Reformate from Naphtha (Semi-Regeneration & Extra Sulfur Removal)

The process under analysis comprises three major sections: (1) Hydrotreatment; (2) Reforming; and (3) Products Separation.

Hydrotreatment. Light naphtha is fed to a fractional distillation column that removes light and heavy ends. A naphtha cut containing C6-C8 hydrocarbons is withdrawn from a side stream. This stream is mixed with recovered hydrogen and sent to a fired heater to be vaporized. The vapor stream is then fed to the Hydrotreatment Reactor for the removal of impurities that could poison the reforming reactions catalysts. The reactor effluent is cooled, and excess hydrogen is removed and recycled to the reactor, while the hydrotreated naphtha is sent to the Stripper Column.

Reforming. The purified naphtha is passed through a Stripper Column - where light impurities are removed - and sent to a Sulfur Absorber, which removes hydrogen sulfide. Remaining sulfur-containing contaminants are removed in a Desulfurization Reactor. The sulfur-free naphtha feed is combined with recycled hydrogen, heated to reforming reaction temperatures in fired heaters, and directed to the Reforming Reactors, where paraffins and naphthenes are converted to aromatics in zeolitic catalysts activated with platinum.

Products Separation. The Reforming Reactors effluent is fed to a Gas/Liquid Separator. The hydrogen-rich vapor phase produced in the reforming is split and sent to the reforming charge heaters and to a Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) system, while the liquid phase is sent to the Stabilizer Column. This column strips light ends hydrocarbons, while the reformate withdrawn from the bottom is directed to storage. The hydrogen is purified in the PSA system and partly recycled to hydrotreatment, with the remainder being sold as by-product.