| Abstract: | This paper presents an optimization study of catalytic hydrotreating reactors processing heavy residuum feedstock. The focus is on conversion, throughput and catalyst life. The core of the proposed optimization model is a cost function representing the essential economical parameters of hydrotreating processes and accounts for additional costs imposed by deeper desulfurization in addition to the monetary benefit of lower sulfur products. Operational variables are estimated using a mathematical model, which accounts for catalyst deactivation. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the effect of various operating variables on the process performance. An industrial scale atmospheric residue desulfurization process has been selected as a typical hydrotreating unit to demonstrate the capabilities of the optimization model. Optimization results were found quite reliable and consistent with actual industrial practices. |
