides, calculation templates

• Certification: Professional certificate recognized by refiners and distributors across KSA, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Africa

• Language: English (Arabic translation support available)

• CPD Credits: Continuing professional development recognition

• Locations: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Yanbu (KSA), Muscat, Sohar (Oman), Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait City, Lagos, Cairo, Johannesburg

Why This Course is Vital for the Region

The GCC fuel market demands ultra-clean fuels meeting Euro 5/6 standards with 10 ppm sulfur limits. Saudi Arabia’s fuel quality regulations mandate strict specifications. Export markets in Africa and Asia require certified product quality. Major projects like Jazan Refinery, Dangote Refinery, Duqm Refinery feature sophisticated blending systems requiring skilled operators.

This training delivers practical knowledge incorporating Saudi Aramco best practices, ADNOC quality standards, and international benchmarks, addressing specific challenges of hot climate operations (RVP control), export logistics, and meeting diverse customer specifications across domestic GCC and international markets.

Master blending. Ensure quality. Deliver excellence.