Modeling of catalytic reforming in a refinery process : case study of Bangchak refinery

Abstract

A model for catalytic reforming process in a refinery process was developed. The model is a semiempirical model for steady state condition operation. The model was derived based on assumptions that the catalytic reformer is simply considered as a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR); aromatics do not react with other compounds; naphthenes are completely converted to aromatics and the main reactions are those of hydrocracking and dehvdrocyclization reactions where the latter is assumed to be first order reactions. A simple selectivity relation is employed in the cracking of paraffins. The resulting semiempirical model is a linear model that refers to relationship I of feedstocks and products of the catalytic reforming unit. The parameters of the model can be determined from operating data through parameter estimation methods.