Improving straight-run naphtha octane number Flashcards
What is the usual RON range for light and heavy naphtha ?
- Light naphtha : 60 to 80
- Heavy naphtha : 20 to 50
What is the process used to turn light naphtha into a good gasoline base ?
Catalytic isomerization (n-P -> iP)
What is the process used to turn heavy naphtha into a good gasoline base ?
Catalytic reforming (P + N -> A)
What are the operating conditions of a catalytic reforming unit ?
- High temperature : 500°C
- Pressure : 10-25 bar for semi-regenerative units and 3-5 bar for regenerative units
- Pt catalyst (70 t of catalyst for 100t/h of feed)
- Heat supply (endoT reactions)
What are the products of the reforming unit ?
Desirable : - Reformate - H2 rich gas (1.5 - 2% wt) By product : - Fuel gas - LPG Detrimental : coke
What are the three main chemical reactions in the reforming unit ?
- Aromatization reaction (P + N -> A)
- Hydrocracking reaction ( long P -> short P )
- Side reacton (coke on the catalyst)
What are the characterisitcs of the aromatization reactions N -> A in the reforming unit ?
- H2 producer
- very endoT
- very quick
- almost complete reaction
What are the characterisitcs of the aromatization reactions P -> A in the reforming unit ?
- H2 producer
- very endoT
- slow
- incomplete
What are the characteristics of the hydrocracking reactions in the reforming units ?
- H2 consumer
- exoT
- slow
- gas producer
- positive contributor to improve octane number
What are the different steps leading to coke formation on the catalyst in the reforming unit ?
- Aromatics are produced
- A tend to agglomerate and form polyaromatics compounds -> coke precursors
- these compounds cover the catalyst surface and reduce its activity
How do we fight coke formation in the reforming unit ?
The presence of H2 in large proportions prevents the aromatics from joining together to form coke = H2 blancketing
What is the typical H2/HC ratio in a reforming unit ?
From 3 to 6 depending on the technology
What shape does the catalyst of catalytic reforming usually take ?
small bars, pellets or spheres
How does a catalyst act ?
- The feed molecules enter the catalyst pores
- the molecules are adsorbed on the catalyst, react and are desorbed
- The new molecules exit the catalyst pores and evacuate with the effluent
What are the two functions on the catalyst in the reforming unit ?
- an acid function changes the structure
- Pt facilitates hydrogen exchanges
What is a catalyst for the reforming unit made of ?
- 1% wt of chlorine (acidity)
- 0.3 % wt of Pt (metallic function)
- alumina (porous support)
What is the average cost of a catalyst for the reforming unit ?
150 €/kg
What is the usual quantity of catalyst used in the reforming unit ?
70 t of catalyst for 100 t/h of feed
What are the poisons for the catalyst of the reforming unit ?
- coke
- S and N
- water
- metals
How many reactors are they in the reforming unit ?
3 from smallest to biggest