From Oil Waste to a High-Value Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Product: Chemical Engineering Students Develop a Unique Project to Produce Petroleum Jelly to International Standards

University Media

In an inspiring academic scene reflecting the spirit of innovation and applied research, the Emirates International University witnessed the discussion of a distinguished graduation project by students from the Chemical Engineering Department at the College of Engineering and Information Technology. The project, titled "Production of Petroleum Jelly from Oil Waste (Heavy Oil Extract... Vacuum Distillation of Crude Oil)," presented a unique concept combining sustainability and economic value.

The project, prepared by students Shatha Abdul Jalil Abdo Thabet, Shahd Talal Abdul Rahman Al-Absi, Walaa Yasser Abdullah Al-Ariqi, and Al-Anoud Abdulaziz Nasser Al-Hayani, was supervised by Professor Dr. Hani Ahmed Qasim Damaj. It offers a comprehensive scientific model reflecting the level of practical and research qualification that the university is keen to instill in its graduates.

 The project highlighted the potential for converting vacuum distillation waste—typically a low-value product—into a high-quality, usable product. This was achieved through the design of a plant with a production capacity of up to 20,068 tons of petroleum jelly annually, utilizing paraffin-rich Marib crude oil.

The students employed advanced technologies, most notably hydrotreating, to produce high-purity pharmaceutical and cosmetic-grade petroleum jelly. This involved meticulous engineering stages, including solvent removal of asphalt, dewaxing, and final blending, along with material and energy balancing and equipment design based on modern scientific principles.

To enhance economic viability, the project proposed integrating the plant into the Aden Refinery, thereby reducing investment costs and leveraging existing infrastructure.

The discussion committee comprised a distinguished group of academics and experts, chaired by Professor Dr. Khalil Al-Hattab, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Sana'a University. Also participating was Professor Mustafa Al-Arabi, an expert in chemical engineering and quality control, and the Quality Manager at Arwa Mineral Water Company.

 The discussion was also attended by a number of academic and professional figures, including Professor Dr. Ibrahim Fara’a, Dean of the College; Professor Dr. Sharaf Al-Hamdi, Dean of the Center for Development and Quality Assurance at the University; Professor Abdul Salam Al-Thulaya, former Assistant President of Hajjah University for Scientific Centers Affairs; Mr. Adel Hussein, Quality Control Manager at Arwa Mineral Water Company; Mr. Mustafa Mahmoud Al-Mujahid, Chemical Engineering and Quality Control Expert and Laboratory Manager at Arwa Mineral Water Company; and a number of faculty members, engineers, relatives of the discussants, and an audience of alumni from the department and engineering students. This gave the session a rich and interactive academic atmosphere.

This project reflects the Emirates International University's commitment to graduating qualified individuals capable of transforming challenges into opportunities by linking academic knowledge with market and industry needs, and by adopting projects that address real-world issues and contribute to supporting the national economy and reducing reliance on imports.

These are not just graduation projects; they are confident steps towards a more sustainable industrial future, led by qualified young minds who make a difference.

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