Refinery Planning Optimization Integrating Rigorous Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Unit Models

Refineries’ production plan modeling with simple planning models such as the fixed yield planning models fail to reflect the operating conditions of the processing units. In this work, an integrated optimization strategy including production planning optimization, search of operating parameters and the operation optimization of fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) units was proposed. The solution of optimal integration was validated by case studies of a monthly plan for a whole refinery, which included three FCC units. The results indicated that the optimization strategy was efficient in determining a practically executed optimal plan and corresponding operating conditions of FCC units. The integrated refinery planning model predicted higher profit and could provide the feasible or optimal FCC operation conditions.