Utilizing DE optimization approach to boost hydrogen and octane number, through a combination of radial-flow spherical and tubular membrane reactors in catalytic naphtha reformers

Abstract

In this study, optimal design parameters and operating conditions of a combination of tubular membrane and radial-flow spherical reactors are determined to propose an alternative configuration for conventional naphtha reforming process (CTR). Operating conditions of such a combination are optimized by Differential Evolution (DE) method to maximize main products yield. In this regard, thirteen and eleven decision variables such as length per diameter (LOD) of the tubular membrane reactor, hydraulic diameter, membrane thickness, catalyst mass distribution, etc. are optimized for a combination of one or two tubular membrane reactors with two or one spherical reactor. Eight possible combinations are optimized. The optimization results show that the configuration of spherical–tubular membrane-spherical reactor (SMS) performs well among all the other ones. A considerable increase in aromatic (8.01%) and hydrogen (9.81%) production rates in addition to desirable pressure and temperature profiles are achieved in optimized SMS configuration. Experiments and cost evaluation of SMS should be supplemented to such a theoretical investigation as a future work to have an entire foresight for future plant designs.