Mathematical model and simulation of a heterogeneous catalytic reactor for reforming process of heavy gasoline

Abstract

In the petroleum refinery industry, catalytic reforming is a heterogeneous chemical process that aims to convert heavy and medium gasoline into high-quality gasoline. It can convert paraffinic hydrocarbons into fine hydrocarbons as well. The knowledge of the process is very important for calculating, designing and operating a catalytic reforming system in the oil processing industry. This research work establishes a homogeneous simulation model to describe a heavy-duty catalytic reformer based on the use of two major reaction types, the de-hydrocarbon reaction to paraffin and the paraffin hydrocracking reaction. The work provides a set of differential equation of the problem. An algorithm to solve the problem is introduced. The calculation results by using MATLAB will be presented and discussed. From these results the calculation of mass, the height of the catalyst needed can be made.