Computer Modeling of Platinum Reforming Reactors

Abstract

Usually, the reformate that is leaving any stage of the platinum reforming reactors in terms of hydrocarbon composition is assessed by laboratory analysis. The ideal composition can only be tested through theoretical means, which in most cases is avoided because of long computation time involved. This paper, instead of using a theoretical approach has considered a computer model as means of assessing the reformate composition for three-stage fixed bed reactors in platforming unit. This is done by identifying many possible hydrocarbon transformation reactions that are peculiar to the process unit, identify the operating data, mathematically model and programme their reaction rate equations using QBasic language. In this article outlet product rate of 311363.59 kg/hr in the first, second and third reactor was obtained by modeling 275 m³/h inlet feed rate of Bayton Rouge Naphtha in the Kaduna Refinery. A manual or theoretical calculated value of 311145.22 kg/hr of outlet product rate was obtained showing a slight deviation of 0.9%.  The authors are convinced that the written computer model could be applied in the process unit because it is accurate and less time consuming.