Process optimization reforming

The new developments in catalyst improvements and in process optimization have brought new opportunities to directly process virgin naphtha from atmospheric distillation along with benzene and benzene precursors extracted from reformer feeds. This can eliminate the need for a separate naphtha hydrotreater as well as sepa-... 

A novel fuel processor is configured at NETL to integrate the fuel cell system for process optimization and system control. In the proposed system, startup occurs by firing an internal combustor in the dual reactor reformer, which provides heat to the ATR reformer via conduction as well as supplying heat to the fuel cell cathode via direct exhaust from the combustor. 

Pre-reforming and adiabatic reforming process optimization, especially if results obtained by different licensers could be combined and optimized this would open the possibility to further energy savings. 

When steam cracking or naphtha reforming produce an aromatics mixture short in benzene or o- and p-xylene, some interconversion is practiced. Toluene can be hydrodealkylated to benzene. Xylene can be isomerized to increase yields of o- and p-xylene. The analysis for aromatics thus falls into two general types to meet two different needs. Analysis for process optimization assists in obtaining the maximum product at the minimum unit cost. This involves analysis of feeds, products, and raffinate (purge) streams. These analyses must be tailored to the process and the plant streams involved. Generally, it is desirable to have one analytical procedure to apply to a variety of sample types. The final product specification analysis can also be used for process control. The ASTM standard... 

Stagg-WUliams SM, Soares R, Romero E, Alvarez WE, Resasco DE. Novel catalyst development and process optimization for COZ Reforming of CH4. Stud Surf Sci Catal. 

Accordingly, serious commercially oriented attempts are currently being made to develop special gas-phase micro and mini reactors for reformer technology [91, 247-259], This is a complex task since the reaction step itself, hydrogen formation, covers several individual processes. Additionally, heat exchangers are required to optimize the energy balance and the use of liquid reactants demands micro evaporators [254, 260, 261], Moreover, further systems are required to reduce the CO content to a level that is no longer poisonous for a fuel cell. Overall, three to six micro-reactor components are typically needed to construct a complete, ready-to-use micro-reformer system. 

In a petroleum refinery a large number of different products are produced, and the demand for some of these products is seasonal. For instance, there is not much need for residential fuel oil in the summer. The price of products also varies from day to day. To optimize the company s profit, it is therefore necessary periodically to vary the amount of each product produced. This can be done by changing the amounts of material sent to cracking units and reformers and by changing the conditions in these and other process steps. Some petroleum companies provide a computer with the data on market prices, current inventories, and crude oil compositions. The computer output then specifies the operating conditions that will yield the greatest profit for the company. The computer could then make the changes in these conditions directly, or this could be done manually. 

Reforming and Sulfur Removal - A better thermal match exists with existing reforming and sulfur removal processes. However, it should be noted the optimal nominal reformer temperature depends on the composition of the fuel. 

Also, the optimization and planning of crude allocations in Mobil s worldwide refinery system is the principal objective of Mobil s supply and distribution planning group. Overall corporate profits can be maximized by proper crude allocations to the various refineries. Similar to the refinery LPs, the reformer representation in the crude supply and distribution LP was improved. Table XX gives an example of how sensitive reformer operation can depend on the type of naphtha reformed. A significant improvement in performance and octane potential results from processing a naphthenic stock compared to a paraffinic stock. This improved performance must be balanced against differences in crude cost. 

Mudt, D. R. Hoffman, T. W. Hendon S. R. "The Closed-Loop Optimization of a Semi-Regenerative Catalytic Reforming Process" Paper Presented at the National AIChE Meeting, Houston, Texas (March 1995). 

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