Simulation and Optimization of a Naphtha Thermal Cracking Pilot Plant

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Chemical Engineering, Sharif University of Tech., P.O.Box 11365-9465, Tehran, I.R. IRAN

2 Department of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modarres University, P.O.Box 14155-4838, Tehran, I. R. IRAN

Abstract

In thermal cracking plants, it is desired to apply an optimal temperature profile along the reactor to minimize the operation cost. In this article a simulator is developed by the use of a mathematical model, which describes the static operation of a naphtha thermal cracking pilot plant. The model is used to predict the steady state profiles of the gas temperature and product yields. Using a dynamic programming technique, an optimal temperature profile along the reactor is obtained. The effects of operating variables such as steam to hydrocarbon ratio (S/HC), coil outlet temperature (COT) and feed flow rate on product yield are investigated. Pilot plant simulation results are compared with the industrial data and the results indicate that they follow the same trend.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

[1] Cugini, J., Symposium on Characterization of Thermodynamics and Transport Properties of Polymer System, New Orleans, LA, USA, Apr. (1986).
[2] Towfighi, J., Karimaei, M. and Karimzadeh, R., Scientia Iranica, 5, 1(1998).
[3] Towfighi, J., Shahrokhi, M., Sadrameli, M., Masoumi, M.E. and Niaei, A.G., 7th National Iranian Chemical Engineering Conference Proceeding, 4, 234(2002).
[4] Rao, R.M.V., Plehiers, M.P. and Froment, G.F., Chem. Eng. Sci., 43, 1223(1998).
[5] Froment, G.F., Van de Steen, B.O., Berghe, P.J.V., and Goossens, G.A., AIChE J., 23, 93(1977).
[6] Froment, G.F., Van de Steen, B.O., Berghe, P.J.V., and Goossens, G.A., AIChE J., 23, 93(1977).
[7] Dente, M., Ranzi, E., Barendregt, S., and Goossens, G.A., AIChE 72th Annual Metting, Nov. (1979).
[8] Dente, M., Ranzi, E. and Goossens, G.A., Comp. Chem. Eng., 3, 61(1979).
[9] Towfighi, J., Nazari, H. and Karimzadeh, R., APCCHE / CHEMECA 93, Melbourne, Australia, 3, 337(1993).
[10] Joo, E., Lee, K., Lee, M. and Park, S., Comp. Chem. Eng., 24, 1523(2000).
[11] Goethem, M.W.M., Kleinendorst, F.I., Leeuwen, C.V. and Velzen, N.V., Comp. Chem. Eng., 24, 905(2001).
[12] Joo, E. and Park, S., Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 40, 2409(2001).
[13] Towfighi, J., Nazari, H., “Modeling and Simulation of Light Hydrocarbons Thermal Cracking by radical Mechanism”,  M.Sc. Thesis, Tarbiat Modares University, (1992).
[14] Towfighi, J., Karimzadeh, R., “Modeling and Simulation of Naphtha Thermal Cracking Reactors by Radical Mechanism”, M.Sc. Thesis, Tarbiat Modares University, (1992).
[15] Thomas, P., “Simulation of Industrial Process”, Butterworth, (1999).
[16] Kopinke, F.D., Zimmermann, G. and Nowak, S., Carbon, 56, 117(1988).
[17] Kopinke, F.D., Zimmermann, G., Reyners, G. and Froment, G.F., Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 32, 56(1993).
[18] Kopinke, F.D., Zimmermann, G., Reyners, G. and Froment, G.F., Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 32, 2620(1993).
[19] Huntrodds, J., Nighswander, A.K.M.and Behie, L.A., Chem. Eng. Res. Des., 67, 632(1989).
[20] Towfighi, J., Niaei, A. and Hoseini, S., Iranian J. Sci. & Tech.,Trans. B, 26, 275(2002).
[21] Eliceche, A.M., Petracci, N.C., Hoch, P. and Brignoli, A., Comp. Chem. Eng., 19, S223(1995).
[22] Newberger, M.R. and Kadl, R.H.,  AIChE Journal, 17, 1381(1971).
[23] Ranzi, E., Dente, M., Pierucci, S. and Barendregt, S., Ing. Chim. Ital., 17, 76 (1981).
[24] Shahrokhi, M. and Nedjati, A., Optimal Temperature Control of a Propane Thermal Cracking, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 41, 6572 (2002).
[25] Shahrokhi, M. and Nedjati, A., “Temperature Control of Olefin Thermal Cracking Reactor”, M.Sc. Thesis, Sharif University of Technology, (2001).
[26] Wilson, J.T. and Belanger, P.R., IEEE Transaction on Automatic Control, 17, 756 (1972).
[27] Luus, R., Int. J. Control, 52, 239(1990).
[28] Sargent, R.W.H., Journal of Computational and Applied Mathematics, 124, 361(2000).

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics