Quality Control of Petroleum Products by using StatisticalQuality Control (SQC) Charts

Abstract

Quality control chart is statistical tool to control production process according to specific specification . It also used to know defects and unneeded deviations in performance to know deviation causes and then make a decisions to ensure continuous improve. The research problem is the decline in the quality of petroleum products and its bad effect in human health and the environment .the fuel contains sulfur which increase pollution. The study aimed to evaluate petroleum products quality (diesel & gas oil ) in Khartoum refinery using statistical control chart. The main hypotheses is using statistical control method in petroleum products quality more effective to know changes in production process compared to the current system . The study followed the statistical approach by takingfrequent samples from products and prepare quality control chart for mean using (X- bar , R- bar ( و )X-bar , S) . The result shows that the diesel quality in Khartoum refinery does not meet the specification by test diesel density and flash point . But the cetena number for diesel meet the specification. The statistical control tests show that the Gas Oil density does not , meet the specification . The study recommends using statistical control chart to control petroleum product quality in Khartoum refinery for its usability and accuracy in production decision making process Also it recommends training for people who work in refinery quality control to use statistical control chart and continuously update petroleum products specification limits to meet international development. TheThe researcher recommend a study in title the use of 6 Sigma to control the quality of petroleum products to be an extension for this study.