CONTENT
CATALYST MARKET IN the REFINING INDUSTRY
Catalysis
Catalysts help
- increase the desired reaction rates - obtain selectively the desired products
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Two types of catalysts can be distinguished : Homogeneous catalysts : the catalyst. Is mixed in the liquid phase with the reactants and the products. Merox catalysts can be placed in this category, as well as HF or H2SO4 acids for alkylation Heterogeneous catalysts : the catalyst is a porous solid, showing different shapes : powder, extrudates or or bead s The reaction medium can be gaseous , liquid or gas-liquid . This type of catalysts play a very important role in the industry, being unavoidable in refining and heavy petrochemistry processes
Petrochemistry : 800 M M
2300 M M
Polymerisation : 2400 M M
Chemistry : 800 M M
Source IFP SME presentation 231003
30 000
Claus
in Tons/year
1000
Isomerisation
8000
Reforming
130 000
Hydrotreatment
FCC
655 000
Source : IFP School C. TRAVERS 2007
OTHER REACTIONS Alkylation cumene, ethylbenzene, gasoline. benzene, naphtalene. Catalytic Hydrodealkylation of alkyl aromatics TO BE MENTIONED in inorganic chemistry NH3 synthesis on iron catalyst. SO3 synthesis by SO2 oxidation, on Pt or V2O5 based catalyst NO Synthesis by NH3 oxidation de , on Pt Rh based catalyst
ethyl alcohol.
Selective oxidation : alcools aldehyde (methanol to formadehyde); ethylene to ethylene oxide Oxychlorination and chlorination : Ethylene + HCI + 02 Dichlorethane ( Methanol synthesis from gas on ZnO, Cr2O3
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Hydrogenations : Benzene cyclohexane. Nitriles (ou dinitriles) amines (ou diamines) (nylon for ex.). Phenol cyclohexanol (adipic acid et nylon). Nitrobenzene aniline. Hydrogenations of fatty acids Selective hydrogenations . Dsydrogenations : Paraffins Alcohols Hydratations : Ethylne Controlled oxidations : Ethylene ethylene oxyde on silver based catalyst. Methanol formol on silver based catalyst or Fe2O3 , MoO3 Ethanol acetaldhyde Benzene malc anhydrid on V2O5 or MoO3 Naphtalne or o-xylene phtalic anhydrid on V2O5 Propylene acroline, acrylonitrile, on Bismuth molybdates or phosphomolybtates alcool thylique. olefines diolfines ( butane butene ktones (isopropyl alcohol to acetone) butadiene)
Refining targets
The targets of a refinery: To produce, from different and changing crudes, petroleum products To adjust the quantities : transform the less valuable cuts into needed cuts To adjust the quality: lead the various cuts into the specifications of the market To handle the environmental features
CARBON
Hydrocarbons :
84 to 87 weight % 11 to 14 weight %
HYDROGEN
Impurities : SULPHUR OXYGEN NITROGEN
Heavy Metals
Water and sediments
0.04 to 6
weight %
Heavy crude
Light crude
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Mineral salts
These values are usually observed for the global composition of crude oils
The specific gravity of a crude oil generally ranges between 0,7 and 0,95 . Metals that can possibly been encountered are combined in complex compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen, .Vanadium generally accounts for more than 75% of the metal content. Crude oils also include non organic compounds such as water, sediments and mineral salts. .
Saturated
Hydrocarbons
Unsaturated
Hydrocarbons
Double or Triple bonds Some bonds are not saturated with hydrogen
Arom
atic on
Aromatic polycyclics
e rin g
% volume
N-paraffins
10 10
This standard test is applied to all the main petroleum products except liquefied petroleum gases and bitumen. It consists in distilling 100 ml of product in standardized conditions and noting the temperatures corresponding to the different volumes either evaporated or condensed and collected. Two important temperatures are recorded: initial boiling point (IBP) , recorded when the first liquid drop is observed final boiling point (End Boiling Point: EBP) which is the maximum temperature observed during the test
GAZ GAS+LPG
LNG LNG
LPG LPG FUEL FUEL PETROCHEMICAL PETROCHEMICAL NAPHTHA NAPHTHA COMMERCIAL PROPANE COMMERCIAL PROPANE COMMERCIAL BUTANE COMMERCIAL BUTANE
- 200 C - 100 C 0 C
ESSENCES GASOLINES
+ 100 C
+ 200 C
AUTOMOTIVE DIESEL OIL AUTOMOTIVE DIESEL OIL HOME HEATING OIL HOME HEATING OIL
PARAFFINS PARAFFINS
+ 300 C
HEAVY PRODUCTS
C35 C55
Microwaxes Microwaxes
PRODUCTS
11
Petroleum cuts are characterized with the number of Carbon atoms or boiling temperatures. The shape of the ASTM distillation curve indicates the volatility of the petroleum product components when high volatility is required, the results must indicate a minimum distilled percentage at a given temperature heavy components can be limited by fixing the End Point at a maximum temperature. In this case, R (residue %) can also be limited to a given amount The cuts containing less than 30 carbon atoms are separated in the crude atmospheric distillation column ("topping"). The most "heavier" are separated in the vacuum distillation column. Every crude oil is characterized by the potential yield in main oil cuts that can be reached. Two important parameters, reflecting the essential characteristics, are the density and the content in Sulfur
29,5 30
50
30,5
36
40
Light products
GPL, naphtha, gasolines,..
31
38
45,0
Middle distillates
JET-A1 Diesel and heating fuel
40,5
0
38,5
1980
26
1995
15,0
2020
Heavy Products
Heavy fuels Bitumens,
1973
12
In the 1990s, the conversion units became to be more and more numerous, in order to satisfy the demand, especially since the crude oils used are more and more heavy.
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REFINING
REFINING
To meet the requirements on quantities (market) on quality (specifications) And to take into account the environmental challenges
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS at SPECIFICATIONS LPG gasoline jet fuels diesel oil fuels wax
CATALYTIC PROCESSES
THERMAL PROCESSES
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Definition of a petroleum product : It is a mixture of hydrocarbons ; its composition is characterized by a set of limit values fixed for a certain number of factors which determine its optimal implementation in its conditions of use, the specifications The specifications can change depending on : The season The region the politico-economic context (Pb in gasoline, S in diesel oil, benzene in gasoline...) The economically affordable cost of production The specifications can be related to:
Volatility : IP, FP, ASTM distillation intervals, flash point (jet fuel, diesel,..) Combustion : octane number, cetane number Cold condition behavior and flowing : freezing point, viscosity (gas oil and jet fuels) Atmospheric pollution : sulfur content, benzene or (poly-)aromatics content, . corrosiveness : Copper and silver strip tarnish tests Stability and chemical type : existing gum content, oxidation and thermal stability, behavior at water presence (jet fuel), insoluble content (heavy fuels n 2)
Safety No risk of HP turbine deterioration Ability to remain liquid at low temperature Depollution of Diesel engines Ability to remain liquid at low temperature Quality of combustion in a Diesel engine
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DIESEL FUEL
15
HEAVY FUELS
BITUMEN
SOFTENING POINT
Lubrification ability Viscosity control at varying temperatures on use Ability to remain liquid at low temperature
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THERMAL PROCESSES
Thermal processes are not selective, they are industrially used when :
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there is no other economic way to obtain corresponding products selectivity is not essential
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The thermal processes operate at very high temperature (>500C to breaking C-C bond). At such high temperatures, high selectivities can't be obtained because side reactions, especially coking, are not negligible.
CATALYTIC PROCESSES
Most of the refining processes are catalytically promoted Catalyts activate chemical bounds / molecules
Promoting interactions between reactant and catalyst sites
Catalysts :
make operations possible and/or enhances the desired reactions orientate reactions has to be stable :
catalyst deactivation inducing loss of performances
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Depending on the catalyst, the feed must reach specifications in terms of impurities content
acidic catalysts (acidic sites = H+) ACTIVATION OF C-H (95 Kcal/mol) or H-H (104 Kcal/mol) BONDS
Ex : Hydrotreatments
metal catalysts
20
Some basic catalysts can also been encountered, for example for esters hydrolysis reactions
Intermediate
H Metal
H Metal
Metals + acidic carrier
C
Catalyst
Example
Reforming Isomerization Hydrocracking Acid catalytic process with sensitivity to coke deposition
21
IMPLEMENTATION OF CATALYSTS
22
The feed can be liquid or gaseous The particles morphology must not create pressure drops extrudates, beads Intra particle diffusion limitations have to be limited CAUTION with temperature control for endo- or exo-thermal reactions (adiabatic behavior)
Several beds in series with intermediate heating or cooling
The shorter the contact time, the lower the reaction conversion
Contact time = Catalyst Volume (m 3 ) Feed flowrate (m 3 /h )
23
Fixed bed are adiabatic , the control of the temperature increase or decrease has to be carefully considered, taking into account the possible gradients inside the catalyst grain
In a fixed bed, the activity of the catalyst is decreasing with time, mainly due to coke deposit on the active sites. Operating parameters have to be adjusted : Higher temperatures to get the same conversion As a consequence, the yield very often decreases. When the temperature becomes too high, the unit has to be stopped to regenerate the catalyst . The catalyst regeneration usually consists in gradually burning the coke, by feeding the reactor with pre-heated oxygen diluted into nitrogen
Examples of fixed bed operation : Hydrogenation, Hydrodesulfuration, Hydrocracking, Isomerization Flow behavior in such reactors is : plug flow all the molecules are moving downwards, at the same velocity at a given height, all the molecules have had the same contact time with the catalyst
Export H2
R3
Separator Fuel Gas
R1
R2
H2
Hydrotreated Naphtha
Recycle Compressor
LPG
Reactor Temperature
Stabilized
T0
T0-25C T0-50C R1 R2 R3
Reformate
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The overall amount of catalyst needed for the transformation is distributed not equally among several adiabatic reactors in series with intermediary heaters providing the required heat energy input
If the catalyst deactivates quickly, due to coke build up, a moving bed technology can be implemented :
Periodic or continuous catalyst removal regeneration Injection of the regenerated catalyst at the top of the reactor
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Example : Regenerative reforming ("slow" moving bed) Catalyst shape : spheres (oil drop made) the cycle time of the catalyst is about 1 week
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Usually used when thermicity problem in fixed bed can't be solved Easy implementation of the catalyst, if its mechanical and morphological characteristics are correct Example : FCC Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Catalyst formulated by spray drying (50 m)
27
28 28
The catalytic section consists of: a reactor or riser in which the cracking chemical reactions of the feed in contact with the catalyst take place at temperatures in the 500 to 530C range and at low pressure (2 - 3 bar). Coke is deposited on the catalyst, which destroys its catalytic activity. a regenerator in which the coke deposited on the catalyst is burned with the injection of combustion air. The heat thus released reheats the catalyst to a temperature generally in the 670 -750C range. The regenerated, coke-free catalyst can thus be re-used in the reactor. reactor-regenerator connections allowing circulation of the catalyst from one vessel to another. The heat recovered by the catalyst in the regenerator is restored, so to speak, to the reactor.
RPCI - RA GEN - 06944_A_A - Rev. 0 CATALYSTS IN THE REFINING INDUSTRYCATALYSTS IN THE REFINING INDUSTRY
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The octane number is linked to knocking. The chances of knocking are increased if the gasoline presents a poor resistance to self ignition. It is measured with a CFR engine : single cylinder engine running at constant speed. To start or to stop the knock, the rate of compression can be modified.
Air + gasoline
30
P max 35 to 50 bar
ignition
Burnt mixture
Flame front
ignition
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C C-C-C-C-C C C C-C-C-C-C-C-C
Definition : the octane number is given by the equivalent volume percentage of isooctane in a reference mixture of normal - heptane and of isooctane, trigging an identical knocking in the CFR engine.
RON
Sensitivity
Very low
Very low
High
Very low
Medium
Low
Very high
High
High
Very high
Straight-run heavy gasolines from crude oils: high normal paraffin content, low aromatic content, low RON-MON Reformate gasoline: high aromatic content, Very high RON - High MON Gasolines from Catalytic cracking: olefins, aromatics, saturated, medium RON - weak MON
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Additives to improve ON : Ban of lead requires higher octane number: production of high octane hydrocarbons, use of ethers. Replacement of lead by a potassium based additive to protect the seat of the valves (lubrication). Use of oxygenates : MTBE, ETBE, TAME, METHANOL, ETHANOL , for which oRON>110 ; MON>100 Biofuel super ethanol E85 contains up to 85% ethanol of organic origin and premium unleaded gasoline in addition Vehicles intended for use of E85 can work with premium unleaded gasoline or with any mixture E85/premium gasoline. They are FLEXIFUEL Origin of ethanol: cereals, maize, beet, sugar-cane. Future: Biofuels of second generation produced from non food vegetation (wood, seaweed.) Consumption (in litres/100km) + about 30% due to the lower Calorific Value of ethanol Interest: reduction of Green House Gas emissions but problem in the competition for use of cultivated soil
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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
34
30%
gasoline from Coker & others
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Additional bases: used to adjust RON and MON alkylate, MTBE, ETBE, ethanol
From R.V. Elshout and C.S. Bains, Hydrocarbon Engineering, p.71, Feb. 2005
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36
AROMATICS
Light paraffins
AROMATICS
Light paraffins
37
3 main chemical reactions Aromatization Reaction: Transformation of Naphthenes and Paraffins in Aromatics ohydrogen producers overy endothermic overy QUICK (for naphtenes) or SLOW (for paraffins) opractically COMPLETE (nearly all naphthenes are transformed in aromatics) or INCOMPLETE (for paraffins) Hydrocracking Reaction: Transformation of long paraffins in shorter paraffins ohydrogen consumers oexothermic oquite slow ogas producer: C1, C2 and mostly LPG C3, C4 odecreasing the reformate yield oa positive contributor to improve octane number Side reaction: Coke formation on the catalyst
2. Paraffins isomerization
Produces a base with high octane number, from light straight run gasoline (RON 80-90, MON 77-87) Reactions : operated at low temperature to maximize iso paraffins production
150 to 250C
n-paraffins
Catalysts :
Pt/chlorinated alumina (5-10%wt Cl) Pt/zeolite
isoparaffins + heat
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The light straight-run gasoline (C5 C6) is used in: the petrochemical industry, especially in Europe. Under the name of naphtha, it is a feedstock for steam crackers the automotive gasoline pool. But since the lead additives suppression, it is necessary to improve the octane number by isomerization Isomerization reactions are slightly exothermic (approx.10 kJ/mole ). They are balanced. n-paraffins
nC5H12 ; nC6H14
i-paraffins mono-branched
i C5H12 ; iC6H14
i-paraffins di-branched
i C6H14
Aromatics + H2
benzene
Naphtenes
cyclohexane
+ H2
n-paraffins
n-C6H14
Benzene hydrogenation is very exothermic Some hydrocracking occurs Example : C7 H16 n-paraffin C4H10 + C3H8 n-paraffins
3. CATALYTIC CRACKING
Reactions :
acidic catalysis Catalyst : zeolite Y (10-40 % wt) dispersed within an inorganic matrix
example : C20H42 C8H16(Olefin) + C12H26 (Paraffin)
Process :
Fluidized bed with catalyst circulation from/to reaction zone 500 C /regeneration > 700 C. Continuous regeneration of coke built up onto catalyst
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Other features of FCC : Produces mainly gasoline (50 %) and LPGs (of which 6 % of propylene). Feeds : mainly vacuum distillates, also visbroken distillate and some residu (low metals content). Gasoline produced is made up of aromaticsand olefins mainly, giving it a high octane number. Needs to be desulfurized (Merox or hydrotreatement), due ti high content in gum and sulfur. Desulfuration conditions need to be chosen in order to minimize hydrogenation of olefins, in order to avoid octane number loss (example : Prime G+ process Axens or Powerforming - Exxon) gas oil cut (called LCO) : low cetane number, desulfurization compulsory C4 cut : rich in olefines . Allows to feed the alkylation unit which produces gasoline with high MON from LPG ; and (or) an oxygenated compound unit like MTBE or ETBE. Thje margin essentially depends on the difference between VGO cut price and gasoline price, and also the difference of price between light and heavy crude oils. Propylne value also has an importance .
4. Aliphatic alkylation
ISOBUTANE
C4H10
Isobutane from C4 cut of atmospheric distillation and catalytic reforming
BUTENE
C4H8
Butenes from C4 cut of FCC (50 %) : 1-butene, 2-butenes, isobutene
C8H18
At the same time increase the production of automotive fuel bases
40
This process uses liquid acid catalysts : fluorhydric acid ( HF) or the sulphuric acid ( H2SO4). The feed of the unit is made up of : the " C4 cut out of FCC, rich in olefins Isobutane, obtained by distillation from the C4 cut of the straight run distillation of crude oil and from catalytic reforming
FCC
Catalyst : acidic resin Process : fixed bed Operating conditions : T = 80 C, P = 15-20 bar, LHSV 4-6 per hr
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The production capacities of MTBE, ETBE, TAME increased very fast considering the development of unleaded gasoline. Today the future of the MTBE is compromised because of troubles of groundwater pollution met in California. This pollution, linked to the strong smell of the MTBE, is the consequence of leaks and the high solubility of the MTBE in water. Thus, the use of the MTBE has been banned ban since January 1st, 2004. In reformulated gasoline marketed in certain zones of the United States, the MTBE is replaced by the ethanol today.
RPCI - RA GEN - 06944_A_A - Rev. 0 CATALYSTS IN THE REFINING INDUSTRYCATALYSTS IN THE REFINING INDUSTRY
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The cetane number of a diesel oil corresponds to the volume percentage of cetane in the mixture of the two reference fuels which has the same ignition delay in the CFR Diesel engine as that of the gas oil tested. The volume percentage of each reference fuel is given its cetane number.
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For example: If the same ignition delay is obtained with a mixture of: 51% volume of n-cetane 49 % volume of methyl naphthalene the cetane number is 51.
Cetane number
Very high
low
medium
low
low
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Straight-run gas oil: rich in paraffins, high cetane number Cracked gas oil: rich in aromatics or olefins, low cetane number
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Determined from a chart using diesel fuel density and 50% ASTM boiling point
CCI = 49
2. HYDROCRACKING (as follows) 3. HYDROTREATEMENTS : can not be separated from gas oil cuts
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RPCI - Rev. 4
45 45
Example of diesel fuel oil specification: Cetane number - 53-54 Sp. gravity < 840 T95 < 355 Aromatic polycyclic hudrocarbons < 5 Sulfur < 10 Flash point 55C (safety) Filtrability Temp - 15C (autumn-winter) Cloud point -5c (autumn-winter) 0C (spring-summer)
+5C (spring-summer)
Feed: distillates, heavy metal absence Gas: rich in H2S, NH3 to be routed to amine washing and Claus units Light gasoline: quite good RON and MON gasoline pool Heavy gasoline: rich in naphtens, sent to reforming unit Kerosene: quite good smoke point and cold conditions Gas oil: quite good cetane index 55, sulphur content, cold condition behavior Global yield: 102-103% Hydrogen consumption: 2-3%wt
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Hydrocracking is aimed at fuel and diesel oil production, unlike the FCC which produces essentially some gasoline. Moreover, the resulting cuts are desulfurized. Considerations favorable to the hydrocracking : The evolution of the quality characteristics required by oil productions, in particular a very low content in sulfur. The increasing consumption of diesel oil in Europe : Western Europe imports a considerable part of the needed diesel oil. The consumption of heavy fuel oil which is in continuous decrease. Specific features of the process : 350-400 C 160 -180 bar Fixed bed reactor Several steps A purification step : Trap the asphaltens, the metals, hydrotreat (Remove S , N,), Hydrogenate the polyaromatics Catalysis with metal (Ni-Mo on alumina) A hydroconversion /cracking step acidic catalysis (Ni-Mo on zeolite) High H2 consumption : about 1,5% wt vs feed (depending on quality of feed and severity). Need for highly pure H2 (from SMR- Methane steam reforming unit).
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S. M. R : Steam Methane Reforming CH4 + H2O CO + H2O CO + 3 H2 CO2 + H2 800C on a Ni catalyst 800C then 350C
Purification of H2 to get 99,9% of purity often uses PSA process (Pressure Swing Adsorption) : Separation and adsorption of the molecules on molecular sieves) POX : Partial Oxydation (methane or cracked residues) CxHy + O2 CO + H2O CO + H2 CO2 + H2
3. HYDROTREATMENTS objectives
Eliminate impurities containing sulphur, nitrogen, oxygen, metals with hydrorefining, in order to :
protect catalysts downstream (included catalytic converter), etc... reduce atmospheric pollution control the corrosion and fouling in the equipment
IMPURITIES TO ELIMINATE
NH3 (gas)
H2O
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Hydrorefining includes all the processes which aim at eliminating undesired compounds in the petroleum cuts by means of a catalytic treatment using hydrogen. The main impurities to be eliminated are, depending on the case, the sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen , the metals and unsaturated hydrocarbons such as diolefins, olefins and aromatics.
+
Cracked gasolines FCC VB
HYDROTREATMENT:
ELIMINATION of SULFUR, NITROGEN and olefins from LIGHT CUTS
+
Cracked gas oils FCC VB
HEATING OIL
DESULFURIZED DISTILLATES towards
CATALYTIC CRACKING
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49 49
The heavier the cut : The more sulfur content The more important H2 consumption The more severe conditions the hydrotreatment needs
CRUDE NAPHTHA KEROSENE GASOIL
DISTILLATE
RESIDU
OF S CONTAINING COMPOUNDS
S % wt
range
FIXED BED
Contact time Contact time
Weight of catalyst for 100 t/hr feed Light cuts Gas oils Distillates Vacuum residues 30 75 200 300
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Pressure
50
H2S
3 H2S
1100/1200C
H2S + 3/2O2
SO2 + H2O
3/
2O2
2H2S +
BURNER
SO2
S + 2H2O + heat
AIR
Combustion of only 1/3 of inlet H2S by controlling air (O2) quantity at burner inlet
CLAUS reaction between 1 formed molecule of SO2 and 2 unburned molecules of H2S
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Balanced reaction, H2S and SO2 are just partly transformed in sulphur
Ratio H2S/SO2 = 2
In the burner : combustion of 1/3 of the H2S by controlling the admission of air and thus oxygen in the burner Reaction of CLAUS between the produced SO2 and 2 H2S which is not burnt. This reaction is balanced, H2S and SO2 are only partially transformed into sulfur.
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The main reaction is very exothermic (H = 35 Kcal . mol1) Undesired reactions take place at the thermal step : production of COS and CS2 which have to be hydrolyzed As refineries have to follow : Stricter regulations on products sulfur content Stricter regulations on the SO2 discharged in the atmosphere A tail gas treatment is very often necessary : CLAUSPOL, SULFREEN, SCOT ,
PETROCHEMISTRY
The aims :
to produce high volumes of synthetic products that can substitute natural products COMMODITY PRODUCTS To provide synthetic products endowed with original properties, completing the natural products
SPECIALITY PRODUCTS
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To produce molecules with a composition and a structure perfectly defined, starting from hydrocarbon coming from crude oil, natural gas or coal
RPCI - RA GEN - 06944_A_A - Rev. 0 CATALYSTS IN THE REFINING INDUSTRYCATALYSTS IN THE REFINING INDUSTRY
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Products that are used for their chemical properties : they correspond to molecules that have specific chemical functions
fertilizers, detergents, solvents
Products that are used for their mechanical properties : they correspond to macromolecules
plastics, elastomers, fibers
Petrochemical bases
They have to be : Reactives, simple, abundant, cheap They need to allow : Quick and easy reactions high productivity Selective reactions
Low amount of by-products economical target
EXAMPLES
Ethylene Propylene Butenes Butadiene B.T.X. :
Benzene Toluene Xylene
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Toluene is largely converted into benzene and / or xylenes, either by dismutation, or by hydrogenation. Paraxylene is an intermediate in the production of polyester fibers o-xylene can be oxidized into phthalic anhydrid, p-xylene can be oxidized to terephthalic acid and / or dimethyl terephthalate
55
But The produced olefins and aromatics contain unsaturated bonds, making the molecules less stable, that have to be selectively hydrogenated .
Other processes :
To get olefins :
FCC (especially C4=) dehydrogenation of paraffins (C3, C4 et C10 C12)
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The aromatic come from the C5+ cut of the steamcracker, or from the reformer (high severity). The BTX has been split. The respective proportions of benzene, toluene and xylene are not in accordance with the market demand. Numerous processing units are needed. The benzene is separated by extractive distillation. Alkylated by the thylene, it leads to ethylbenzene then, by dshydrogenation, into styrene. Hydrogenated into cyclohexane, it gives nylon 6 (via caprolactame) or phenol. either de-alkylated into benzene + CH4 or dismuted into benzene and xylene (T = 450 C, zeolite) The toluene is:
Xylenes are isomerised on Pt/Zeolite, and then separated on molecular sieve (Eluxyl IFP, PAREX UOP). This separation leads selectively to orthoxylene , and particularly paraxylene. metaxylne has very few uses and is generally recycled to isomerization.
THE ISSUE : need to selectively hydrogenate polyolefins or acetylenics towards olefins Impact on the choice of the technology and the catalyst C3 cut with MAPD
Methylacetylene (MAC) Propadiene (PPD)
H2
H2
Propylene
H2
Propane
C4 cut
Butadiene butenes butane
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Hydrogen
Deethaniser
Propylene
C-C=C
Depropaniser splitter
Butadiene extraction
hydrogenation of pyrolysis gasoline
Debutaniser
BTX Gasoline
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THE ISSUE : need to hydrogenate polyolfins or acetylenics AND STOP at the olefin step C3 cut: C=C=C ou CC-C C4 cut: Butadiene +H2 butenes without butane
+H2
H2
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Besides thermal processes (visbreaking, coking, steamcracking), catalysts are widely spread in refining industry, mostly to:
meet product requirements: quantities (market) and quality (specs) take into account environmental challenges promote major refining processes
e.g. reforming, isomerisation, HDT, FCC, HCK, etherification and alkylation
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