Process Optimization

Global demand for hydrogen (H2) continues to grow due to heavy crude processing and stricter governmental mandates to reduce sulfur content in transportation fuels. This has led to increased H2 requirements for both hydrotreating and hydrocracking operations within a refinery (Fig. 1). Thus, it is important for refiners to maintain or, in some cases, increase H2 production from existing units. Proper plant monitoring is essential to achieving this objective. There are several areas to focus on when monitoring H2 plant performance, including feedstock, catalyst, reformer and the steam system.