Catalytic Reformer Recycle Gas Compressor Efficiency

Abstract

Methods for improving the efficiency of a catalytic reforming recycle gas compressor by combining a high molecular weight light hydrocarbon process stream from a unit operation associated with the catalytic reforming process with a lower molecular weight reactor off gas recycle stream to form a combined recycle gas stream.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001](1) Field of the Invention[0002]This invention concerns methods for improving the efficiency of a catalytic reforming recycle gas compressor by recycling a light hydrocarbon process stream from a unit operation associated with the catalytic reforming process into the recycle gas stream.[0003](2) Description of the Art[0004]There is an increasing demand for clean fuels. This demand has led to a desire to increase the amount of hydrogen produced in catalytic reforming processes. One way to increase catalytic reforming hydrogen production is to lower to pressure of the catalytic reforming reactor(s). One consequence of increasing hydrogen produced in a catalytic reformer is an increase in the amount of hydrogen (hydrogen purity) in the recycle gas stream which translates into a reduction in the average molecular weight of the recycle gas stream. Thus, reducing reactor pressure increases the pressure rise across the catalytic reforming recycle compressor...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]This invention is directed to methods for improving catalytic reforming hydrogen production using an existing recycle gas compressor by recycling a light gas stream from a unit operation associated with the catalytic reforming unit to either the recycle gas compressor inlet or outlet.

[0008]One aspect of this invention are methods for increasing hydrogen flow through a recycle gas compressor associated with a catalytic reforming process comprising the steps of: operating the recycle gas compressor having an inlet and an outlet in a catalytic reforming process including at least one catalytic reforming reactor to inc

Problems solved by technology

Thus, reducing reactor pressure increases the pressure rise across the catalytic reforming recycle compressor and it makes the recycle gas more difficult to compress because of its lower average molecular weight.

In some cases, reducing the reactor pressure is not feasible because the existing recycle compressor is not designed to handle the modified recycle gas and pressure drop conditions.

Moreover, replacing a recycle gas compressor is costly.

This solution is also problematic.

Because the non-reactive gas comes from an external source, its availability and cost may be an issue.

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