Modeling and Optimization of a Semi Regenerative Catalytic Reforming of Naphtha in the Presence of Catalyst Coking

Catalytic naphtha reforming is practiced extensively in petroleum refineries and petrochemical industries to convert low-octane naphtha into high-octane gasoline. Moreover, this process is an important source of hydrogen and aromatics obtained as side products. Bifunctional Pt-catalysts used in reforming are deactivated by coking during its industrial operation. This results in a reduction of the yield and octane number. In this paper, modeling and optimization of a semi regenerative catalytic reforming of naphtha have been carried out by considering catalyst deactivation and complex multicomponent composition of a hydrocarbon mixture. Furthermore, a detailed coke formation mechanism was described. In addition, operating parameters (yield, octane number, and activity) for different catalysts were predicted and optimized. In addition, the analysis was extended to study the reactor configuration features and their influence on the process parameters. Finally, economic values were calculated, and the benefits of process improvement were demonstrated.