Optimization for refinery hydrogen networks with detailed reactor-separator-purifier modeling

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 304; p. 127136
• Main Authors: Huang, Lingjun, Liu, Guilian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2021
• Subjects: Hydrogen network; Modeling; Optimization; Purifier; Reactor; Separator; Purifier; Hydrogen network; Reactor; Modeling; Separator; Optimization
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127136

Hydrogen network integration is an effective way to reduce the cost of refineries, and a number of graphical and mathematical methods have been proposed. Parameters of reactors, separators and purifier have a great effect on hydrogen consumption, while only simple models of these equipment are considered. This paper proposed a method to optimize the hydrogen network of a refinery with multiple components and detailed reactor, separator, purifier modeling considered. For all hydrotreating units, models of reactor are built and considered, as well as separators and purifier. The effect of their operation parameters (temperature, pressure et al.) on hydrogen flowrate and concentration is analyzed. An integration model is built with hydrogen network, all reactors and separators, and purifier interconnected. It performs a simultaneous optimization for hydrogen related equipment according to the requirement of refinery, and can minimize the fresh hydrogen consumption with multiple components considered. Based on the developed optimization framework, the hydrogen network of a refinery is optimized and its utility consumption is reduced by 17.70%. The optimal temperatures of reactors and separators, and the pressure in purifier are determined, as well as the corresponding optimal hydrogen distribution network. •Method is proposed for optimizing hydrogen network, reactors, separator and purifier.•Models of equipment are built and their interconnection with hydrogen network is considered.•The effect of operating parameters on streams and hydrogen network is analyzed.•Optimal hydrogen network and operating parameters are identified.•The hydrogen consumption of a refinery is reduced by 17.70% after optimization.