Modeling a Reaction Section of a Commercial Continuous Catalytic Reformer

Abstract

Continuous catalytic reforming (CCR) is known to convert refinery naphtha to a high-octane liquid product, also known as the reformate. In this paper, a First Principle Reaction Section Model for a CCR process is presented. Even though CCR is a well-established technology, the application of advanced, real-time optimization techniques that are able to quickly respond to any imposed changes onto the process, are necessary in the refinery business. This becomes particularly important as a result of changes in profit margin, changes in operating cost, and the introduction of new environmental legislations. Hence, we present a kinetic model for the CCR process using the so-called “lumped” concept. The reactors have been modeled using a quasi-steady-state approach. The unknown model parameters have been estimated by bench marking the First Principle Reaction Section results with a commercial CCR process owned by the Hungarian Oil and Gas Public Limited Company (INA-MOL). The proposed model has been tested and ...