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[EngrHamza]

Hey, 

 

The platformer unit is design to process heavy to naphtha to convert low octane naphtha to high octane. The platformer is semi-regenerative (fixed bed UOP technology) and it's almost 20 to 30 years old unit. 

 

Usually it run on design feed composition (means only on heavy naphtha). For 2 to 3 months same unit process mixture of medium naphtha and heavy naphtha. In feed major portion is heavy naphtha means we can say 70% heavy naphtha and 30% medium naphtha.

 

On heavy naphtha (only) the reactor delta T is 85F (first reactor). When mix feed was processed, the first reactor delta T was 98F. On heavy naphtha feed the yield of reformate is to 84 to 86% with that RON is 91 to 92. 

 

When mixed feed was processed the yield was 79 to 81% means make of LPG and gases increased and RON was 88 to 90. As the reactions are endothermic so high delta T must process high octane product and it's yield 

 

Note: All operating parameters were constant on both cases. 

 

What is reason behind it ? Why it happens like that ? What parameter needs to be changed ? 

[PingPong]

What exactly is your definition of "medium naphtha" and "heavy naphtha" ?

 

Normally the feed to a refinery platformer is C7 and heavier, which is usually called "heavy naphtha", but apparently in your refinery the nomenclature is different ?

 

Note that not only dehydrogenation but also cracking reactions (resulting in yield of LPG and gases) are endothermic.

 

If you really want to understand what is happening in your platformer you should get a detailed analysis of your medium naphtha and of your heavy naphtha.

Also get a detailed analysis of the reformate from the medium/heavy naphtha mix, and of the reformate from the heavy naphtha.

An analysis of your gas and LPG products is also useful.

 

In a platformer it is all about molecules.

The heavier the molecules in the naphtha feed, the heavier the molecules in the reformate will be.

Each molecule in the reformate has its own RON. Together they determine the RON of the reformate.

Edited by PingPong, 14 July 2023 - 04:17 AM.