CATALYTIC REFORMING OF HEAVY NAPHTHA, ANALYSIS AND SIMULATION

Abstract

In this paper, one-dimensional steady-state mathematical model of a semi regenerative naphtha catalytic reforming process had been made. This model incorporated a detailed kinetic model involving 24 components, 1 to 11 carbon atoms for paraffins (n and iso) and 6 to 11 carbon atom for naphthenes and aromatics with 71 reactions. The effect of pressure drop was considered through Ergun equation. The model explains the composition, temperature and pressure distributions along the four reforming reactors.

The simulation results of the proposed model were compared with the experimental results obtained from literature to validate the model. The results showed good agreement between the reformate composition of proposed model with the experimental reformate composition. Finally, the mathematical model was used to study the effect of reactor feed temperature, total pressure and hydrogen to hydrocarbon feed ratio on the reformate compositions