(282a) Catalyst Performance Evaluation in Catalytic Naphtha Reforming - Using State of the Art Experimental Design and Reactor Technology to Select Catalysts for Non-Isothermal Reactors in Industry

Erik-Jan Ras, Roel Moonen, Pieter Imhof, Stephan Janbroers, Markus Leuenberger, Tom Huizinga, Rien Elfring and Mark D. Moser

Avantium Chemicals B.V., Zekeringstraat 29, 1014 BV Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Key message

• Catalyst selection decisions can be made with confidence, based on highly accurate and reliable data
• Proven track record in equipment design and test design for the catalytic reforming of naphtha feedstocks
• Our experience in the design of test equipment and protocols is key, applicable to continuous regeneration, semi-regenerative and cyclic mode of operation

Abstract

With ever changing specifications for gasoline, and an increasing demand for aromatics in general, catalytic reforming of naphtha remains of key importance in a modern refinery. This demanding application is characterized by a set of distinct challenges. From a reactor engineering perspective â?? all technologies currently employed at commercial scale have in common that they are operated in a non-isothermal manner. From a catalyst perspective, each catalyst shows a significant degree of deactivation during the time period needed for a typical performance test. On top of these challenges, the differences between commercial catalysts in terms of performance are typically small.

Using a parallel reactor set up designed specifically to meet these challenges, we can map catalyst performance, and project performance at large scale successfully. Combining aspects like true isothermicity, and an accurate control of space velocity and reactor pressure, the performance data obtained is unprecedented in terms of accuracy. Moreover, within the same reactor setup, we provide different modes of operation â?? isothermal operation as well as iso-octane operation. These key features, in combination with the use of statistical experimental design methodology provide all the information needed to select the right catalyst based on key performance indicators as well as their confidence intervals.

This presentation will highlight the intimate relationship between the design of a test, and the equipment used for a test. Moreover, the workflow required for data processing â?? transforming raw data to information â?? will be discussed. Topics will include key performance indicators (activity, C5⁺ yield, hydrogen production), but will also show that during the same test a fully detailed hydrocarbon analysis is obtained at the same level of accuracy. This analysis provides additional insight of the value of the reformate produced. The presentation will use examples from real world projects.