Modeling and simulation of four catalytic reactors in series for naphtha reforming

In this work the modeling and simulation of catalytic naphtha reforming pro cess is presented. The process model uses an extended version of the kineti c model reported by Krane et al. (Krane, H. G.; Groh, A. B.; Shulman, B. D. ; Sinfeit, J. H. Proceedings of the Fifth World Petroleum Congress, 1959; p p 39-51). The new kinetic model utilizes lumped representation of the react ions that take place. These groups range from one to eleven carbon atoms fo r paraffins (PI-PII), and from six to eleven atoms of carbon for naphthenes (N-6-N-11) and aromatics (A(6)-A(11)) Other reactions that this kinetic mo del considers are the cyclohexane formation via methylcyclopentane isomeriz ation (MCP <----> N-6) and paraffins isomerization (nP(i) <----> iP(i)). Th e process model is used to predict temperature and reformate composition pr ofiles in a commercial reforming unit consisting of a series of four cataly tic reactors. The agreement between predicted and commercially reported res ults is very good.