Hydroprocessed Effluent Fractionation for Diesel Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydroprocessing methods face challenges in maximizing diesel production while maintaining jet fuel performance, as increasing diesel production typically reduces jet fuel output, offering little monetary advantage and potentially diminishing jet fuel performance.
Innovation Solution
A process and apparatus that separate and blend hydroprocessed effluents into a heavy naphtha and diesel stream with minimal kerosene, allowing for enhanced diesel recovery without compromising jet fuel specifications, involving a hydrocracking recovery apparatus with specific fractionation and stripping steps to produce a blended diesel stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If kerosene is added to diesel to increase diesel production, then diesel output increases, but jet fuel output decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distillation process into multiple columns with specific functions: a first distillation column separates naphtha and kerosene, while a second distillation column separates diesel and gas oil. This segmentation allows independent control of each fuel stream, enabling diesel production enhancement without compromising jet fuel availability by preventing kerosene from being diverted to the diesel cut.
2Productivity
If heavy naphtha is moved into the kerosene cut to increase diesel production, then diesel output increases, but jet fuel performance diminishes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts heavy naphtha from the combined naphtha-kerosene stream using a side draw or side cutter in the first distillation column. This extracted heavy naphtha is then blended with diesel in the second distillation column to enhance diesel production, while the remaining kerosene stream maintains its specifications for jet fuel production, thus preventing performance degradation.
3Productivity
If the fractionation column is configured to maximize diesel recovery, then diesel production increases, but kerosene for jet fuel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of distillation parameters including variable reflux ratios, adjustable side draw rates, and flexible cut points in both distillation columns. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize diesel recovery in the second column while maintaining adequate kerosene production in the first column, adapting to varying feed compositions and market demands without fixed constraints.
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 enhances diesel production by 1-7% and improves refining economic margins by maintaining jet fuel performance and specifications, thereby increasing profitability.
Implementation Method 1
separating a hydroprocessed effluent into a heavy naphtha stream having an initial boiling point temperature between about 250° and about 280° F., a kerosene stream having an initial boiling point temperature between about 280° and about 420° F. and a diesel stream having an initial boiling point temperature between about 380° and about 440° F.
Implementation Method 2
a stripper for stripping hydroprocessed effluent with a stripping medium such as steam to remove unwanted hydrogen sulfide
Data Source
AI summary
A process and apparatus provides for blending a heavy naphtha stream with a diesel stream to increase the yield of diesel. The diesel stream is recovered separately from a kerosene stream to leave the kerosene stream undiminished. The blended diesel provides a valuable composition.