(26d) Start-up Experience for Value Recovery from CCR Net Gas at Yanbu' Refinery

Yanbu' Refinery Department (YR) recently converted its Semi-Regenerative Platformer unit to UOP licensed Continuous Catalytic Regenerative (CCR) Platforming process. To recover value from CCR net gas, an LPG Recovery Unit utilizing a new-to-Saudi Aramco technology was installed to maximize LPG recovery and to increase the hydrogen purity of the net gas for use in the new Diesel Hydro-Treater unit. This paper will describe how the enhanced absorption process was incorporated at YR to complement the existing Saturate Gas Conditioning Unit, and share the experience with the start-up and operations of the LPG Recovery Unit. The recovered, higher-value LPG is separated in the existing debutanizer column. A new three-stage propane refrigeration system is used to chill the CCR net gas to maximize LPG recovery.