Combined Stripping Section for Hydrotreating Effluents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hydroprocessing refinery configurations require separate stripping sections for different hydrotreating units due to varying processing conditions and product requirements, leading to increased equipment and operational costs, and inefficiencies in combining these sections.

Innovation Solution

A process that combines the stripping sections of naphtha and diesel hydrotreating units by passing effluent streams from different reaction zones to shared separation zones, utilizing steam stripping for heavier fractions and re-boiling for lighter fractions, while using a reflux stream to maintain efficient separation and prevent water dew point issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate stripping sections are used for naphtha and diesel hydrotreating units, then each stream can be processed at optimal conditions, but equipment count and installed costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing optimizationVSAvoidequipment count

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate stripping sections for naphtha and diesel hydrotreating units into a single integrated stripping section. This merging allows multiple effluent streams to be processed in one facility rather than requiring separate equipment for each stream, thereby reducing overall equipment count and installed costs while maintaining processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated stripping section is designed to handle multiple different effluent streams (naphtha, diesel, and other hydrocarbon streams) with varying properties. By creating a universal stripping facility that can process diverse streams, the system eliminates the need for dedicated stripping equipment for each stream type, reducing capital investment while maintaining optimization through adjustable operating parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If stripping sections are combined into one unit, then equipment count and installed costs decrease, but fractionation efficiency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment countVSAvoidfractionation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Within the integrated stripping section, different zones or sections are optimized for specific stream requirements. The system applies local quality by providing tailored stripping conditions (temperature, pressure, steam injection rates) for different effluent streams within the same facility, ensuring that each stream receives appropriate processing attention despite the consolidated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated stripping section incorporates dynamic operation capabilities, allowing operating parameters such as temperature, pressure, and steam flow rates to be adjusted based on the specific stream being processed. This dynamic adaptability enables the single unit to maintain high fractionation efficiency for different streams by optimizing conditions in real-time, preventing efficiency loss from consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If different stripping processes are used for naphtha and diesel, then each stream achieves optimal stripping, but combining sections becomes complex due to different product requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestripping optimizationVSAvoidsection combination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated stripping section is designed with preliminary considerations for handling multiple stream types. The system incorporates pre-configured zones, heating capabilities, and separation mechanisms that anticipate the needs of different effluent streams before processing begins. This preliminary design approach simplifies operation by having all necessary infrastructure in place, avoiding the need for complex retrofits or operational workarounds when processing different streams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 reduces equipment count and installed costs without compromising fractionation efficiency, allowing for simpler modular refinery designs and cost savings of up to 10-20% in fractionation capital costs.

Implementation Method 1

Optimum stripping of heavier oils to remove naphtha and lighter typically uses steam stripping to minimize capital and operating costs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSteam stripping: Distillation

Implementation Method 2

Optimum stripping of naphtha involves re-boiling of the naphtha either with a fired heater or a heat exchanger to remove LPG (C4-hydrocarbons)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRe-boiling: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS10526545B2Processes for stripping contaminants from multiple effluent streams

Publication Date: 2020.01.07 UOP LLC

AI summary

Processes for combining the stripping sections for two different reaction zones, such as a diesel hydrotreating zone and a naphtha hydrotreating zone. The stripping section includes an air cooler, a combined overhead receiver and two different separation sections. The two separation sections may be in the same column, but be fluidically separated. Alternatively the two sections may be in different columns. A stream from the second section may be used as a reflux from the first. While a stream from the combined overhead condenser may provide a reflux for the first section.