Objective
To improve heat recovery in a catalytic petrol reformer unit.
During the trial period, the equipment performed to expectation, although some problems were encountered in relation to fuel-oil output; these were attributed mainly to the following:
- the quantity of fuel-oil used for the internal requirements of the refinery, which was of high viscosity. Since the measuring equipment temperature was poorly calibrated, it tended to quickly clog-up;
- the necessary low fuel output following the installation of the "PACKINOX" exchanger was difficult to measure.
Accuracy of the data obtained prior to installation of the exchanger was held in doubt, and to overcome this, the saving was calculated using the estimated enthalpies of the charge, taking into account;
- measurement of the output of the fresh charge and of the gas from recycling;
- measurement of effluent entry temperature and exit temperature of the charge.
The problem of inaccuracies was overcome by using a voltmeter and graduated thermocouples. While such an exchanger is viable in appropriate operating conditions, any blocking of the equipment could lead to problems.
Overall energy savings are estimated at 3,685 TOE/y, although ultimate viability depends on energy prices. Costs at FF 9,231,000 were lower than the projected FF 12,296,000.
The project concerns the preheating of the combined charge of a gasoline catalytic reforming unit. This charge, which is a mixture of naphtha and hydrogen gas is heated up to 500 deg. C in a first furnace (F301) before entering the first reactor where dehydrogenation and aromatisation reactions occur. Two sets (furnace + reactor) at the same temperature complete the chemical kinetics that lead to the high Octane Number gasoline. The effluents of the last reactor preheat the combined charge entering the first furnace.
This charge/effluent heat exchange was performed at the Reichstett Refinery in a set of 8 classical tubular heat exchangers (E301 A to H) with a total exchange area of 3,000 square meters.
Nevertheless, the design of these exchangers did not allow an approach better than 80 deg. C. The project consists of substituting a single broader heat exchanger (4,000 sq. m.) for the eight existing exchangers which allows a counter-current heat exchange between charge and effluent. The heat exchange element is made of a set of stainless steel plates shaped by extrusion and welded together so as to produce flow channels for hot and cold fluids.
This ''sandwich'' set is locked into a steel shell pressurised by the hydrogen rich gas. The maximum pressure difference between hot and cold sides is limited to 11.8 bars.
The new technology of this equipment allows for an approach as small as 33 deg. C, hence increasing substantially the charge preheat temperature.
Previously the preheat temperature was 420 deg. C; with the new Packinox exchanger, this temperature reaches 467 deg. C which gives an energy saving of 3,685 TOE/year.
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Programme(s)
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
67116 REICHSTETT
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.