Simulation and Modeling of Catalytic Reforming Unit

One of the most important processes in oil refineries is catalytic reforming unit in which high octane gasoline is produced. The catalytic reforming unit using Hysys-Refinery software was simulated. The results are validated by operating data, which is taken from the Esfahan oil refinery catalytic reforming unit. Usually, in oil refineries exists an instability in the composition of the feedstock stream that affects the product properties. The attention of this paper is focused on changes of the final product flow rate and product’s octane number with respect to the changes in the feedstock composition. Also, the effects of temperature and pressure on the mentioned parameters was evaluated. Due to catalyst deactivation rate stability in the given time range, its effect was neglected. Furthermore, in this study the smith kinetic model for this unit is analyzed. The accuracy of this model is compared with the actual data and Hysys-Refinery’s results. The results show that feed catalytic reforming unit comprising 20% volumetric from Heavy Isomax Naphtha. So, if this volumetric percent is increased, octane number and final product flow rate will increase. Also, the temperature and pressure has no effect on octane number and final product flow rate.