Catalytic Reforming: Methodology and Process Development for a Constant Optimisation and Performance Enhancement

Abstract

-Catalytic reforming process has been used to produce high octane gasoline since the 1940s. It would appear to be an old process that is well established and for which nothing new could be done. It is however not the case and constant improvements are proposed at IFP Energies nouvelles. With a global R&D approach using new concepts and forefront methodology, IFPEN is able to: -propose a patented new reactor concept, increasing capacity; -ensure efficiency and safety of mechanical design for reactor using modelization of the structure; -develop new catalysts to increase process performance due to a high comprehension of catalytic mechanism by using, an experimental and innovative analytical approach ( 119 Sn Mössbauer and X-ray absorption spectroscopies) and also a Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations; -have efficient, reliable and adapted pilots to validate catalyst performance.Résumé -Le reformage catalytique : méthodologie et développement procédé pour une optimisation et une amélioration constante des performances -Le reformage catalytique est utilisé pour produire des essences à haut indice d'octane depuis les années 40. Il pourrait apparaître comme un « vieux » procédé mature et pour lequel aucune innovation n'est possible. Ce n'est pourtant pas le cas, et des améliorations permanentes y sont apportées par IFP Energies nouvelles. À l'aide d'une stratégie de recherche globale, IFPEN est en mesure de : -proposer un nouveau concept de réacteur breveté augmentant la capacité ; -assurer l'efficacité et la fiabilité des designs mécaniques des réacteurs via la modélisation fine des structures ; -développer des nouveaux catalyseurs augmentant les performances du procédé grâce à une compréhension poussée des mécanismes, ceci par le couplage d'expérimentation et de techniques analytiques innovantes ( 119 Sn Mössbauer et X-ray absorption spectroscopies) et aussi par modélisa-tion moléculaire quantique ; -proposer des évaluations fiables, précises et optimisées des catalyseurs sur une gamme d'unité pilote adaptée.

Atomistic Models for Highly‐Dispersed PtSn/γ‐Al2O3 Catalysts: Ductility and Dilution Affect the Affinity for Hydrogen

“…Often, during the catalysts synthesis, the Sn and Pt loading are of the same order of magnitude. Nevertheless, previous works suggest that a lower amount of tin is conjectured to be present in the reduced nano‐alloy . We thus chose the supported Pt 10 Sn 3 cluster, whose stoichiometry is the closest one to the bulk Pt 3 Sn one, to simulate hydrogen adsorption.…”

“…The Pt/γ‐Al 2 O 3 ‐like systems, where platinum is in a highly dispersed form (sub‐nanometric particles), are of paramount important in heterogeneous catalysis, in particular in the presence of H 2 . For some important – often at the industrial scale – applications like hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons, dehydrogenation of light alkanes or catalytic reforming of naphtha, tin is added to improve the selectivity, stability and regeneration properties of the catalysts .…”

Multiscale Approach to the Dissociative Adsorption of Oxygen on a Highly Dispersed Platinum Supported on γ-Al2O3

“…[1][2][3][4] It is involved in many environmental, refining and petrochemical applications. [5][6][7][8] Concerning automotive applications, post-treatment devices contain different metals such as rhodium, palladium and platinum enabling the oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in CO 2 . 9 Platinum also contributes to the conversion of chemical energy into electricity assisting the hydrogen oxidation to water in fuel cells.…”

“…Platinum is a widely used active phase in heterogeneous catalysis due to its intrinsic activity for hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reactions, as well as its redox properties. − It is involved in many environmental, refining, and petrochemical applications. − Regarding automotive applications, post-treatment devices contain different metals such as rhodium, palladium, and platinum, enabling the oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in CO 2 . Platinum also contributes to the conversion of chemical energy into electricity, assisting the hydrogen oxidation to water in fuel cells. − Platinum is also involved into CO conversion to CO 2 and H 2 through the well-known water–gas shift reaction .…”

Simulation and energy integration of distillation tower of a naphtha treatment unit

“…To optimize energy in distillation towers there are a lot of ideas in the related articles (Portha et al, 2010). Generally, these methods are divided into three main categories (Avenier et al, 2016;Gerberich and Seaman, 1994;Yoda and Shibuya, 1995 (Yoda and Shibuya, 1995). In an operational distillation unit, it is possible to optimize energy by performing advanced repair plans with small funds.…”