Aromatic Bottoms Stream Desorption for Hydrocracking Adsorbent Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrocracking processes face challenges in removing polynuclear aromatic compounds (PNA) and heavy polynuclear aromatic compounds (HPNA) from hydrocarbon feedstreams, which can cause fouling of refining equipment and require effective desorption methods for adsorbent materials.
Innovation Solution
A process and system where the aromatic bottoms stream is used as a desorption agent to remove PNA and HPNA from adsorbent materials, integrated with a hydrocracking reaction unit and aromatic recovery complex to produce a hydrocracked effluent stream with reduced nitrogen-containing compounds and polynuclear aromatic compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If adsorbent material is used to remove PNA and HPNA from hydrocracked feedstream, then the quality of hydrocarbon feedstock is improved, but the adsorbent material becomes saturated and requires desorption
Solution Approach 1:
The aromatic bottoms stream serves as an intermediary desorption agent that facilitates the removal of PNA and HPNA from saturated adsorbent material. This mediator enables the regeneration of adsorbent without requiring additional external solvents or complex regeneration systems, thus reducing regeneration time while maintaining feedstock quality improvement
Solution Approach 2:
The process utilizes changes in physical parameters (temperature, pressure, composition) of the aromatic bottoms stream to control the desorption of PNA and HPNA from adsorbent. By adjusting these parameters, the adsorbent can be efficiently regenerated, reducing the time loss associated with adsorbent saturation and enabling continuous operation
2Ease of repair
If conventional desorption methods are used for adsorbent regeneration, then adsorbent material can be recycled, but additional solvents and complex processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The aromatic bottoms stream, which is already present in the hydrocracking process, serves the dual function of being a product stream and a desorption agent. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external solvents and complex regeneration systems, simplifying the overall processing system while enabling effective adsorbent recycling
Solution Approach 2:
The aromatic bottoms stream performs multiple functions: it is both a valuable product of the hydrocracking process and an effective desorption agent for regenerating adsorbent material. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for separate desorption systems and external solvents, while maintaining effective adsorbent recycling
3Device complexity
If PNA and HPNA are not removed from hydrocracked feedstream, then the processing system is simpler, but fouling of refining equipment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The aromatic bottoms stream acts as an intermediary that selectively removes PNA and HPNA from the hydrocracked feedstream through the adsorbent material. This intermediary approach effectively prevents equipment fouling while maintaining relatively simple processing system architecture, as the desorption and removal process is integrated into the existing hydrocracking workflow
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces the concentration of PNA and HPNA in the hydrocracking effluent, minimizing equipment fouling and improving the overall efficiency and quality of the hydrocracking process by utilizing the aromatic bottoms stream for desorption.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the hydrocarbon feedstream with an adsorbent material to produce an adsorbent having an increased content of nitrogen-containing compounds and polynuclear compounds
Implementation Method 2
introducing the aromatic bottoms stream to the adsorbent having an increased content of nitrogen-containing compounds and polynuclear compounds to produce an adsorbent having a decreased content of nitrogen-containing compounds and polynuclear compounds
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a process for treating a hydrocarbon feedstream having nitrogen-containing compounds and polynuclear aromatic compounds includes contacting the hydrocarbon feedstream with an adsorbent material; introducing the adsorbent-treated hydrocarbon feedstream to a hydrocracking reaction unit to produce a hydrocracked effluent stream; introducing a naphtha stream to a catalytic reforming unit to produce a reformate stream; introducing the reformate stream to an aromatic recovery complex to produce a light reformate stream, a BTX stream, and an aromatic bottoms stream; and introducing the aromatic bottoms stream to the used adsorbent to release at least a portion of the nitrogen-containing compounds and polynuclear compounds.