A Computer-Aided Tool for the Simulation and Optimization of the Combined HDS–FCC Processes

Abstract

A computer-aided tool for the simulation, optimization and analysis of the combined operation of the hydrodesulphurization (HDS) and fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes in an oil refinery is presented. The optimization of these processes is an important yet difficult engineering task, because of the complexity in the integration of the two units, the large number of interacting variables, the product quality specifications and the financial benefits associated. The proposed tool is developed in a user-friendly Visual Basic environment and operates in two different modes: the modelling-prediction mode and the optimization-sensitivity analysis mode. The modelling of the processes is based on 'short form' models, which were created following statistical and neural network approaches. This kind of model usually has short computing time requirements, which is critical for the optimization mode. The optimization algorithm is based on a financial objective function with a flexible form, which gives the user the option to explore a variety of scenarios. Industrial runs have verified the modelling accuracy of the tool. The optimization scenarios examined include the contemporary needs of modern refineries for LPG and gasoline maximization, subject to strict quality specifications. The demonstration of this tool aims to give an insight into the system dependencies and add knowledge on the possibility of a more profitable operation of such a complex process.

Nanoparticle catalyzed hydrodesulfurization of diesel fuel in a trickle bed reactor: experimental and optimization study

“…Thus, numerous quantities of literature have described the different approaches developed to enhance this process on laboratory, pilot, and commercial scales. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Catalytic hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of petroleum cuts is currently run under severe conditions (high pressures and temperatures with costly hydrogen gas) to reduce the concentration of organic sulfur compounds and produce low emission diesel fuel. To ensure efficient ow and contact of the three phases, trickle-bed reactors (TBR) are utilized in large scale reneries for hydrodesulfurization processes.…”

Hybrid modeling of ethylene to ethylene oxide heterogeneous reactor

“…The governing equations are mass, energy and momentum balances and empirical equations from thermodynamics and kinetics [17,18]. The commercial simulators for simulation of oil refining units use FPMs [19]. If the governing equations are not available, cannot be solved or need long computational time; the process simulation can be carried out using pure ANN.…”

“…Usually, they are faster that FPMs. These specifications make ANNs popular for modeling, control and optimization purposes [19].…”

“…ANN and FPM models have their own advantages and disadvantages [19]. In FPM the model development may be very complex, and time consuming.…”

“…ANNs need large number of training sets and have limited and weak extrapolation capacity [20]. ANN or black box model is built based on the specific process data, so it cannot be used for non-identical processes [19].…”