A Computer-Aided Tool for the Simulation and Optimization of the Combined HDS–FCC Processes

A computer-aided tool for the simulation, optimization and analysis of the combined operation of the hydrodesulphurization (HDS) and fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes in an oil refinery is presented. The optimization of these processes is an important yet difficult engineering task, because o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemical engineering research & design Vol. 82; no. 7; pp. 881 - 894
Main Authors: Bollas, G.M., Papadokonstantakis, S., Michalopoulos, J., Arampatzis, G., Lappas, A.A., Vasalos, I.A., Lygeros, A.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Rugby Elsevier B.V 01.07.2004
Institution of Chemical Engineers
Subjects:
Applications of mathematics to chemical engineering. Modeling. Simulation. Optimization
Applied sciences
Chemical engineering
computer-aided tools
Exact sciences and technology
fluid catalytic cracking
hydrodesulphurization
optimization
process modelling
simulation
process modelling
computer-aided tools
fluid catalytic cracking
hydrodesulphurization
optimization
simulation
LPG
Sensitivity analysis
Fluid catalytic cracking
Objective function
Refinery
Neural network
Algorithm
Modeling
Computer aid
Optimization
Hydrodesulfurization
ISSN:0263-8762
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:A computer-aided tool for the simulation, optimization and analysis of the combined operation of the hydrodesulphurization (HDS) and fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes in an oil refinery is presented. The optimization of these processes is an important yet difficult engineering task, because of the complexity in the integration of the two units, the large number of interacting variables, the product quality specifications and the financial benefits associated. The proposed tool is developed in a user-friendly Visual Basic environment and operates in two different modes: the modelling-prediction mode and the optimization-sensitivity analysis mode. The modelling of the processes is based on 'short form’ models, which were created following statistical and neural network approaches. This kind of model usually has short computing time requirements, which is critical for the optimization mode. The optimization algorithm is based on a financial objective function with a flexible form, which gives the user the option to explore a variety of scenarios. Industrial runs have verified the modelling accuracy of the tool. The optimization scenarios examined include the contemporary needs of modern refineries for LPG and gasoline maximization, subject to strict quality specifications. The demonstration of this tool aims to give an insight into the system dependencies and add knowledge on the possibility of a more profitable operation of such a complex process.
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ISSN:0263-8762
DOI:10.1205/0263876041596706