Introduction

Hydrotreating technology plays a critical role in the petroleum refining industry by enhancing product quality, removing impurities, and meeting stringent environmental regulations. Hydrotreating Technology Training Course is designed to provide a deep understanding of hydrotreating processes, reactor design, catalyst performance, operating conditions, feedstock treatment, and process optimization. It focuses on the latest trends in cleaner fuel production, sulfur reduction, and advanced catalytic technology integration to equip participants with real-world skills to improve refinery efficiency.

In an increasingly sustainability-driven and competitive market, knowledge of hydrotreating units is vital for process engineers, technical staff, and refinery managers. This course will address recent innovations such as ultra-low sulfur diesel production, bio-feedstock compatibility, and lifecycle performance assessment. It integrates theoretical concepts with practical case studies and operational troubleshooting techniques. By the end of this course, participants will gain actionable insights into reducing emissions, increasing throughput, enhancing catalyst life, and aligning with global fuel specifications.

Programme Curriculum

Hydrotreating Technology Training Course

Introduction

Course Objectives

Understand the core principles and mechanisms of hydrotreating reactions.
Analyze hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) pathways.
Evaluate hydrotreating catalyst types, properties, and selection criteria.
Optimize process parameters for improved product yields and performance.
Identify and troubleshoot common operational issues in hydrotreaters.
Examine the impact of feedstock variability on hydrotreating efficiency.
Explore ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) production technologies.
Understand reactor design, internals, and catalyst loading strategies.
Review process safety considerations and environmental compliance.
Study the integration of hydrotreating with other refinery units.
Assess life cycle and regeneration of hydrotreating catalysts.
Evaluate bio-feedstock processing and renewable fuel trends.
Implement digital monitoring tools and predictive maintenance.

Target Audiences

Process Engineers
Refinery Technologists
Chemical Engineers
Operations Supervisors
Catalyst Specialists
HSE Professionals in Refining
Quality Control Managers
Technical Trainers in Refining

Course Duration: 5 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Hydrotreating Technology

Overview of hydrotreating in modern refining
Key reaction mechanisms (HDS, HDN, HDO, HDA)
Importance of hydrogen management
Regulatory drivers for hydrotreating (IMO, EPA, Euro VI)
Feedstock characteristics and impact on processing
Case Study: Evolution of ULSD hydrotreaters in Europe

Module 2: Hydrotreating Catalysts and Kinetics

Catalyst classification and properties
Catalyst deactivation and regeneration
Reaction kinetics and rate-limiting steps
Catalyst loading strategies and reactor internals
Catalyst vendors and performance benchmarking
Case Study: Catalyst optimization for Middle East diesel feedstock

Module 3: Reactor Design and Equipment

Reactor types and design principles
Flow distribution and pressure drop management
Heat exchangers and temperature control
Startup and shutdown best practices
Internals maintenance and reliability issues
Case Study: Revamp of a hydrotreating reactor in Asia-Pacific

Module 4: Process Optimization and Control

Monitoring key process variables (temperature, pressure, LHSV)
Feed pre-treatment strategies
Hydrogen consumption control
Online analyzers and automation systems
Process debottlenecking and performance improvement
Case Study: Optimization of HDS performance using digital twins

Module 5: Environmental and Safety Considerations

SOx/NOx emissions reduction
Safety protocols in hydrogen-rich environments
Waste treatment and water reuse
Flare minimization and gas recovery systems
Compliance with international safety standards
Case Study: Incident analysis from a refinery hydrogen fire

Module 6: Integration with Refinery Units

Linking hydrotreating with FCC, reformers, and hydrocrackers
Blending strategies and product stream management
Hydrogen plant interaction
Impact on overall refinery energy balance
Cross-functional optimization opportunities
Case Study: Multi-unit integration in a US Gulf Coast refinery

Module 7: Advanced Hydrotreating for Renewables

Processing of bio-feedstocks (vegetable oil, used cooking oil)
Co-processing strategies in existing units
Challenges in catalyst fouling and compatibility
Renewable diesel and SAF production
Technology licensors and global adoption
Case Study: Bio-feedstock retrofitting in a European refinery

Module 8: Digital Tools and Future Trends

Digital twin applications and simulations
Predictive analytics for catalyst life extension
AI/ML in process optimization
Remote diagnostics and smart sensors
Emerging technologies in hydrotreating
Case Study: AI-driven shutdown avoidance in Southeast Asia

Training Methodology

Instructor-led presentations with visual process simulations
Group discussions and breakout technical analysis
Real-life case studies and troubleshooting workshops
Hands-on exercises with process flow diagrams (PFDs)
Interactive Q&A and assessments for learning retention
Post-training access to reading materials and software demos

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Skills & Software Covered

Hydrotreating process refinery technology operations

Programme Fee

Duration: 5 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $1,000

Physical Price: $1,500

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Oct 19 2026

19 Oct — 23 Oct 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $1,000